TV
Lee Sang-yong revealed that he always carries a certificate of acquittal in his wallet
On the 97th episode of tvN STORY's 'Chairman's People,' airing at 8:20 PM on the 19th, legendary MC Lee Sang-yong and 90s youth star Koo Bon-seung embark on a nostalgic journey.
After harvesting blueberries in the afternoon, Kim Soo-mi, Lee Sang-yong, and Lim Ho engage in a lively chat. Lee Sang-yong, who hosted the popular children's entertainment show 'Let's Gather and Sing' with child MCs, reminisces about working with top stars like the late Kang Soo-yeon, Jang Seo-hee, Yoon Yoo-sun, and Ha Hee-ra during their child actor days. He particularly highlights Jang Seo-hee as the most memorable child star, sparking curiosity about the reason.
Lee also reveals that he hosted the national program 'National Singing Contest' before the late Song Hae. Although he had hoped to succeed Song Hae, he expresses his disappointment that it didn't happen. He even visited Song Hae's grave, saying, "Brother, why didn't you appoint a successor?" Additionally, Lee shares his secret to maintaining a healthy, muscular body at the age of 80, reminiscent of his 'Popeye' days, by abstaining from alcohol, smoking, and coffee, and exercising for 2-3 hours daily.
Meanwhile, Kim Yong-gun, Lee Kye-in, and Jo Hana head to the mudflats to catch eels, where they are joined by the 'tiger instructor' Koo Bon-seung. Despite his confidence, Koo, a 90s teen star and multi-talented entertainer, ends up providing comic relief. Surprisingly, Kim Yong-gun and Lee Kye-in successfully catch eels, drawing attention to their vitality.
Koo Bon-seung shares his journey from working at a legendary cafe that produced stars like Jung Woo-sung and Lim Sang-ah to being cast by an MBC variety show PD, leading to his debut. He quickly rose to stardom within two months, appearing in MBC's 'Today is a Good Day' and the drama 'General Hospital,' becoming an icon of the X generation. He recounts his nerve-wracking experience of making ten NGs in front of senior actress Lee Hwi-hyang and relives his time filming KBS's 'I Report,' where he re-experienced boot camp.
Koo also opens up about his 10-year hiatus following the controversial film 'Magic Castle,' which featured a bold exposure scene. Amid the conversation, Kim Soo-mi asks why he hasn't married yet and when his last relationship was, to which Koo reveals he has been single for 17 years, prompting Kim Soo-mi to express her disappointment.
The 'Stage of Friendship,' revived after 27 years in Yangchon-ri, features a surprise guest in the 'Dear Mother' segment. Although none of the cast recognizes the guest, curiosity grows about the identity of the visitor who traveled five hours by train to see Lee Sang-yong. The guest moves everyone by expressing gratitude to Lee, saying, "Thank you for saving my life." Lee then surprises everyone by revealing his wallet, which contains a 55-year-old 1,000 won bill and a certificate of acquittal. He shares the truth behind the infamous incident that led to his unjust departure from 'Stage of Friendship' due to embezzlement rumors, which also caused his father's death and his own move to the United States.
The 97th episode of 'Chairman's People,' featuring the eternal 'Popeye' Lee Sang-yong and X-generation icon Koo Bon-seung, airs at 8:20 PM on the 19th on tvN STORY. The show continues to air every Monday at 8:20 PM on tvN STORY.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr
