MBC's 'Choi Woo Soo Mountain' Debuts with Hilarious Veteran Comedian Synergy

MBC's new variety show 'Choi Woo Soo Mountain' captivated weekend evening viewers with its first episode, showcasing the delightful synergy of veteran comedians. This program follows 'Manito Club,' directed by Kim Tae-ho, which concluded last month with a low rating of 0.9%.

The premiere episode, aired on Sunday, featured Yoo Se-yoon, Jang Dong-min, Heo Kyung-hwan, Boom, and Yang Se-hyung in a comedic battle to conquer the peak of Yongma Mountain. Amidst various missions, Jang Dong-min emerged as the first 'Choi Woo Soo' winner, earning a 10% increase in appearance fees, 'Sanmakase' privileges, and penalty exemption rights.

Yoo Se-yoon, the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards' Best Male Entertainer, started with an advantage of three extra acorns, in addition to the basic five, setting him apart from Jang Dong-min, Heo Kyung-hwan, Boom, and Yang Se-hyung. His sarcastic remark, "I was born different," in response to the other members' protests, added to the humor.

The five comedians embarked on a hiking course from Achasan to Yongma Mountain's peak, purchasing necessary items like hiking gear and water from an acorn shop. During the 'Catch the Tail' game, Yoo Se-yoon coined the catchphrase "obvious talk" inspired by Boom's predictable comments, while Yang Se-hyung showcased his comedic prowess with a 'poison frog martial art' sprint.

The episode featured a series of unexpected missions, including 'Hanging Bar Kung Kung Ta' and an arm wrestling match against a 17-year veteran fitness expert at Yongma Mountain's gym, eliciting laughter from viewers. In the 'Lung Capacity Soccer' game, Boom, with zero acorns, went all out to avoid last place, resulting in a burst balloon and heightened excitement.

The ultimate 'Choi Woo Soo' winner, who would enjoy a luxurious omakase meal at the mountain's peak, a 10% fee increase, and penalty exemption rights, was determined by the final game, 'Acorn Cracking.' Yoo Se-yoon, who won the preliminary round, faced off against Jang Dong-min, the current acorn leader, in the finals. With the chance to avoid penalties by pleasing the winner, Boom flattered Yoo Se-yoon, while Heo Kyung-hwan and Yang Se-hyung sided with Jang Dong-min.

Ultimately, Jang Dong-min claimed the title of the first 'Choi Woo Soo,' receiving all three benefits. Notably, he used the coveted penalty exemption for 'flattery king' Yang Se-hyung, leaving Yoo Se-yoon, Heo Kyung-hwan, and Boom to hike to Mangwoo Mountain's peak. The trio collected trash along the way, reaching the summit by evening, fully experiencing the essence of 'Choi Woo Soo Mountain.'

'Choi Woo Soo Mountain' vividly captured the dynamic journey of Yoo Se-yoon, Jang Dong-min, Heo Kyung-hwan, Boom, and Yang Se-hyung as they fiercely competed for the summit, providing viewers with endless entertainment. The comedic antics of the members, struggling over a single acorn and quickly switching sides in front of power, left audiences eagerly anticipating the next episode.

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