Lee Mi-joo Makes Surprise Return to 'Hangout with Yoo' After 5-Month Hiatus

Lee Mi-joo made a delightful return to 'Hangout with Yoo' five months after her departure.

On the October 18th episode of MBC's variety show 'Hangout with Yoo?', the segment titled 'Insa-mo' (a gathering of unpopular people) featured fighter Choi Hong-man as a new candidate.

During the episode, as the recruitment for 'Insa-mo' members resumed, Haha revealed, "Han Sang-jin sent us beef." Yoo Jae-suk warned, "You shouldn't accept bribes before the gathering. That's how you end up in trouble," to which Haha replied, "He said it was for my son and daughter."

The members discussed their potential for being part of 'Insa-mo.' Joo Woo-jae was the first to be mentioned, claiming, "Everyone knows me when I walk around Cheongdam-dong." He added that his fan talk concerts sell out 800 seats.

Regarding Lee Yi-kyung, who is active in acting, variety shows, and musicals, Yoo Jae-suk commented, "To put it nicely, he's a versatile entertainer," but couldn't find the right words. Joo Woo-jae humorously remarked, "He's neither here nor there," causing laughter. Haha described Yoo Jae-suk as "an unpopular but popular person" and emphasized his 'powerful face.'

Joo Woo-jae suggested a female version of 'Insa-mo,' mentioning, "If we pick female members, two are already decided: Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo." At that moment, Lee Mi-joo made a surprise appearance, shocking the members. It was her first appearance since leaving the show five months ago.

Without a prepared microphone, Lee Mi-joo held one in her hand and explained, "I was at the radio station and then came to the shop, where I saw a familiar staff member. I heard they were filming 'Hangout with Yoo,' so I came to say hello."

Despite the warm greeting, Lee Mi-joo was unfamiliar with the 'Insa-mo' concept, asking, "Is it a group of unpopular but lovable people?" Haha and Lee Yi-kyung expressed disappointment, saying, "You really don't watch 'Hangout with Yoo' after leaving?"

Upon hearing the explanation that it's a gathering of people who are not as popular as their fame suggests, Lee Mi-joo stood up and said, "This is not the place for me. Thank you so much, and it was nice to see you," before leaving, bringing laughter to the set.

Meanwhile, Lee Mi-joo departed from 'Hangout with Yoo' last May alongside female member Park Jin-joo. The reason for their departure was reported as "a mutual agreement between the production team and members for program reorganization."

By Eun Jung Kim, TenAsia Reporter eun@tenasia.co.kr