Korean Singer Lee Chan-won Delivers Laughter with Rasputin Impression on KBS2TV's 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret'

Korean singer Lee Chan-won captivated viewers with his witty storytelling and acting skills as he delved into the mysterious life of Rasputin, the enigmatic figure who shook the Russian Empire.

On the October 10th episode of KBS2TV's 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret,' the shocking tales surrounding Rasputin, a monk with a dual reputation as both a demon and a saint, were explored.

Comedian Kim Won-hoon and Russian expert Professor Ryu Han-soo joined the show to discuss how Rasputin rose from a poor peasant to a secret power behind the Russian royal family, examining his life from medical and historical perspectives.

As the story unfolded, Lee Chan-won took the lead by vividly describing Rasputin's characteristics. He mentioned Rasputin's imposing 193cm stature, long hair, and beard, and humorously reenacted Rasputin's drunken boasts of his connections with the royal family.

Lee Chan-won exclaimed, "Do you know who I am? I'm Rasputin," as he boasted about gifts from Empress Alexandra, delivering a bold performance that left Kim Won-hoon amazed by his convincing portrayal of a drunken Rasputin.

The episode also revealed that Rasputin gained the Empress's blind trust due to the secret illness of Tsarevich Alexei. When Jang Do-yeon quizzed about the Tsarevich's illness, Kim Won-hoon lightened the mood by referencing the trending pelvic challenge, prompting Lee Chan-won to perfectly execute the pelvic communication challenge, causing laughter on set. A medical expert then explained that Alexei suffered from hemophilia, a genetic disorder that prevented blood clotting, and shared the miraculous story of how Rasputin calmed the symptoms with folk remedies and a telegram.

The show further delved into the bizarre death and immortal legends surrounding Rasputin. Kim Won-hoon expressed curiosity about rumors that Rasputin survived poison and gunshots, while Dr. Lee Nak-jun debunked myths about Rasputin's corpse rising during cremation, using medical evidence from the time. Lee Chan-won became engrossed in secret letters from the Empress, expressing shock at Rasputin's influence, which signaled the downfall of the Russian Empire.

Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr