Yoo Jae-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Cha Tae-hyun, and Jang Hyuk of 'Whenever Possible' successfully completed the thrilling final three stages, wrapping up Season 3 with excitement. As a result, the viewership ratings reached 5.1% in the metropolitan area and 4.5% nationwide, setting a new record.
In the episode aired on the 19th, the SBS variety show 'Whenever Possible' featured the two MCs Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok along with their 'friends' Cha Tae-hyun and Jang Hyuk visiting a sock store in Ahyeon-dong and the National Theater, creating an unprecedented level of laughter through their witty banter.
Yoo Jae-suk welcomed the appearance of the final 'friend' of Season 3, Cha Tae-hyun and Jang Hyuk, saying, "Tae-hyun always wraps up the season. When you appear, the ratings go up," celebrating the return of the official ending fairy. In response, Cha Tae-hyun confidently remarked, "It's a guarantee," making Yoo Jae-suk burst into laughter.
Meanwhile, Cha Tae-hyun brought laughter by teasing Jang Hyuk in a unique way. He joked with Jang Hyuk, "You went as the first guest to Hong Kyung-min's concert and couldn't hit the rhythm or pitch," to which Jang Hyuk retorted, "Hey, you XX!" Yoo Jae-suk then interjected, "For broadcasting, you should say 'Hey! You rascal' instead," stepping in as the voice of reason and causing more laughter.
The first 'gap owner' visited by the four was the owner and staff of the sock store. The gap owner shared, "Wearing new socks helps with Monday blues. I started this business based on that experience," resonating with many office workers.
The first game, which started with two bonus coupons, was 'Throwing Socks into the Laundry Basket.' After successfully completing the first stage on the third attempt, Cha Tae-hyun said, "I need to write a talisman," and wore the socks made by the gap owner. He quickly changed into new socks and surprisingly succeeded in the second stage on his seventh attempt. However, he unfortunately failed at the third stage. The gap owner comforted them, saying, "Failing is also romantic, so it's okay," conveying warmth.
The second gap owner the four visited was at the National Dance Company of the National Theater. The last game they challenged with one bonus coupon was 'Ping Pong Ball Batting.' Yoo Yeon-seok expressed confidence, saying, "I have a knack for table tennis," and successfully completed the first stage on his first try, providing a thrilling moment.
Moreover, when Jang Hyuk passed the second stage in one go on his sixth attempt, Cha Tae-hyun humorously said, "I need to receive the energy of Namsan," and borrowed the gap owner's dance costume like a talisman, causing laughter. Before the ninth attempt, when Cha Tae-hyun asked, "Is there anything else to wear?" and picked up a stage sword, Yoo Yeon-seok immediately passed the third stage in one go, creating a dramatic climax.
Yoo Yeon-seok expressed his happiness, saying, "I was glad to wrap up the season thrillingly," while Cha Tae-hyun added, "Since the ending was so good, Season 4 will be no problem. See you next year!" leaving a cheerful aftertaste until the end.
This season of 'Whenever Possible' aired at 9 PM, an hour earlier than the previous season, establishing itself as the true 'meal friend' of Tuesday. Additionally, from the first episode of Season 3, it broke its own record with a high of 5.8%, 4.5% in the metropolitan area, and 1.9% in the 2049 demographic, leading the ratings throughout its broadcast, not only ranking first in its time slot but also dominating the overall ratings for entertainment and drama in the 2049 demographic.
Amidst this hot popularity, the expanded communication in the gaps showcased its true value. Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok, having developed a flexible street communication style through Season 3, provided a sense of familiarity that felt integrated into real life.
In particular, they demonstrated the essence of lifestyle-oriented entertainment through spontaneous conversations, such as directly asking bus passengers about their filming experiences. The laughter-filled space where all citizens became protagonists reaffirmed the program's value of communication, conveying the vibrancy and joy of the scene to the viewers.
The chemistry between Yoo Jae-suk, who has become the 'mother of MCs,' and Yoo Yeon-seok, the 'MC son,' deepened as well. Their solid leadership from Yoo Jae-suk combined with Yoo Yeon-seok's bold breakthrough created a mature chemistry.
Above all, Yoo Yeon-seok stood out as a core element of the entertainment show, leading conversations on different topics each time, showcasing physical comedy, and devising fresh lunch betting games, earning the title of 'lunch game developer' while continuously updating the laughter points. With the synergy of being an 'MC hat' alongside Yoo Jae-suk, they completed the unique rhythm of 'Whenever Possible.'
[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]
