First-Time Guests Lee Jung-eun and Ryu Duk-hwan Energize the Show with Youthful Charm

On the May 13 episode of SBS’s variety show “Whenever Possible” (틈만 나면, directed by Choi Bo-pil), actors Lee Jung-eun and Ryu Duk-hwan joined MCs Yoo Jae-seok and Yoo Yeon-seok as special guests. This marked their first appearance on the show, and they quickly became a beloved duo thanks to their genuine reactions, quick wit, and unexpected chemistry.

The show’s concept revolves around “gap exploitation”—using short breaks in daily life to create memorable experiences and bring fortune. In its 22nd episode, the cast visited Hanyang University and a nearby lottery store, where they participated in playful games and met everyday citizens in charming real-life segments.

A Web of Connections: Dramas, Variety, and Shared History

One unexpected moment came when Yoo Jae-seok pointed out that Lee Jung-eun had previously worked on the drama “More Beautiful Than Heaven,” which was directed by Kim Seok-yoon—the same PD behind the famous KBS variety game “Kungkungta.” Yoo Yeon-seok added that Shin Won-ho, now a famed drama PD behind hits like Hospital Playlist and Reply 1988, was the assistant director at the time. This sparked a moment of nostalgia and surprise as the guests realized how intertwined their careers have been across drama and entertainment.

Lee Jung-eun added that Han Ji-min, her co-star in that drama, had urged her to appear on “Whenever Possible” if given the chance. This reference to Han Ji-min, a past favorite guest on the show, raised expectations among the cast and viewers alike.

Birthday Surprises, Nerve-Racking Games, and MZ Energy

Their first stop was Hanyang Sadaebu High School, where students had applied as “gap owners” (participants who open a ‘gap’ for the cast to enter). The students surprised Yoo Yeon-seok with a sweet birthday cake, calling him “Uncle Yeon-seok,” much to his amusement and embarrassment.

The cast then engaged in the show’s signature “relay air play” game, a fast-paced physical challenge that induced plenty of adrenaline. Ryu Duk-hwan and Lee Jung-eun admitted their nerves, and Lee even joked about needing sweat wipes. Despite the tension, Yoo Yeon-seok completed the second round with a dramatic final flip, earning cheers and cementing the group’s synergy.

Gookbap, Nicknames, and Name Identity Talk

After the game, the group headed to a restaurant called Gookbapjang, a local favorite among students. Over soup and laughter, the cast discussed generational identity, with Yoo Yeon-seok admitting he had shifted from being called “oppa” (older brother) to accepting “uncle.” This sparked playful banter, including a moment where Yoo Jae-seok jokingly suggested the nickname “mistress” for Lee Jung-eun after she rejected “noona” (older sister), resulting in a burst of laughter.

In a touching moment, Lee Jung-eun showed her generous spirit by paying for the students’ meals, further cementing her warm “Hanyang’s daughter” reputation.

Emotional Moments and a Lucky Challenge at the Lottery Store

The second location featured a visit to a lottery store, where the cast met a couple whose love story began with their voices and led to marriage—and even a life-saving liver transplant. Inspired by this emotional story, the group launched into another challenge: the “Lucky Human Zero” game. This pitted the cast against the production crew in a series of strategic number-based tasks.

Though initially overwhelmed—Ryu Duk-hwan even joked about wanting to cry—they ultimately succeeded after seven attempts, using a clever “Operation Time” tactic to pre-coordinate their answers. Yoo Jae-seok playfully thanked the gap owner for not saying “STOP” too early, adding, “Deok-hwan might not have slept if we failed.”

A Successful “Dopamine Party” Debut

The episode closed with the cast spreading joy across Wangsimni, proving that everyday people and celebrities can come together for meaningful, hilarious, and heartfelt interactions. For Lee Jung-eun and Ryu Duk-hwan, it was their first experience with the show’s fast-paced “dopamine” games, and their reactions—nervous, excited, and authentic—made their chemistry unforgettable.

Their appearance not only added fresh energy to the episode but also demonstrated their versatility outside of acting, sparking calls from fans for more frequent guest spots.