The Korean variety scene is heating up with the appearance of new faces and unexpected controversies surrounding existing stars. At the center of it all is MBC’s weekend favorite, ‘How Do You Play?’
The episode airing on the 16th features the ‘War of Money’ special set in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do. Along with regulars Yoo Jae Suk, Haha, and Joo Woo Jae, comedians Yang Sang Guk and Lee Sun Min join as guests, promising plenty of fun. However, various issues surrounding the cast have sparked intense public interest even before the broadcast.
Will he overcome the ‘attitude controversy’? Mixed views on Yang Sang Guk
Yang Sang Guk recently found himself at the center of an ‘attitude controversy.’ During an appearance on the web variety show ‘Pinggyego,’ he upset viewers by stating, “I’ve never once taken my girlfriend home because it’s bothersome.” He faced heavy criticism for being rude after telling Yoo Jae Suk, who was trying to mediate, that he would “punish” him if he mentioned dating views one more time.
The fallout reached terrestrial TV. A teaser featuring Yang Sang Guk on KBS’s ‘Problem Child in House’ official channel was suddenly deleted. Some speculated that the production team had ‘cut ties’ with him due to negative public opinion. However, the production team settled the issue by explaining it was a “scheduling error.”
In the re-released video, Yang Sang Guk expressed his frustration and apologized. He confessed, “I’m actually very introverted, but because I was greedy for screen time, I went too far with a character that was different from my actual thoughts.” He then joked, “How could I send a woman home alone? Of course, I should take her home,” while kneeling and venting his feelings, turning the scene into a laugh riot. All eyes are now on whether he can make up for his mistake and regain public favor through the ‘How Do You Play?’ Changwon special.
The ‘Ultimate Old-Face’ appears… Same age as G-Dragon? Lee Sun Min’s powerful presence
Introduced as Yang Sang Guk’s ‘younger brother,’ Lee Sun Min dominated the scene from his first appearance with his unique visuals. In pre-release photos from ‘How Do You Play?’, Lee Sun Min’s sturdy build and strong impression left the cast bewildered. Members, including Yoo Jae Suk, expressed strong doubts about his age, asking, “Is he really the younger brother?” and commenting that he “looks like a Go stone.”
The real shocker was his actual age. Born in 1988, Lee Sun Min revealed he is the same age as the legendary fashionista G-Dragon, leaving the studio in chaos. Yoo Jae Suk repeatedly told him, “Stop lying,” unable to believe the mature charm of someone who looks much older. It even led to a funny situation where Yoo Jae Suk wondered if he should speak informally to him despite it being their first meeting.
Contrary to his visuals, Lee Sun Min showed unexpected charm with his sociable attitude. He boldly asked Yoo Jae Suk, “Hyung-nim, it’s our first time meeting, but I want you to buy me food,” and showed his potential as a variety star by vying for the spot next to Yoo Jae Suk as the ‘maknae.’ While he looks like a ‘Hyung-nim,’ his heart is that of a ‘maknae,’ making his performance a major highlight of the Changwon special.
The humiliation of ‘Changwon’s Son’ Joo Woo Jae… The story behind the forbidden words
Joo Woo Jae, one of the main players in the ‘War of Money’ episode, faces unexpected trials upon visiting his hometown, Changwon. He enters a pride battle with Haha over who is the true ‘Changwon citizen.’ Haha attacked by recalling his childhood in Changwon, saying, “Woo Jae doesn’t know Changwon well because he only studied,” while Joo Woo Jae countered, “I’m a real one who took the elite course in Changwon.”
However, Joo Woo Jae’s confidence crumbled the moment he visited his old elementary school. Expecting a triumphant return, he found that the juniors were more excited about the drone camera in the sky than their senior. Watching this, Yoo Jae Suk further embarrassed him by setting ‘forbidden words’ related to ‘Changwon pride.’
Adding to the fun, Haha’s father appeared to coldly critique his son’s clumsy Gyeongsang-do dialect. On the other hand, Yoo Jae Suk received praise for his improved dialect skills, sparking jealousy from Haha and Joo Woo Jae. The ‘Battle of Changwon,’ featuring fierce survival strategies in their hometown and Joo Woo Jae’s tearful struggle, is expected to bring fresh laughter to viewers.
‘How Do You Play?’, which is dominating the conversation with consecutive cast issues and new characters, can be watched on May 16, Saturday, at 6:30 PM on MBC. Many are curious to see the synergy between the controversial Yang Sang Guk, the rising variety star Lee Sun Min, and the humiliated Joo Woo Jae.
