New Era Begins for Hangout with Yoo with 'Insa-mo' Project
The popular Korean television variety program, 'Hangout with Yoo', has officially launched a new venture titled 'Insa-mo'. This new project aims to fill the void left by the departure of cast member Lee Yi-kyung, promising viewers a fresh wave of entertainment. The first general meeting of this unique gathering was broadcast on the episode that aired on the evening of November 8.
Addressing Lee Yi-kyung's Departure
Before the new segment began, the show's mainstays, including Yoo Jae-suk, Ha Ha, and Joo Woo-jae, addressed Lee Yi-kyung's exit. They expressed their regret that she had to leave without a formal goodbye. Yoo Jae-suk explained the situation to the audience, stating that Lee Yi-kyung had been a dedicated member for over three years but her schedule became overwhelmingly busy with commitments to dramas and movies. He asked for the viewers' understanding and encouraged everyone to continue supporting her in her future acting projects. The other members shared their warm words of encouragement for her.
The First 'Insa-mo' Meeting and Popularity Vote
The inaugural meeting of 'Insa-mo', which translates to a gathering of celebrities who are famous yet not widely popular, featured a dynamic lineup of nine members. The group included host Ha Ha, senior actor Kim Gwang-kyu, actors Han Sang-jin, Heo Sung-tae, Hyun Bong-sik, broadcaster Jung Joon-ha, comedian Heo Kyung-hwan, former sumo wrestler Choi Hong-man, and Tablo from the hip-hop duo Epik High.
A highlight of the meeting was a popularity vote conducted with 120 participants. The results brought some surprises. Senior actor Kim Gwang-kyu secured the top position, a feat attributed to his memorable roles in hit dramas like 'Secretary Jin' and 'Bon Appetit, Your Majesty'. On the other end of the spectrum, Tablo landed in last place, a result that surprised many given his substantial following on YouTube.
Members Share Hopes and Forge Camaraderie
During the session, the members openly discussed their aspirations for the project and what they hoped to achieve if they gained more popularity. Ha Ha brought humor to the discussion by sharing the practical challenges of fan engagement, such as the difficulty in producing official cheering sticks due to high minimum order quantities. He revealed that this new project actually originated from leftover goods from the legendary show 'Infinite Challenge'.
The group collectively expressed a desire to create idol-like experiences for their fans. They discussed plans for organizing fan meetings and even participating in an 'Idol Sports Competition' to foster direct interaction with their audience. The discussions were a mix of lighthearted humor and genuine, emotional reflections on their careers and the meaning of public interest. The segment successfully showcased the warm camaraderie and mutual support among the members, setting the stage for the project's future evolution.
Following the meeting, the show officially announced the results of the first popularity vote on its social media channels. This move, reminiscent of competition formats used in idol survival shows, generated significant laughter and excitement among viewers, who are now eagerly anticipating the next round of voting.
