SBS's 'Anytime' recently showcased the successful variety show debut of Namgoong Min, Jeon Yeo-bin, and Lee Seol, who charmed audiences with their rookie chemistry. Namgoong Min, surprised by the evolving atmosphere of variety shows, displayed both passion and determination during the games, even jokingly saying, "If this round fails, I hope Jae-suk hyung fails instead," which brought laughter to the set. Jeon Yeo-bin's rookie mistakes and Lee Seol's flattery towards Namgoong Min added to the comedic moments.
On the episode aired on the 17th, the 26th installment of 'Anytime' featured the trio alongside hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok as they visited a Han River cruise and a drum practice room, delivering moments of luck and laughter. The episode achieved a peak rating of 5.3%, with 3.7% in the metropolitan area, 3.3% nationwide, and 1.4% among the 2049 demographic, securing the top spot in Tuesday variety shows and dramas according to Nielsen Korea.
The 'rookie' trio appeared visibly nervous from the opening. Jeon Yeo-bin startled everyone by abruptly asking, "Can we pause for a moment? Seol's hair needs fixing." Yoo Yeon-seok explained, "In variety shows, there's no stopping. Actors have this habit due to NGs." Jeon Yeo-bin humorously apologized, realizing the cameras were continuously rolling.
The 'gap owner' of the day was the captain of the Han River cruise, who impressed everyone with his 40-year career. The first game, 'Flying Spoon,' involved flicking a spoon onto a plate. Namgoong Min advised Lee Seol, "You have to hit it," but ended up missing himself, exclaiming, "This is so embarrassing," causing laughter. Yoo Jae-suk, however, succeeded on his first try.
During Namgoong Min's turn, Lee Seol offered a warmed spoon, prompting Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok to tease, "Such great service." Yoo Yeon-seok jokingly added, "Hyung, I warmed it up for you too," sparking laughter. Yoo Jae-suk's success with a bonus coupon led to excitement, but the gap owner called 'stop' after just eight attempts, setting a record for the shortest stop time. Namgoong Min remarked, "It's not like the old days. Variety shows have changed a lot," amusing Yoo Jae-suk.
The group enjoyed a successful lunch, reminiscing about their early struggles in Yeouido. Yoo Yeon-seok shared, "Auditions often didn't go as expected. Sometimes, when I didn't care, things worked out." Namgoong Min nodded, "I went through many auditions, failed three public recruitments, and rarely got calls. Seeing fellow survivors at award shows, I think, 'You're still here too.'" Yoo Jae-suk agreed, "There's a camaraderie from enduring tough times together."
The second gap owner encounter took place in a drum practice room. The owner, a former drummer for Jo Yong-pil and The Great Birth, performed an impromptu live show with Yoo Jae-suk, heating up the atmosphere. The second game, 'Drum Beat Coin Flip,' required flipping all coins on a drum. Jeon Yeo-bin succeeded on her third try, earning the title 'God's Hand.' However, the second stage required everyone to succeed, a challenging mission. Even the gap owner, a lifelong drummer, missed the bonus coupon opportunity. As the final attempt approached, Namgoong Min dramatically prepared, saying, "I didn't expect to stake my life on this," and pleaded with Yoo Jae-suk, "If this round fails, please fail instead," causing uproarious laughter. Unfortunately, the game ended at stage two. Namgoong Min, visibly red-faced, asked, "Is it always like this?" The gap owner comforted him with a warm hug, easing the disappointment. Thus, Namgoong Min, Jeon Yeo-bin, and Lee Seol, though inexperienced, brought genuine enthusiasm and laughter to the gap owners in Yeouido.
'Anytime,' a variety show where hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok bring luck during everyday gaps, airs every Tuesday at 9 PM on SBS.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr