Heartfelt Tribute: Jung Jun-ha Tops 'Insa-mo' with 30-Year Friendship Portrait Performance

Jung Jun-ha moved fans with a touching portrait performance celebrating his 30-year friendship with Yoo Jae-suk, earning him the top spot in 'Insa-mo' (Meeting of Unpopular People). Previously, Lee Yi-kyung, a regular on the show, stirred controversy by revealing on social media that he was informed of his departure by the production team.

The MBC variety show 'Hangout with Yoo?' aired on the 27th, featuring the 'Insa-mo Fan Meeting: Subtitled Prince's Ball' episode. 'Insa-mo' members delivered heartfelt performances, and fans passionately supported their favorite entertainers.

The show's key viewership rating among the 20-49 demographic was 1.9%, making it the top Saturday variety show. The peak moment, with a 4.4% viewership, was Jung Jun-ha's emotional stage followed by a humorous acrostic poem, according to Nielsen Korea's metropolitan area data.

The first performance was Choi Hong-man's 'Candy.' Despite his 160kg frame, Choi charmed fans with his adorable dance moves. His effort was evident, and the audience responded with cheers. Kim Kwang-kyu transformed into a balladeer, attempting a live rendition of 'Every Moment of You.' He received vocal lessons from singer Yuk Joong-wan for two weeks. Despite mispronouncing 'iyukgo' as 'iyeokko,' his sincerity moved fans to tears.

Hyun Bong-sik collaborated with the acapella group Maytree, delivering an unpredictable performance. Joo Woo-jae humorously remarked, "He makes it work," adding to the laughter. Han Sang-jin, supported by his wife, basketball coach Park Jung-eun, overcame a shoulder injury to deliver a spirited cheerleading performance, earning him the nickname 'Jang Hwang-jin' for his lengthy commentary.

Jung Jun-ha and Haha each performed MC Hammer's song differently. Jung, with choreographer Jay Black, delivered a message of brotherhood through dance and song. At the end, Jung began drawing, astonishing everyone with an upside-down portrait of Yoo Jae-suk completed in 10 minutes. Yoo, moved, expressed gratitude, calling Jung a dear friend and colleague. Jung, teary-eyed, said, "I drew it thinking of our 30-year friendship," touching fans deeply.

Haha, the 'Insa-mo' host, returned to his rookie days with a heartfelt performance. His dance break, prepared with dedication, united 'Insa-mo' fans. Yoo Jae-suk humorously noted, "I told him not to bring out the flag, but he did right away," adding to the laughter.

Heo Kyung-hwan opened with a self-written poem, followed by a surprise performance of 'I Am a Firefly' with SG Wannabe's Kim Yong-jun and comedian Ahn Il-kwon. Ahn's comedic 'foot' vibrato stole the show, leaving Heo nervously laughing. Tukutz performed solo, handling rap, singing, and dancing, thrilling high school fans. Heo Sung-tae, inspired by Yoo Jae-suk, transformed into 'Heo Dragon' with blue hair and GD-inspired nail art and outfit, impressing with his dance to Hyun Jin-young's 'You in My Faded Memories.' Yoo and Joo Woo-jae praised his hidden talents.

The 'Insa-mo' members concluded the fan meeting with a group performance of 'Must Have Love.' After the broadcast, the final popularity vote revealed Jung Jun-ha as the winner. Viewers responded with comments like, "I cried feeling Jun-ha's sincerity," "He must have practiced countless times to draw Yoo Jae-suk," "The members' efforts were truly moving," and "All 'Insa-mo' members are my favorites now."

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