'Hangout with Yoo' Delivers Laughter with 'War of Money' Series Success

The 'War of Money' series on 'Hangout with Yoo?' has once again proven to be a laughter-inducing hit. '200 Billion Building Owner' Yoo Jae-suk had viewers in stitches as he crawled on the floor in a desperate attempt to avoid paying, while Yang Sang-guk created a twist by breaking Joo Woo-jae's 'no-spending legend.'

The episode aired on the 25th featured Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Heo Kyung-hwan, Joo Woo-jae, and Yang Sang-guk in a fierce battle to empty each other's wallets in the 'War of Money 3 in Tongyeong' segment.

The show's viewership ratings in the Seoul metropolitan area rose to 4.2%, securing the top spot in its time slot. The key demographic rating for ages 20-54, reflecting changes in media consumption, was 2.8%, continuing its streak as the number one Saturday variety show. The highlight of the episode was Yoo Jae-suk's escape attempt by crawling on the floor to avoid payment, with peak minute ratings soaring to 5.3%.

'Tongyeong's Star' Heo Kyung-hwan opened the trip with a loss of face. Tongyeong citizens called out for 'Kimhae Crown Prince' Yang Sang-guk first, leaving Heo Kyung-hwan flustered by the unexpected reaction. Adding to his woes, Heo Kyung-hwan was forced to prepay for expenses like cable car rides, karting, and commemorative photos, raising his anxiety about not getting reimbursed.

A kart racing showdown with a hefty 309,000 won at stake followed. 'Yoo Ma Heo' Yoo Jae-suk, despite giving Heo Kyung-hwan the lead, showcased impeccable handling to secure first place and earn a spot on the kart track's weekly best list. Ten-year veteran 'real' car racer Yang Sang-guk, despite a 10-second penalty, finished third. Heo Kyung-hwan, who arrived much later, lamented, "I'm more worried about losing my appeal as a man than paying," eliciting laughter.

Heo Kyung-hwan, whose wallet was emptied, took the group to an abalone restaurant. Yang Sang-guk ordered three plates of expensive abalone butter grill, and as the 210,000 won bill approached, a game of wits ensued.

Amidst this, Yoo Jae-suk excused himself to the restroom under the pretense of drying his wet pants. While everyone was distracted, Yoo Jae-suk crawled towards the exit to avoid paying. As Yoo Jae-suk's desperate crawl continued, Joo Woo-jae, pretending not to notice, stepped over him, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Haha, shocked by the betrayal of his elder, exclaimed, "Are you filming 'The Shawshank Redemption'?" and "I saw my respected brother crawling," expressing his disbelief. Yoo Jae-suk, embarrassed, denied his escape attempt.

With trust depleted, the group relied on a game to end the Tongyeong war. The bottle cap flicking game was played to determine the payer. 'No-spender' Joo Woo-jae, who hadn't paid during previous trips to Seoul and Kimhae, seemed lucky again as he placed the cap farthest on the table. However, Yang Sang-guk's skillful flick knocked Joo Woo-jae's cap away, creating a thrilling twist. Everyone marveled at the 'Kimhae Crown Prince's' feat, and Joo Woo-jae's 'no-spending legend' was finally broken. Joo Woo-jae, chosen to pay the 210,000 won bill, danced in disbelief.

The next episode preview showed members creating a short-form drama, sparking interest. They went out for casting, meeting actors Kim Seok-hoon, Hwang Jung-min, and a 'hidden star,' raising anticipation and curiosity.

Meanwhile, Yoo Jae-suk is set to become a building owner, starting construction on a commercial building in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in 2024. The land was reportedly purchased by Yoo Jae-suk in December 2023 for 19.8 billion won in cash.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr