Yoo Yeon-seok Embraces the ‘Uncle’ Title on SBS’ Variety Show
In a heartwarming and humorous episode of SBS’s variety show ‘Tteumman Nameum’ aired on the 13th, actor Yoo Yeon-seok received a birthday surprise that left viewers laughing and touched.
The episode featured guest stars Lee Jung-eun and Ryu Deok-hwan as they visited Lee’s alma mater, a high school located in Wangsimni. During the visit, Lee Jung-eun revealed she sent Yoo Yeon-seok a birthday cake via a mobile gift coupon earlier that day. Yoo blushed as he expressed gratitude, joking, “Why is this suddenly so embarrassing?”
Upon arriving at the school, Yoo Yeon-seok was greeted with a surprise birthday party organized by students. They sang the birthday song and presented a cake creatively made out of Choco Pies, catching the actor completely off guard. Embarrassed yet touched, he covered his face and laughed, muttering, “Oh, this is embarrassing.”
Fellow cast member Yoo Jae-seok added humor by pointing out a sign that read, “Happy Birthday, Uncle Yeon-seok,” playfully correcting the term to “birthday” rather than the more formal “birth anniversary”—a nod to the increasingly common term ‘samchon’ used for celebrities as they age.
Later, while eating gukbap—a soup recommended by students—the cast discussed this humorous title. Lee Jung-eun asked, “Do you prefer being called ‘Oppa’ or is ‘Uncle’ okay now?” to which Yoo Yeon-seok responded with a chuckle, “Years ago, I was still in the ‘Oppa’ category according to fans online. But this year, I’ve shifted into the ‘Uncle’ zone… I guess I have to accept it.”
Yoo Jae-seok observed, “He’s not even focused on the Choco Pie cake. It’s the word ‘Uncle’ that’s hitting him hard. It’s that time in life.” Lee Jung-eun laughed in agreement, realizing she wasn’t the only one who noticed it.
When asked about how he’s usually addressed, Yoo Jae-seok replied, “Some call me ‘Ajusshi’ (Mister), some ‘Uncle,’ and sometimes even ‘Oppa.’ But I’ve trained myself to respond mindfully—there’s a certain emotional awareness you develop over time.”
This episode of ‘Tteumman Nameum’ not only gave fans a peek into the personal moments of celebrity birthdays but also highlighted the light-hearted struggles of aging in the public eye—something that resonates around the globe.
