The 616th episode of KBS2's 'The Return of Superman', aired on the 8th, featured the theme 'A Day Grown a Little More', with MC Kim Jong-min and Lalal joining the show. The episode also showcased the touching story of 75-year-old super grandpa Lee Yong-sik's journey in raising his granddaughter.
Making his first appearance on 'The Return of Superman', 75-year-old Lee Yong-sik expressed his deep affection for his only daughter, Su-min, and granddaughter, Won-i-el, whom he had after eight years of marriage. Lee Yong-sik shared, "There's nothing more delightful than seeing my granddaughter smile," as he transformed into his comedic persona to entertain her. Despite his efforts with lively songs and a foot-tapping dance, his comedy didn't quite land, bringing laughter to the audience.
Won-i-el mirrored her grandfather's love for food, giving a standing ovation after tasting his homemade rice pancake baby food, bringing smiles all around. Lee Yong-sik expressed his joy, saying, "I'm lucky to give this to you. Grandpa is happy," as he watched his granddaughter enjoy her meal.
Lee Yong-sik shared his heartfelt wish, "I hope time doesn't pass. How long can I stay with Won-i-el? I want to live with her for a long time," revealing that his desire to see her grow led him to change his lifestyle. He admitted, "I used to hate exercising, but now I have a goal. I want to live healthily and long with Won-i-el," revealing his success in losing 20kg through exercise and diet. His daughter Su-min expressed pride, noting, "Dad's determination changed after Won-i-el was born," as she admired his commitment to health.
Lee Yong-sik also conveyed his regrets to his daughter Su-min. He confessed, "While caring for Won-i-el, I realized I didn't pay enough attention to whether Su-min ate well when she was young. I feel so sorry for that. I'm pouring what I couldn't do then into my granddaughter." Su-min responded, "Mom says if she were reborn, she'd want to be Lee Yong-sik's daughter again," adding, "Despite being so busy, I was always his top priority. I guarantee there's no dad like him on Earth," inspiring fathers everywhere.
Haru, who loves animals, had a special experience at an indoor zoo, interacting with ducks, finches, and wallabies for the first time. Haru excitedly babbled "Wow" upon seeing the ducks and surprised everyone by pronouncing "duck" after his father's prompting. Holding his father's hand across a suspension bridge, Haru gently petted birds and fed them, bringing smiles to online aunts and uncles.
Haru showed remarkable growth in various aspects. Once only eating baby food, Haru shared a roast chicken meal with Shim Hyung-tak. Shim Hyung-tak was moved, saying, "I never imagined eating the same food as Haru." Haru also expressed emotions for the first time, turning away and sighing when offered a seemingly meatless drumstick, surprising Shim Hyung-tak. Shim Hyung-tak laughed, "When did Haru grow so much? I'm excited about all the things we can do together."
Reporter Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr