"You Quiz on the Block" tells the special stories of people who have reached new turning points in their lives.
Today (the 9th) at 8:45 p.m., tvN's You Quiz on the Block (directed by Kim Ji-young, Heo Kang-seok / writer Lee Un-ju) airs episode 359, featuring the "I thought it was over" special. Im Jong-sun, who began a second life as a wingsuit flyer after serving as a presidential bodyguard; hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon Lee June-seo, who fought alcohol addiction for nine years; first-generation romance cartoonist Min Aeni, who reborn idols as protagonists of romance comics and won the love of fans around the world, appear to share candid stories.
First, 73-year-old Im Jong-sun, who started a new life as a wingsuit flyer cutting through the sky, meets Yu Jae-seok. With 2,375 skydives and 365 wingsuit flights, he reveals the story behind his bid for the Guinness world record as the "oldest wingsuit flyer." Viewers will be captivated as footage of the dizzying wingsuit flight unfolding at 4,000 meters above ground at speeds of 200 km/h is also set to be shown.
Above all, Im Jong-sun's surprising backstory astonishes. He is a former Blue House bodyguard who served five presidents over 23 years. A UDT alumnus, he studied explosive ordnance disposal in the U.S. Navy and completed Navy SEAL training, then served as a veteran bodyguard in the Blue House security office.
Vivid behind-the-scenes stories from protection operations that stood by presidents at key moments in modern Korean history are also revealed. From security behind-the-scenes declassified five years ago to the scuffle with Soviet bodyguards during the 1990 Korea–Soviet summit and the "elevator tug-of-war" at a New York multilateral meeting attended by 80 countries, he shares stories rarely heard anywhere else.
Next, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon Lee June-seo, who specializes in the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, appears to confess his nine-year battle with alcohol addiction. The fact that a doctor who knows the dangers of alcohol better than anyone once suffered severe alcohol addiction provides a twist.
Lee June-seo, who grew close to alcohol while performing in a band during college, candidly recounts how severe burnout as a junior attending led him to begin drinking alone in earnest and the dizzying episode of waking up in an emergency room. He also reveals the various methods he tried to cut back on drinking and the moment he resolved to quit after emotionally scolding his son.
In particular, he explains why he likens alcohol to a "harmful lover," the criteria that distinguish a social drinker from an addict, and offers candid advice on alcohol addiction and recovery as a doctor and someone with lived experience. Yu Jae-seok also said, "I used to smoke and it's been 20 years since I quit," sharing his experience quitting smoking to build rapport.
The story of first-generation romance cartoonist Min Aeni, who captured fans worldwide by drawing idols like protagonists in romance comics, is also revealed. This year 85-year-old Min Aeni, who has drawn various idols such as BTS, Blackpink, IVE and RESCENE in her own style, shares the story of how she began posting idol drawings on YouTube at her daughter's suggestion.
Especially notable is the behind-the-scenes story of the strong response she received after drawing BTS's Jimin as her first idol illustration. Seeing the drawing completed with only paper and pen, Yu Jae-seok reportedly exclaimed, "It really looks alive." Also shown is Yu Jae-seok reborn as a "romance fantasy male lead" from the tip of Min Aeni's pen, adding to the laughter.
The tumultuous life of Min Aeni, who has drawn comics for more than 60 years, is also unfolded. She recounts how, as a nine-year-old girl fleeing during the June 25 war, she nurtured her dream of becoming a cartoonist, and how she debuted at 21 and introduced a glamorous art style with large eyes to Korea's romance comic scene.
Recalling a time when apprentices flocked from across the country and she lived with as many as 17 people in one house, she said, "Every day felt like a daily soap opera," and she also reveals the anecdote of becoming an apprentice with Lee Jin-joo, the author of "Run, Hani." She traces the changing flow of comics over time, from the strict censorship that prevailed in the industry to the reason she put down her pen when Japanese romance cartoons flooded the market.
Also revealed are stories about her father, who taught his daughter an uncommon patriotism, and the current life of 85-year-old Min Aeni, who still draws and lives with a girlish heart, promising a warm resonance.
[Photo] OSEN DB, tvN provided
[OSEN]