'Manito Club' Season 3 Members Unite to Support Ulsan Whales in Hilarious Episode
The third season members of 'Manito Club' embarked on their first group retreat to support the Ulsan Whales, bringing laughter and entertainment.

The 10th episode of MBC's variety show 'Manito Club,' aired on the 5th, opened with the complete group heading to Ulsan. Cha Tae-hyun, Park Bo-young, Lee Sun-bin, Hwang Kwang-hee, and Kang Hoon showcased an unprecedented level of teamwork to cheer on their 'secret manito,' the Ulsan Whales, displaying a genuine family-like chemistry.

'Manito Club' Season 3 Members Unite to Support Ulsan Whales in Hilarious Episode
The members, each with unique connections and friendships, exuded a festive family atmosphere from the start. They shared warmth by showing off their gifts, but the mood quickly shifted to tension as the manito guessing game began. Particularly, 'Power T' Cha Tae-hyun shocked everyone with his blunt gift review, saying, "Only useless things were given." Park Bo-young, who had gifted him a handmade nameplate and a mother-of-pearl stamp, appeared anxious, while Hwang Kwang-hee humorously expressed mock anger, saying, "Hyung, you should never receive gifts again."

As they arrived in Ulsan, clues about the manito began to fall into place. During a session where they closed their eyes to identify their manito, Cha Tae-hyun hilariously continued to make wrong guesses. He was convinced Hwang Kwang-hee was his manito due to his strong reactions, only to find out Hwang was simply an empathetic F-type. Amidst the playful complaints directed at Cha Tae-hyun, the members shared behind-the-scenes stories, and Park Bo-young was moved to learn that her close friend Lee Sun-bin was behind an unexpected event.

The purpose of their trip to Ulsan and the identity of the secret manito were revealed: the Ulsan Whales, the first citizen baseball team in KBO. The project aimed to support the players' new beginnings and their 'opening game.' Ulsan Whales' coach Jang Won-jin appeared as an ally, adding reassurance. Known baseball fans Cha Tae-hyun and Park Bo-young contributed unique ideas, including undercover filming disguised as making TV, showcasing their synergy. As the 2-night, 3-day workshop journey began, Cha Tae-hyun expressed anticipation, saying, "How did they come up with this combination?" Upon arriving at their accommodation, the members exclaimed it felt like 'Transit Love,' though Cha Tae-hyun humorously mentioned 'Divorced Singles,' adding to the laughter.

'Manito Club' Season 3 Members Unite to Support Ulsan Whales in Hilarious Episode
Under the leadership of Cha Tae-hyun, the main commander, the idea meeting officially kicked off. Cha Tae-hyun demonstrated swift decision-making by directly requesting a cheer song from Hong Kyung-min, who composed LG player Hong Chang-ki's cheer song, showcasing a '90s producer-like persona.

Unexpectedly touching events followed. Lee Sun-bin told Park Bo-young, "Actually, my manito mission wasn't over," and gifted her a camera. Inside the camera were behind-the-scenes videos from their manito activities, and Park Bo-young was moved to tears by Lee Sun-bin's sincerity, wanting to gift every moment. The heartwarming friendship of the two, who have been friends for eight years and supported each other, left a lasting impression.

The next morning, the members gathered again, listening to the 'Unbeatable Cheer' song composed by Hong Kyung-min in just a few hours, strengthening their resolve. Cha Tae-hyun and Park Bo-young donned whale costumes, transforming into the 'Orca Father-Daughter Duo,' lifting the mood as they headed to the baseball stadium. Thanks to idol-turned-leader Hwang Kwang-hee and dance instructor Lee Sun-bin, the choreography creation went smoothly. Park Bo-young, Lee Sun-bin, and Hwang Kwang-hee showcased the key dance moves, expressing excitement with 'All Day Whales' instead of 'All Day Project,' while Cha Tae-hyun, the 'agency CEO type,' and Kang Hoon, the 'manager,' continued their role-play, adding more laughter.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr