Yoo Jae-suk is angry at the unauthorized dumping of garbage

Yoo Jae-suk expressed his anger over illegal waste disposal.

On the 7th, MBC's variety show 'Hangout with Yoo?' aired an episode titled 'A Meal After Cleaning' featuring 'Trash Uncle' Kim Seok-hoon. Yoo Jae-suk, who joined his friend Kim Seok-hoon in experiencing the life of an environmental worker, was visibly upset by the streets filled with cigarette butts and illegally dumped trash. The episode not only provided entertainment but also highlighted the hidden efforts and hardships of environmental workers, making viewers appreciate their work even more.

The episode recorded a 4.2% viewership rating in the metropolitan area. The 2049 viewership rating, a key indicator of channel competitiveness and buzz, was 2.3%, making it the top Saturday variety show. The highest-rated moment, with a peak viewership of 5.9%, was when Yoo Jae-suk, Kim Seok-hoon, Haha, and Joo Woo-jae shared a meal with environmental workers after cleaning in the early morning.

Yoo Jae-suk and Kim Seok-hoon, who transformed into one-day environmental workers, took on the task of collecting large waste items. Even 'Trash Uncle' Kim Seok-hoon was new to collecting large waste. From the start, they struggled with a 250kg piano, and they also collected refrigerators, tables, chairs, furniture, and mattresses. Yoo Jae-suk, realizing the hard work of environmental workers, remarked, "The beauty we see involves someone's effort and hard work."

Haha and Joo Woo-jae, who were in charge of cleaning a popular street in Jongno, used a water truck to clean up the trash accumulated overnight. Despite some bickering due to mismatched teamwork, they united in their effort to clean up the trash. Joo Woo-jae, surprised by the cleaning process, said, "I didn't know they used a water truck like this. If I see someone littering, I'll report them." However, his break was cut short by a senior environmental worker, bringing laughter.

Park Jin-joo, Lee Yi-kyung, and Mi-joo cleaned in the morning to ensure a happy commute for animals. The trio, along with zookeeper Kang Cheol-won, cleaned the playground of the adorable panda family Ai Bao and twins Rui Bao and Hui Bao. Lee Yi-kyung, seeing Ai Bao's vegan droppings, commented, "It looks like an avocado," while Park Jin-joo remarked, "This is the first time I've seen such fragrant poop."

Mi-joo, recognized as a 'cleaning talent' by zookeeper Kang Cheol-won, cleaned the tiger's den. Despite the intimidating presence of the tigers, Mi-joo's trembling cleaning efforts brought laughter. Park Jin-joo and Lee Yi-kyung, who met the famous talking elephant Kosik, opened a nail salon for Kosik. After completing Kosik's foot care, they asked, "How do you feel, Kosik?" to which Kosik responded, "Good!" surprising everyone.

Yoo Jae-suk and Kim Seok-hoon, who joined the street cleaning later, were shocked by the 'cigarette butt hell' that dominated the streets. As they picked up endless cigarette butts and cleaned the streets, they were once again appalled by the shocking state of the streets. The illegally dumped trash occupying the sidewalk next to the garbage collection vehicle included broken glass, posing a danger. Yoo Jae-suk, at a loss for words, said, "This is really too much." Joo Woo-jae, frustrated, remarked, "The person who dumped this probably keeps their own house clean."

After thoroughly cleaning the streets, the four enjoyed a breakfast cooked by a senior environmental worker at their rest area. During the meal, Kim Seok-hoon shared his knowledge about waste disposal, prompting an environmental worker to ask, "Are you planning to join us?" Yoo Jae-suk suggested, "You should run for district mayor someday," to which Kim Seok-hoon humorously responded, "I have big dreams." Joo Woo-jae mentioned a citizen who threw a cigarette during filming, and Haha expressed his frustration, saying, "Cigarette butts are really stressful," voicing his anger on behalf of the environmental workers.

The preview for the next episode teased a Chuseok special featuring the members' families and friends.

Meanwhile, Yoo Jae-suk recently moved from his long-time rented apartment in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, to the Brighton N40 penthouse in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu. The purchase price was 8.6657 billion KRW, and it was reported that he bought it entirely with cash, as no mortgage was set. Last year, Yoo Jae-suk also purchased a building and land in Nonhyeon-dong for 8.2 billion KRW and 11.6 billion KRW, respectively, also paying in full without a loan.

Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr