tvN You Quiz on the Block shed light on the sports realm that had remained out of the spotlight and delivered a meaningful resonance.
The 337th episode of tvN You Quiz on the Block (directed by Heo Gang-seok and Kim Ji-young, writer Lee Un-ju), which aired Wednesday, the 1st, recorded an average of 3.9% and a peak of 5.4% in metropolitan area households, ranking first in its time slot including cable and generalist channels, and also recorded an average of 3.7% and a peak of 4.9% in nationwide households. In addition, the program target for tvN, men and women ages 20-49, also achieved first place across all channels in the same time slot including terrestrial broadcasters, proving the staying power of the Wednesday night flagship variety show. (Nielsen Korea, paid platform 기준)
On that episode, Kim Yoon-ji, the first in Korea to win five medals in a single competition, appeared and recounted her journey to becoming an ironman at age 20. Kim Yoon-ji competed in six Nordic skiing events (biathlon and cross-country), winning two gold medals and three silver medals. She is especially notable for competing in swimming in summer and Nordic skiing in winter; the fact that fewer than 100 athletes worldwide compete in both seasons makes her feats worthy of being called an "ironman."
Above all, it was even more meaningful that she became the only female gold medalist in the Nordic skiing events, which had been called a "medal desert." In particular, Kim Yoon-ji left a strong impression by falling during a race but immediately getting up and running again to take the silver medal. Kim Yoon-ji said, "I fall often, but I'm confident about getting back up," which suggests the many hours of training she has endured.
Known by the nickname "Smiley" for never losing her smile during competition, Kim unfolded a narrative like a sports comic throughout the broadcast, leaving viewers warmed by her bright smile and positive energy. Kim, who said exercise is the driving force behind her confidence, told viewers, "There is a huge difference between trying and not trying and just not doing it," delivering a message of challenge to many.
On You Quiz, alongside the story of "the 20-year-old ironman" Kim Yoon-ji, the program has consistently highlighted athletes who achieve miraculous results in less popular sports, delivering meaningful resonance. Earlier, on the occasion of the 100th National Sports Festival, the show met athletes from relatively less-noticed sports such as roller sports, triathlon, and canoe, drawing social attention to unpopular events, and since then it has introduced various fields such as rugby, e-sports, badminton, and snowboard, contributing to changing perceptions of less popular sports.
Meanwhile, that episode also featured the Seoul City tax collection investigators from the 38th tax collection division who pursue major tax delinquents to the end to ensure collection, and comic art master Heo Young-man, who has devoted 60 years to manga and created numerous masterpieces such as Tazza and Sikyung, drawing attention. AKMU's candid story, returning to You Quiz after five years, added to the emotion. Lee Suhyun, who suffered severe pain during her slump from hikikomori life and binge eating, and her brother Lee Chanhyuk, who never gave up on her, moved viewers with their deep sincerity.
Next week's broadcast is expected to raise anticipation with the appearance of Park Min-chul, a divorce specialist from the nation's top law firm; Professor Joo Eun-yeon, who has investigated insomnia for over 20 years; singer-songwriter HANRORO, who wrote the reverse-hit saga "I will fall in love" (Sarange halgeoya); and Kim Nam-gil, the talk powerhouse who returned as a singer. tvN You Quiz on the Block airs every Wednesday at 8:45 p.m.
[Photo] You Quiz on the Block
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