tvN You Quiz on the Block proved its enduring popularity as it continued a ratings surge.
The 331st episode of You Quiz on the Block (directed by Heo Gang-seok and Kim Ji-young, writer Lee Un-ju), which aired on the 11th (Wed), recorded an average of 4.9% and a peak of 6.2% in the metropolitan area households, and an average of 4.6% and a peak of 5.8% nationwide, ranking first in its time slot including cable and general programming. Also, among tvN's target demographic of men and women 20-49, it achieved first place across all channels including terrestrial broadcasters in the same time slot, demonstrating its unwavering strength. (Nielsen Korea, paid platform basis)
You Quiz on the Block continues to draw attention each episode with a diverse lineup tailored to the theme and human stories. The episode, themed "the first to become the best," featured guests who made defining marks in various fields and showcased their wit. The highest-ranking ambassador, who lived in Korea and emigrated to Ghana at 14, becoming the first Korean-descended ambassador to Ghana; the team that won the 2026 Bakery World Cup and conquered the world with "Turtle Ship bread"; living legends of Korean profiling Kwon Il-yong and Pyo Chang-won; and first-generation celebrity YouTuber and actor Shin Sae-kyeong appeared and shared varied stories with Yu Jae-seok, captivating viewers' eyes and ears.
First, the highest-ranking ambassador shared the story of emigrating to Ghana at 14, continuing initial challenges and settling in Ghana. He showed love for Ghana and Korea and contributed to the diplomatic ties and exchanges between the two countries, and also revealed his life as a father of six, drawing viewers' attention. The story of the 2026 Bakery World Cup winning team was also unforgettable. Team leader Kim Jong-ho, along with Hwang Seok-yong, Kim Myung-gi and Chef Choi Yong-hwan, had no prize money but each invested 50 million won of their own money and trained together for six months, six days a week, 10 hours a day, introducing a tale that honored Korea's standing and moved viewers.
Kwon Il-yong, known as the first profiler, and Pyo Chang-won, known as the first Ph.D. in police science, entertained viewers with a manic back-and-forth that read like parallel lives from birth through police appointment to marriage timing. The two highlighted crimes that have recently received social attention, citing "dating violence" and "stalking." They also introduced four ways to recognize dating violence and mentioned the need for institutional improvements, keeping the topic trending even after the broadcast.
The life and philosophy of 28-year actor Shin Sae-kyeong were also notable. As a first-generation celebrity YouTuber, Shin introduced her daily routine of "double checking," editing content even through confirmations from acquaintances, drawing viewers' interest. She brushed off as "news to me" the story that in high school she was called the idol of Mok-dong and was named the second most beautiful student at Shinmok High School alongside Park Bo Gum, eliciting laughter. She also shared behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of the movie Humint, where she personally prepared meals with Jo In-sung, Park Jeongmin and Park Hae-jun. Reflecting on the time she took to reassess herself after the hit sitcom High Kick Through the Roof, she, as a 28-year actor, cited "be careful with words, be careful with actions" as the secret to a long career and shared a sympathetic conversation with Yu Jae-seok.
Viewers' enthusiastic reactions continue. Comments such as "Shin Sae-kyeong is such a charming actress" and "the nickname Seomse-gyeong suits her so well, classic Yu's sense" appeared, and high interest remains in the dating violence that Kwon Il-yong and Pyo Chang-won discussed. In addition to praise for the program "as expected, You Quiz," anticipation for the next episode is growing.
Meanwhile, the 332nd episode of You Quiz on the Block, airing on the 25th (Wed), is scheduled to feature Heo Ga-yun, who found modest happiness in Bali; Korea's 400th medalist Kim Sang-Gyeom; Dr. Jang Hyung-woo, who escaped severe obesity by losing 39kg from 118kg; and actor Park Jihoon, who transformed into Danjong in the film The Man Who Lives with the King.
[Photo] You Quiz on the Block
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