SBS's 'My Ugly Duckling' (known as 'Miwoo Sae') showcased a hilarious and heartwarming Kazakhstan adventure featuring actors Lee Sung-min, Bae Jung-nam, Kim Jong-soo, and Kim Sung-kyun, highlighting their genuine 'brotherly' chemistry.
The episode aired on the 1st of the month, achieving a metropolitan household rating of 8.9%, securing the top spot among weekend variety shows. The 2049 demographic rating also led the time slot at 2.3%, with peak ratings reaching 11.2%.
In this episode, Bae Jung-nam embarked on a journey to the vast landscapes of Kazakhstan with his close friends Lee Sung-min, Kim Jong-soo, and Kim Sung-kyun. The four actors, who bonded over the film 'The Sheriff in Town,' have maintained a strong friendship. Bae expressed gratitude to his friends, saying, “They take care of me during holidays. We've known each other for exactly 10 years since 2016,” and described the trip as a “filial piety tour” to thank them for their care.
Before the trip, the group displayed their brotherly chemistry by bickering over minor issues like roaming and currency exchange. The decision of who would handle the finances was particularly contentious. Lee Sung-min, chosen by majority vote, grumbled, “Why do I have to do it? You invite me and then make me handle the money,” but eventually accepted the role, showcasing his 'tsundere' charm.
Lee Sung-min suggested, “Let's only eat local food,” and surprised the group by inspecting their luggage. He confiscated emergency food supplies brought by Bae and even homemade side dishes by Kim Sung-kyun. Despite their protests, Lee Sung-min humorously guarded the food bag, even as Bae and Kim attempted to retrieve their snacks in his absence. Their constant bickering prompted Kim Jong-soo to quip, “Are you Tom and Jerry?”
Upon arriving in Kazakhstan, Bae was seen having a friendly phone conversation, piquing curiosity. Lee Sung-min, hearing the voice, remarked, “Jung-nam is talking to a woman.” It turned out to be Lee's wife, leading to a humorous exchange where Bae acknowledged her as the “number one in rank,” and Lee reluctantly agreed.
The group also shared personal stories. Kim Sung-kyun spoke about his youngest daughter, who is in fifth grade, noting, “She hasn't hit puberty yet.” Lee Sung-min, with a 25-year-old daughter, humorously warned, “A daughter's puberty is intense.” Kim shared that his daughter writes him letters for each day he's away, which led to a playful suggestion from Lee to have another child, to which Bae jokingly revealed, “You've had a vasectomy.”
Kim Sung-kyun, caught off guard, laughed, “I should be the one to come out with that,” while Kim Jong-soo mediated, “Keep some things private.” Lee Sung-min teased, “I know how close you and your wife are. If not, you'd have five kids by now.”
Bae Jung-nam also opened up about his dating life, revealing his last relationship was early last year with a woman seven years his junior. When asked about marriage, he mentioned attending Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-a's wedding, admitting, “I want to get married. I always think about it at weddings.”
The episode, featuring Kazakhstan's traditional markets and unique experiences like saunas and massages, showcased the actors' genuine charm and long-standing friendship. Their 'real brother' chemistry and slightly awkward antics added to the entertainment. The preview for the next episode promises more of their authentic camaraderie as their adventure continues.
By Taeyuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr