The Nov. 23 episode of SBS’ "Animal Farm" rolls out part two of its special “Mutt Rising.”
Ordinary yet extraordinary, Korea’s lovable “K-mutts” are front and center as the show’s adoption project returns. Last week spotlighted pups popping up across the country: Fu Bao and the puppy trio Hwal.Gi.Che breathing life into a quiet Yeongju village; fate bringing Pigmon to Jung Hyuk; and Loongji dropping by T1 HQ to meet Faker. Riding that momentum, a new four-legged character joins the story this week.
At a palatial home near Namsan, a fresh face arrives: Dolbae. With a sun-kissed coat and that classic “why me?” K-mutt expression, Dolbae keeps a cautious distance from his new family. Then they spot the character “Seung” (to continue/inherit) engraved on his collar―a sign, they believe, that he’s here to fill an empty space. Naturally, memories turn to Pilseong, the beloved dog who recently crossed the rainbow bridge. What story binds this family and Pilseong―and can Dolbae truly step into that role and settle in as one of their own?
Meanwhile at T1 HQ, the long-awaited meeting between Loongji and legendary pro gamer Faker finally happens. Loongji greets him with a trademark grin, but quickly gets shy, seemingly overwhelmed by Faker’s intense aura. Faker doesn’t back down; he goes straight for the belly rub. Soon enough, Loongji melts into the moment, and Faker soaks up that winning mojo.
Then T1’s star players file in to see Loongji. Each comes armed with a personal “secret weapon” to win the pup’s heart and score a luck boost. What kind of winning energy did Loongji pass along? Viewers will get a peek at “Intern Loongji” making the rounds through the office, busy handing out good vibes.
After their first night under the same roof, Jung Hyuk and Pigmon are still awkward. Pigmon snubbed the cozy setup and slept in a travel kennel instead. Hoping for a reset, Jung Hyuk unveils a new name: Daegili, which wishes in “great fortune.” Even with the upgrade, Daegili lingers by the front door, keeping his distance.
Deciding it’s time to turn the page, Jung Hyuk plans a first date at a pet-friendly lodge with a wide yard. He fires up the grill, and the aroma draws Daegili over―who snatches a bite and scampers right back. Then comes Daegili’s backstory, leaving Jung Hyuk stunned and speechless. What kind of life has this dog lived?
Last week, Fu Bao and the whirlwind trio Hwal.Gi.Che shook up a sleepy countryside town. This time, three veteran grandmas team up with the pups. While Grandma Myeong-hee heads to the market with Fu Bao, Hwal, Gi, and Che hold down the fort at the senior center. The boundless energy is a lot at first, but those time-tested hands work magic―one gentle pet and the rascals drift off to sleep.
Of course, once nap time’s over, chaos resumes. In a village where folks in their 80s still count as “young,” keeping up with Hwal.Gi.Che is no small feat. Between meals and cleanup, there’s barely a breather―but smiles spread all the same. Their cheerful day together proves these pups make perfect neighborhood grandkids.
With Loongji, Daegili, Hwal.Gi.Che and Fu Bao―and newcomer Dolbae―now in the mix, the more time people spend with these so-called mutts, the more irresistible they become, sending good energy and laughter everywhere. "Animal Farm"’s K-mutt adoption project, “Mutt Rising,” continues with part two on Nov. 23 at 9:30 a.m.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)