On the April 6 episode of SBS’ "uh, but like seriously!", Shin Dong-yup made his first appearance on a network talk show in 15 years, drawing big attention.
When he walked in, all the cast members stood up. Hyped to see “the real deal,” they asked why he chose their show for his return to a network talk show after 15 years.
Shin Dong-yup said, “I’m seeing reactions pick up in online communities among younger viewers. Around now is when ratings should start to climb, and if I show up and they go up even a little, it’ll look like it’s because of me,” hinting at his trademark big-picture variety sense.
The members then brought up his unprecedented on-air reunion with an ex-girlfriend in Korean TV history.
Tak Jae-hun asked, “How did you even think of that? I can’t figure out what was going through your head. Most couples don’t part on great terms. When love ends, you try not to see each other―so the fact you could meet again is surprising.”
Shin Dong-yup replied, “Before I met my wife, she was a part of my life―one page in my story. I don’t think there’s any need to tear out that page. You just turn to the next one.”
Tak Jae-hun joked, “So you can open it back up later?” Shin Dong-yup waved his hands and firmly said that wasn’t the case.
He added, “It was the first time we’d seen each other in 25 years. Some people might find it uncomfortable, but I think this can happen. It’s not a shameful or wrong past.”
Lee Su-ji chimed in, “You were on SNL too, and at the table read, seeing you two felt like watching a youthful couple grow into cool adults. It was moving.”
Shin Dong-yup also shared, “When I first met my wife, she said she really liked Lee So-ra and wondered what kind of charm would make me date her. She said that actually helped her feel more positive about me. So she even cheered on the joint appearance.”
Lee Sang-min added another surprise: “When she came on TV, your wife told the kids, ‘That’s someone Dad used to date.’ That’s really cool.”
Shin Dong-yup said he took his wife’s reaction in stride, noting, “The kids will learn everything as they grow up anyway.” Tak Jae-hun quipped, “Isn’t that the perfect line to stop at? If you take one more step and say, ‘Kids, that’s the woman Dad used to be married to,’ that’d be weird.” Lee Sang-min shot back, “You’re talking about me, right? How can you say that with me right here?” cracking everyone up.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)