'Salim Nam' has maintained the top spot in Saturday reality shows for 7 consecutive weeks.
On the broadcast of KBS 2TV's 'Salim Men Season 2' (hereinafter 'Salim Nam') on the 12th at 9:20 p.m., a daily manager experience of Park Seo-jin's younger sibling Hyo-jung and Ji Sang-ryeol's 'Rejuvenation Project' episode 2 was depicted. The viewership rating recorded 7.0% according to Nielsen Korea's nationwide aggregate, and despite Park Seo-jin's ankle injury, a passionate performance with a traditional drum reached a peak rating of 8.1%.
In particular, this set a record for the overall viewership rating of all programs aired that day, including dramas, entertainment shows, and documentaries across terrestrial, cable, and general programming channels, ranking second overall. The 2049 viewership rating, a key indicator for advertisers, also recorded a high figure, proving its strong buzz and popularity.
On this day, special guest Mei from the seven-member multinational group Say My Name appeared, revealing Park Seo-jin's daily life. Recently struggling to move due to an ankle injury, Seo-jin noted, "Using crutches made my armpits and wrists hurt as well," conveying a sense of pity. Hyo-jung, who was watching closely, expressed concern for her older brother who returned home with swollen legs after recent schedules. To assist Seo-jin, who had two regional schedules despite the injury, Hyo-jung volunteered to be his 'daily manager.'
Hyo-jung appeared in a black suit and sunglasses, supporting Seo-jin while playing the role of both manager and bodyguard. Park Seo-jin commented on Hyo-jung's appearance, "Since you're wearing a suit, it looks like someone is being taken care of," to which Hyo-jung retorted, "I can't take care of you like that," eliciting laughter.
Soon, Hyo-jung's close care began. Not only did she drive, but she also prepared various items for Seo-jin's care, including a neck pillow, walkie-talkie, and nutritious bone soup. Notably, Hyo-jung personally crafted and prepared a dazzling cast shoe decorated with glow sticks and bells to ensure Seo-jin's foot wouldn't get stepped on in crowds, drawing attention.
Even on the way to the schedule location, Hyo-jung expressed concern for Seo-jin as a family member and manager. Worrying about Seo-jin, who usually performs vigorous jumps and dynamic performances while playing the traditional drum, Hyo-jung advised, "The stage is important, but take care of your legs, older brother."
In response, Park Seo-jin recalled the difficult days of being an unknown artist without a manager and shared why he had no choice but to perform on stage despite his injury. He remarked, "In the past, I didn't have a car, so I carried all my clothes and makeup tools in a bag and took the bus. On windy, cold days without waiting rooms, I waited in restrooms for three to four hours to shield myself from the wind," revealing his hardships. He continued, "When I drove, safety personnel checked if I was the performer, but when I walked, they thought I was just an ordinary audience member and didn't stop me. So I even envied how performers were checked."
Nevertheless, despite longing for the stage, Park Seo-jin mentioned that he personally attached glitter bought from the market to create his outfits, and to stand on stage, he actively promoted himself. He disclosed, "Since nobody invited me, I would call directly when I saw banners for events or festivals," surprising everyone.
Park Seo-jin, who was so introverted that he found it hard to even make eye contact with people, shared that he spent countless hours practicing how to speak before making calls, thinking, 'You don't need to pay me; can you just let me perform on stage?' He added, "Actually, I have a fear of making phone calls. So while I was mentally praying, 'Please don't answer this call,' I mustered the courage to call. I love singing too much to avoid it," expressing his desperation for the stage.
He continued, "Even now, there are many singers striving to go on stage. That's why I must give my best with every single stage and sing with sincerity," to which the MC Baek Ji-young admired, "Seo-jin looks genuinely happy when he sings."
Park Seo-jin paused and hesitated as if lost in memories while talking to Hyo-jung. It turned out he had a stomachache from eating the bone soup Hyo-jung had prepared. The serious atmosphere was momentarily broken as the siblings rushed to a rest area, and Seo-jin struggled to hold his bowels. After some trials and tribulations, upon arriving at the rest area, Seo-jin took a wheelchair that Hyo-jung pushed for quick mobility and dashed to the restroom, covering his face in embarrassment. Eventually, after experiencing an urgent situation followed by falling from the wheelchair, the two faced a series of misfortunes that brought great laughter.
After arriving at the event site, Hyo-jung diligently fulfilled her role as a daily manager. Park Seo-jin removed his cast and performed on stage, showcasing his enthusiasm through a traditional drum performance. He stated, "It really hurt. I went on stage with a compression bandage and protector. Just standing itself was exhausting, and I was sweating," but he completed the performance with passion.
Watching her older brother's passionate performance, Hyo-jung commented, "It made me wonder if he was really in pain, he was overflowing with passion," and shared, "Even though he is my older brother, I thought he looked really cool in that moment." Following fan requests, she joined her brother on stage to greet the audience, showcasing their unique sibling chemistry. Later, Hyo-jung prepared an ice pack for her older brother to take care of him tenderly after the performance.
Park Seo-jin's dedication continued at the next event location as well. Hyo-jung carefully watched her brother's condition backstage, not taking her eyes off him for a moment. After the performance, Park Seo-jin expressed, "Seeing her watching me throughout the stage was truly moving. I was so grateful and impressed that she diligently did her part," and promised to fulfill one wish for the hardworking Hyo-jung. When she asked, "Can you remember my birthday?" Park Seo-jin replied, "I am your event box. Expect it. I'll make you cry and laugh," heightening expectations.
The episode of Ji Sang-ryeol's 'Rejuvenation Project' continued. After receiving anti-aging tips from the 'ultimate self-caretaker' actress Sun Woo-young in the first episode, Ji Sang-ryeol met Subin from the upbeat group Dal Shabet this time. He revealed, "There are three daughters in the entertainment industry: the eldest is Jo Bo-ah, the second is Subin, and the youngest is Joo Hyun-young," unexpectedly disclosing his connections.
Upon appearing, Subin welcomed Ji Sang-ryeol with her exceptional energy, catching him off guard with her exuberance. Ji Sang-ryeol, in turn, humorously remarked, "It's the first time I've felt overwhelmed seeing a woman. If I meet Subin when I haven't slept, I could lie in bed for two days."
Subin then encouraged Ji Sang-ryeol to start dating, saying, "You need to date to let endorphins flow and feel more youthful." MC Eun Ji-won concurred, noting, "When dating, you want to look good for your partner, right?" drawing attention as he is about to remarry someone nine years younger.
Following that, the two officially participated in a 'beer yoga' class while drinking beer. However, Ji Sang-ryeol, with his aging body, unintentionally showcased some physical comedy, spilling beer everywhere. He also faced the humiliation of nearly passing gas and stumbling, making the viewers laugh.
After the beer yoga, Subin stated, "It reminded me of a very kind sister," and connected Ji Sang-ryeol with a video call, the recipient being Kang Ye-na, a former principal dancer of Universal Ballet Company, who is currently working as a film director and actress. During the call, when Subin asked, "What do you think of Sang-ryeol oppa?" the beautiful dancer admitted, "I like Ji Sang-ryeol's jokes," expressing her interest. In response, Ji Sang-ryeol casually suggested, "Let's meet sometime and exchange tonsils," playfully setting up a potential date and raising the romantic atmosphere.
MC Eun Ji-won, who was observing this in the studio, remarked, "It's hard to find a comedic match, but you two get along very well," while Park Seo-jin commented, "It seems like a real connection might be forming."
This episode of 'Salim Nam' deeply touched viewers with the strong chemistry between Park Seo-jin and Hyo-jung, as well as the ardent passion of Park Seo-jin on stage despite his injury. Additionally, the second episode of Ji Sang-ryeol's 'Rejuvenation Project' generated laughter through his delightful encounters with Subin and Kang Ye-na, offering unexpected romantic vibes and a different kind of fun.
[Photo] OSEN DB, 'Salim Nam' broadcast capture.
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