tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' benefited from Han Ga-in's halo effect.
On the 19th (Wednesday), the episode aired on 'You Quiz on the Block' (directed by Lee Jong-hyuk, written by Lee Eon-joo) featured South Korea's short track national team members Park Ji-won, Kim Gi-lie, and Jang Seong-woo, along with Yun Joo-eun, who made a legendary quote six years ago, and actress Han Ga-in, who shared diverse stories. On that day, the broadcast ranked first in real-time ratings across all cable channels, including comprehensive programming channels, based on metropolitan and national household standards, and achieved the highest viewership among all channels in the target demographic of males and females aged 20-49, including terrestrial channels (Nielsen Korea, based on paid platforms).
Park Ji-won, Kim Gi-lie, and Jang Seong-woo, who swept medals in the short track event at the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games, drew attention with their behind-the-scenes stories. In particular, Kim Gi-lie attracted attention by wearing a golden helmet, awarded only to the world number one during the competition. Park Ji-won, also a holder of the golden helmet, revealed why he didn't wear it, saying, "It felt unusually heavy. Maybe it was the weight of a crown." In contrast, Kim Gi-lie confidently stated, "I didn’t feel that way. I think I wore it to show that 'I am Kim Gi-lie,'" bringing laughter. On that day, Jang Seong-woo shared the story of how he earned the nickname 'Clean-topia' from Park Ji-won due to his clean appearance, while Kim Gi-lie disclosed that he received a shoutout from Kia Tigers player Kim Do-young, whom he had always been a fan of.
Yun Joo-eun, the 9-year-old girl who delivered creative quotes in front of a fish-shaped bread truck six years ago, returned as a second-year middle school student. At that time, she left behind quotes such as "God has given me everything without reservation" and "Love is a feeling that suddenly makes you want to hug someone." Regarding her past statements, Yun Joo-eun said, "Love is not just about wanting to hug; it’s an emotion that one can understand without expressing it, but I feel like I couldn't say that," impressing Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho once again. Particularly, her sister, Yun Go-eun, who appeared alongside her, also stirred the audience with her unique sensitivity, stating, "I want to have true love (beyond idol goods)" and "I want to be an adult who adjusts to the direction, not the speed, of the world." Aspiring to be a webtoon artist, Yun Joo-eun gifted portraits to the two MCs, and Yoo Jae-suk smiled with satisfaction at the comment that she resembled Choo Young-woo.
Actress Han Ga-in attracted attention by revealing the journey that led her to become a 'free woman.' In particular, she made the audience laugh with her candid and unfiltered talk, which even Yoo Jae-suk acknowledged. Recently shedding her mysterious image, Han Ga-in has showcased her relaxed charm through her YouTube channel 'Free Woman Han Ga-in,' stating, "When I was younger, I wanted to be a dutiful daughter, and after only studying during my student days, I became a celebrity. After getting married, having children, and raising them, I found myself wanting to seek freedom late in life,” indicating that she had lived a life without freedom. When Yoo Jae-suk mentioned the 'Lee Myung-hwa (Lala) makeover' video as a memorable piece of content, Han Ga-in also cited it as her favorite, saying, "My husband was shocked, but I feel so free now that I’m released from the pressure that I need to look pretty as an actress."
Han Ga-in, who garnered attention for marrying Yeon Jung-hoon at a young age of 24, confessed that she wanted to create a stable family by watching Yeon Jung-hoon’s harmonious family. She mentioned her honest story of understanding her mother’s sacrifices only after becoming a mother of two children and recalled the difficult moments of experiencing three miscarriages in one year. Han Ga-in revealed her deep affection for her two children, saying, "There hasn’t been a moment without twists and turns. I really fell apart."
Meanwhile, next week’s broadcast is anticipated to feature star lecturer Lee Hwa-yeon, Harbin gold medalist and figure skating prince Cha Jun-hwan, Dr. Won Deok-hee from the Toy Hospital, Chairman Kim Jong-il, and Professor Ross King, the founder of the Korean Village in the U.S. 'You Quiz on the Block' airs every Wednesday at 8:45 p.m.
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