TV
Nucksal Opens Up About Retirement Thoughts on 'Radio Star'
On the November 11th episode of MBC's variety show 'Radio Star,' the 'Too Much TALK GPT' special featured appearances by Lee Dong-jin, Ahn Hyun-mo, Gwedo, and Nucksal.
Lee Dong-jin impressed with his ability to recall almost all of his one-line movie reviews, proving his expertise in an impromptu test. He amazed everyone by identifying movies from thousands of reviews and recalling sentences from long ago.
He mentioned that recommending movies is most challenging when the recipient has different tastes. He shared that when his mother asks for a fun movie, he recommends human drama genres, considering the recipient's preferences as his standard.
Lee's collector side was also evident. He revealed that he had so many belongings that moving was difficult, requiring help from family and friends. Among his prized possessions, he mentioned a concert ticket signed by all four Beatles members, though he didn't disclose its price. He expressed a desire to share his studio in some way, sparking anticipation.
Ahn Hyun-mo recalled her experience as a host at the 2025 Gyeongju APEC International Conference, vividly describing the tension and unexpected situations on the international stage. She shared an anecdote about world leaders arriving at unexpected times, including an episode where President Trump's tardiness delayed the event. Ahn mentioned that Trump apologized about four times for being 80 minutes late, and the audience applauded during his final apology.
She highlighted the backstage atmosphere before President Trump's appearance as the most nerve-wracking moment. She recalled being instructed to clear the backstage at the Gyeongju Arts Center and being left alone with Trump in a security-heavy environment, saying, "I held my breath and couldn't make a sound."
The Jensen Huang episode also brought laughter. Ahn recounted how Huang took a bottle of water from her podium during a speech, jokingly wondering if she should sell it online. Lee Dong-jin added humor by suggesting they could create Jensen Huang's DNA from it.
Ahn shared a lesson learned from Chairman Lee Jae-yong's posture. She corrected her own posture after observing him sitting upright at the edge of his chair during the opening ceremony, showcasing her keen observations at international events.
He shared a story of unexpectedly meeting G-Dragon at an awards ceremony. After introducing himself as a DGIST special professor and mentioning the idea of a special professor gathering, G-Dragon responded positively, which Gwedo reenacted.
When the hosts asked if it was a "green light," Gwedo humorously described covering his mouth with a characteristic smile, adding that just as he thought it was a green light, security escorted G-Dragon away, leaving the studio in laughter. The conversation naturally continued with a playful invitation for further discussion.
Gwedo's character, willing to go anywhere to talk about science, was highlighted in a discussion about 'legacy media.' He expressed frustration at being interrupted when discussing science on broadcast, leading to humorous moments with his characteristic lengthy explanations.
The scientific analysis of Park Jung-min's popularity was a highlight of Gwedo's segment. He introduced concepts like critical mass and tipping points to explain Park's charm and trajectory, to which Nucksal responded, "Who can't say that after someone becomes successful?" Kim Gura added, "We can't stop him."
Nucksal began his segment by sharing that he hasn't been able to work on an album for years. He candidly explained that his lifestyle has changed due to marriage and raising two children, prioritizing parenting over music.
He revealed that his second child had heart surgery but is now healthy, briefly creating a somber atmosphere. However, Nucksal, known for his energy, shared a humorous story about his first child being easy to put to sleep, while the second is "really sensitive," drawing laughter. He also shared the challenges of parenting, mentioning that his second child doesn't sleep well, leaving him and his wife "like zombies every day," resonating with many.
The retirement talk brought big laughs. When Yoo Se-yoon asked about retirement plans, Nucksal candidly replied, "I want to quit everything, have lots of money, and just play." When 6 billion won was mentioned as retirement funds, he humorously accepted reality. When asked about music, he coolly responded, "I'm not doing much now anyway."
Nucksal shifted the mood by revealing his involvement in the Korean version of 'The Greatest Showman.' He shared that he's six months into starting a YouTube channel, with one of the content themes being a circus. He explained that he's meeting various people as the ringmaster and plans to perform this year, connecting his YouTube venture to a preview of post-retirement life.
The conversation with Gwedo also expanded the humor. Nucksal shared that during a live content session with Gwedo, he wanted to finish quickly, but Gwedo insisted they could continue, reinforcing Gwedo's character of over-explaining. The interaction naturally led to reactions and extended the talk.
The segment concluded with a 'main job moment.' Nucksal revealed that Park Jung-min's rap in the movie 'Sunset in My Hometown' was inspired by him, sharing their connection and delivering a refreshing rap performance that elevated the studio's energy.
The upcoming November 18th episode of 'Radio Star' will feature Uhm Ji-won, Choi Dae-chul, Kim Jo-han, and an honorary Brit in the '2026 Thumbs Up! Grabbing the End of This Theory' special.
Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr
