tvN’s Hit Variety Returns: Lee Eun-ji, Lee Young-ji, Mimi and An Yu-jin Face a Time Challenge

The latest season of the tvN variety sensation has taken its stars into uncharted territory, literally sealing their phones away. In the episode airing today (9th), Lee Eun-ji, Mimi, Lee Young-ji, and An Yu-jin experience an unprecedented time-based survival mission: predict the exact 8 AM without access to clocks or digital devices.

According to the recent FUNdex TV buzz ranking announced by the Korean content analytics firm on the 7th, the show claimed the No.1 spot in the non-drama category—proving once again it’s one of Korea’s hottest reality formats.

Contestants will be rewarded based on proximity to the correct time — with only the closest two winning their smartphones back. For those who fall behind, the penalty increases drastically: every minute off equals another hour of phone confiscation.

Lee Young-ji, relying on her ‘sixth sense and shamanism,’ summons what she humorously calls the ‘God of Clocks’ in an attempt to nail the challenge. Meanwhile, Lee Eun-ji earns laughs with her theatrical rituals alongside Young-ji in the middle of the night.

On the other hand, An Yu-jin, dubbed ‘An Yu-genius,’ takes a more pragmatic approach using analog tools provided by the crew—like hourglasses. Unbothered by the chaos around her, she continues on her time prediction journey with scientific precision. Mimi invents her own unique strategy, repeatedly walking between indoor and outdoor spaces to estimate the time.

Among the suspense, a new physical mini-game called ‘Strawberry, Banana, Apple’ brings light fun with a punishing twist. Mimi dramatically sighs, “This really makes you feel miserable,” while Lee Young-ji confesses, “I’m having a major existential crisis.”

The much-anticipated third episode airs tonight at 8:40 PM KST on tvN. With intense mind games, spontaneous laughter, and the unpredictability of its four leading women, this chapter promises reality TV at its best.