Hangout with Yoo Delivers Laughs and Warmth with Heartfelt Acts of Kindness
MBC’s beloved variety show Hangout with Yoo continues to prove its dominance in the Korean entertainment circuit. On the April 19 episode, the show recorded a 2049 rating of 1.9%, securing the top spot among Saturday variety shows. The episode centered around a moving and humorous campaign called “Online Filial Piety”, executed by the show’s fictional company Kindness Inc.
The episode followed three teams who responded to emotional posts from children asking for help in supporting their struggling parents’ businesses through social media outreach. These real-life requests showcased the team’s comedic yet heartfelt efforts to create lasting memories for families—and it deeply resonated with viewers.
One of the key scenes took place at a beloved neighborhood stationery store, operated by a mother for over 20 years. Her daughter’s plea on SNS brought Yoo Jae-suk (as ‘Manager Yoo’), along with interns Im Woo-il, Lee Yi-kyung, and Mijoo, to the scene. Chaos ensued when rookie intern Im Woo-il had a mishap, spilling lunchboxes all over the store. Trying to handle the disaster, Yoo tripped over a chair, turning the situation into a full-blown comedy routine. The capstone? Yoo paying for the damaged items out of his own pocket after discovering Im was cashless.
In another emotional segment, the team visited a ramen restaurant opened by a recently retired father. His daughter’s SNS post caught the team’s attention, and they rallied to bring in customers and raise awareness. A hilarious eating showdown erupted between light eater Joo Woo-jae and big eater Park Gwang-jae, resulting in Joo tearfully finishing two full bowls and multiple sides, creating a moment that peaked with a 5.4% minute-by-minute rating.
Yet, the laughter gave way to tears as the restaurant owner saw his eatery packed for the first time since opening. Overwhelmed, he attributed the surprising success to his daughter’s efforts. Lee Yi-kyung became visibly emotional, recalling his own father, and the team was visibly touched by the power of community and love.
The episode ended with a preview of more misadventures, including Manager Yoo’s ongoing attempt to help the stationery store by selling surplus inventory and supporting a burger shop in their next mission of ‘eating for filial piety.’
Hangout with Yoo continues to blend comedy and compassion, creating a unique variety format that resonates across generations. Tune in every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. KST on MBC.
