The episode aired on the 24th recorded peak ratings of 5.2%, with 3.7% in the metropolitan area, 3.3% nationwide, and notably, a 1.5% in the 2049 demographic, leading not only its time slot but also topping all Tuesday night entertainment and drama offerings. (According to Nielsen Korea)
In the latest episode, co-hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok were joined by 'Whenever Friends' SEVENTEEN's HOSHI and MINGYU for a visit to Cheorwon, creating an unforgettable day filled with the fiery spirit of youth.
HOSHI and MINGYU, celebrating their 10th debut anniversary, dominated the scene with their idol-like confidence. Yoo Jae-suk was impressed, "Didn't you guys recently perform at the Jamsugyo Bridge? That's not something just anyone can do," to which MINGYU proudly responded, "We were the first to do it. I really like being the first," eliciting laughter. Meanwhile, HOSHI shared, "I'm actually enlisting in the military later this year," adding a special significance to their visit to Cheorwon.
The first 'Whenever Owner' they met was a couple who had been running a military supply store for nearly 40 years. The couple shared, "We've seen former soldiers return with their sons, saying, 'You're still here!' It's very rewarding," adding warmth with their long-accumulated memories. When the store owner made a name tag for HOSHI, who is about to enlist, HOSHI joked, "I'm starting to feel the reality of enlisting," with a bittersweet expression.
The first game, starting with two bonus coupons, was 'Rubber Band Shooting,' where they had to hit a water bottle. Yoo Yeon-seok boasted, "I was a sharpshooter in the military," followed by HOSHI surprising everyone with his unexpected marksmanship. After succeeding on their sixth attempt, Yoo Jae-suk joked, "HOSHI is really hitting the mark. If you're a sharpshooter, you get to go on leave," causing an uproar of laughter. Even in the second stage, HOSHI and MINGYU's one-shot-one-kill prowess led to easy success, with HOSHI commenting, "I didn't know I had this talent." Yoo Yeon-seok gifted military supplies to 'prospective sharpshooter' HOSHI, and Yoo Jae-suk quipped, "HOSHI almost feels like he's on leave right now," adding to the laughter.
Riding the high of their success, they shared a lunch break. HOSHI and MINGYU opened up about their thoughts entering their 10th year since debut. MINGYU reminisced, "I recently watched a video we made during our first anniversary, imagining our 10th. We talked about growing beards and getting married," reflecting on their fresh-faced debut days. He added, "Looking at us now, we haven't changed much over 10 years. I guess we'll still be talking about releasing albums and holding concerts even when we're forty," hinting at their future activities.
The last 'Whenever Owner' they visited was at Cheorwon Dochang Elementary School, where they met with all 23 students. The school had a family-like atmosphere, with everyone knowing each other well. The second game, starting with zero bonus coupons, was 'Teamwork Ball Bouncing.' They managed to score on their first try, thrilling the kids. Yoo Yeon-seok felt the pressure, "It's nerve-wracking with the kids watching," despite their best efforts, they ultimately failed. The children consoled them, "We prefer memories over gifts. We know you did your best," providing a heartwarming moment. The pure energy of Cheorwon and the spirited determination of HOSHI and MINGYU crafted another special day.
Co-hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok, through 'Whenever Possible,' offer a slice of fortune in the brief moments of everyday life, airing every Tuesday night at 9 PM.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)