Broadcaster Yu Jae-seok is showing the stature of the "national MC" by marking the highest opening score among KBS variety shows in 2026, beating competing programs with the comeback of "Happy Together."
The new KBS 2TV variety show "Happy Together: glad I'm not alone (abbreviated Happy Together)", which premiered on the 10th, recorded a 3% nationwide household rating according to Nielsen Korea. The peak momentary rating also surged to 4.8% by the same standard.
In particular, this is the best opening score among KBS variety programs broadcast this year. This drew more attention to viewers' anticipation for the comeback of "Happy Together" and their solid trust in main MC Yu Jae-seok.
At the same time slot, producer Na Young-seok's team on tvN aired the variety show "GBRB: Farm Operation - Go Go Farm". "GBRB" recorded a 2.2% rating based on Nielsen Korea's nationwide pay-TV household standard.
"GBRB" had also recorded a 3% rating on its first broadcast. However, it had continued to decline into the 2% range thereafter, and on the day of "Happy Together"'s first broadcast it set its lowest mark. In effect, it appeared that the "national MC" Yu Jae-seok had bested producer Na Young-seok's team.
Revived after six years, "Happy Together" actively preserved the emotional code amid its cheerfulness, befitting a nationally beloved show that had been loved for 20 years. The three MCs known as the "Bulte trio"—Yu Jae-seok, Jang Hang-jun and Yoon Jongshin—along with special MC Lee Hyori, produced a sense of welcome.
Also appearing were Big Mama's Shin Yeon-ah, composer Lee Hyun-jung, chorus singer Kim Hyo-soo, parents and close friends Kim In-sook and Kim Hyun-kyung, Click-B returning as a full group after 11 years, singer Bang Yedam and his parents, and child participant Jeon Yoo-jun and his mother Park Eun-joo, among a diverse cast. Among them, Jeon Yoo-jun moved viewers to tears by singing purely and brightly with his mother, overcoming the autism spectrum.
The story of Jeon Yoo-jun and his mother is expected to continue through episode 2. "Happy Together" is set to continue its emotional thread in episode 2. It was also reported that Two Months, returning after 13 years, will reunite with Yoon Jongshin, adding to the welcome.
As the "national MC" Yu Jae-seok, who has built rapport not only with celebrities but also with ordinary viewers across many variety shows including tvN's "You Quiz on the Block," he is able to conduct the emotional segments. The time built over more than 20 years by "Happy Together," returning after six years, is welcome as it progresses toward a true "happy together" with a variety of "life teammates" as guests. <
[Photo] OSEN DB, KBS provided.
[OSEN]