Comedian Heo Kyunghwan appears to have become broadcaster Yu Jae-seok's new favorite companion. After Pinggego and You Quiz on the Block, he reappeared on Hangout With Yoo, raising expectations that he might solidify a permanent spot left by actor Lee Yi-kyung.
On the evening of the 27th, the MBC entertainment program Hangout With Yoo (abbreviated Hangout) revealed the final fan meeting of the "Insamo (gathering of unpopular people)" project. Moreover, at the end of the broadcast, it previewed the appearance time for "variety show godfather" Lee Kyung-kyu to be included in episode 311, the first broadcast of the new year 2026, drawing attention.
Among them, Heo Kyunghwan's appearance drew attention. Heo Kyunghwan, who played a key role in the "Insamo" project, was shown meeting Lee Kyung-kyu with Yu Jae-seok, Joo Woo-jae and Haha in the preview. Heo Kyunghwan, who had previously appeared together in the Hangout With Yoo episode at the National Museum of Korea, reappeared.
Earlier, with actor Lee Yi-kyung's departure, Hangout With Yoo became a three-person format. Although the production team said it plans to maintain the three-person lineup of Yu Jae-seok, Joo Woo-jae and Haha for the time being without adding new members, curiosity and expectations about selecting a new member continue to be raised. This sparked expectations that Heo Kyunghwan might seize that spot.
In fact, Heo Kyunghwan has recently shown exceptional chemistry with Yu Jae-seok across multiple programs. Even before the "Insamo" project, he delivered big laughs on Hangout With Yoo through a day with AI, appeared as a guest on another Yu Jae-seok-led variety show, tvN's You Quiz on the Block, and shone at year-end awards with his signature catchphrases and sharp talk on the YouTube content Pinggego.
Viewers have even been calling for Heo Kyunghwan to be placed in the spot left by Cho Sae-ho on You Quiz on the Block. In addition, voices supporting Heo Kyunghwan joining Yu Jae-seok on Hangout With Yoo are expected to rise.
Can Heo Kyunghwan once again drive a wedge into the empty spot on Hangout With Yoo during the new year's first broadcast featuring "variety show godfather" Lee Kyung-kyu? Attention is focused on his performance.
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by MBC.
[OSEN]