SBS variety show "Whenever Possible" achieved its first triple-kill sweep of season 5 and broke its own record for highest viewer ratings, fueled by Cha Tae-hyun's active role as a human good luck charm.
According to Nielsen Korea on the 26th, the previous day's broadcast of "Whenever Possible" recorded a peak viewership of 6.2%, an average of 4.2% for metropolitan households, and 1.6% for the key 2049 demographic. This marks the highest rating for the current season, ranking first overall among entertainment, drama, and cultural programs airing in the same time slot.
In the broadcast, MCs Yu Jae-seok and Yoo Yeonseok, along with guests Cha Tae-hyun and Jin Ki-joo, visited Gwangjin-gu in Seoul to bring good fortune to citizens.
Referring to himself as the pig's head of the show, Cha Tae-hyun remarked, "When I got the casting call, the producer told me I'm like a good luck charm. I'm the pig's head of 'Whenever Possible'." He added fun to the episode by acting as Yu Jae-seok's mental agitator. As Jin Ki-joo, an actor under his agency, was talking nonstop without a break, Yu Jae-seok burst into laughter and shouted in mock frustration, "Let's listen to Ki-joo! Ki-joo, give your agency head a proper lesson!"
When Yoo Yeonseok praised Yu Jae-seok and Cha Tae-hyun by saying, "Comedy acting is really difficult, but the two of you pull it off," Cha Tae-hyun drew a sharp line by responding, "You shouldn't compare us. That guy just does it recklessly, while I analyze it systematically," causing Yu Jae-seok to bristle.
The four then met the first guest hosts, a pickleball club, and dramatically succeeded in the stage-three game. They even cleared all stages of the game played for a Nintendo console, which was the earnest wish of the second guest hosts, a group of four nine-year-old children. Thrilled by the perfect ending that shattered the children's bad luck curse, Yu Jae-seok expressed his gratitude, saying, "Even Santa Claus couldn't give a gift like this. Thank you, pig head Cha Tae-hyun."
Meanwhile, the preview released at the end of the broadcast featured actors Hyun Bin and Woo Do Hwan, drawing significant attention. Hyun Bin, taking on his first variety show appearance in 23 years since his debut, heightened anticipation by showing a contrasting charm as he sat on the edge of his seat with tension before taking on the game challenge. "Whenever Possible" starring Hyun Bin and Woo Do Hwan will air at 9 PM on Tuesday, September 1.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
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