Celebrating 9 Years of My Little Old Boy: Jung Il Woo, Heartwarming Stories, and a Mongolian Adventure
For nine years, My Little Old Boy has captured the hearts of viewers with its blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and relatable family dynamics. This beloved South Korean variety show, which follows the lives of celebrity sons and their mothers, recently celebrated its 9th anniversary with a special episode featuring actor Jung Il Woo and a memorable mother-son trip to Mongolia. Let’s dive into the highlights of this milestone episode, filled with laughter, nostalgia, and touching family bonds.
A Star-Studded 9th Anniversary with Jung Il Woo
To mark the show’s 9th anniversary, My Little Old Boy welcomed actor Jung Il Woo as a special guest, thrilling fans with his charm and youthful energy. Known for roles in dramas like High Kick and the recent weekend drama Our Golden Days alongside Yoon Hyun Min, Jung Il Woo shared insights into his life, career, and close relationship with his parents. At 38, he revealed he still lives with his parents, a choice rooted in their support for his acting career.
Jung Il Woo’s candid discussion about his ideal type—someone wise, educated, and skilled with chopsticks—sparked laughter, especially when he admitted this preference from 19 years ago still “haunts” him. His sensitivity to smells, with a collection of over 200 cologne bottles, added a quirky twist to his persona, endearing him further to the audience.
The anniversary episode also celebrated a milestone for the show: six of its featured sons—Lee Sang Min, Kim Joon Ho, Kim Jong Min, Bae Seong Jae, Eun Ji Won, and Jeong Seok Yong—announced their marriages this year. Fans are now eagerly hoping for good news from Seo Jang Hoon in the show’s 10th year.
A Heartwarming Mongolian Journey with Yoon Si Yoon and His Mother
One of the episode’s standout segments was the emotional trip to Mongolia by actor Yoon Si Yoon and his mother, Jae Yeon. The duo’s adventure to the land of Genghis Khan offered viewers a mix of cultural exploration and deep family bonding. From visiting the world’s largest equestrian statue of Genghis Khan to tasting traditional Mongolian dishes like Khorkhog (lamb cooked with hot stones), their journey was both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
Yoon Si Yoon’s meticulous planning shone through, from arranging their itinerary to ensuring every moment was captured in photos. However, his perfectionist tendencies—rearranging snack bags and cleaning tables even in Mongolia—drew laughs and playful complaints from Jae Yeon. Their grocery store visit highlighted Mongolia’s love for Korean culture, with shelves stocked with Korean snacks and instant noodles, showcasing the global influence of K-pop and K-dramas.
The trip wasn’t just about fun; it was a heartfelt exploration of their past. Jae Yeon shared her struggles as a young mother who raised Yoon Si Yoon alone from age 20, working tirelessly to provide for him. The revelation that she sent him to his grandmother’s at just 100 days old due to financial hardship brought tears to viewers’ eyes. Yoon Si Yoon’s gratitude and desire to show his mother “a new world” underscored their unbreakable bond, making this segment a highlight of the episode.
Hyun Bong Sik: The “Old-Looking” Star Stealing the Show
Adding to the episode’s charm was actor Hyun Bong Sik, born in 1984, whose rugged appearance belies his age. Known for roles in D.P., I, the Executioner, and The Roundup: Punishment, Hyun Bong Sik’s segment with friends Bae Jung Nam and Kim Hee Chul was a comedic hit. Despite being younger than many peers, his mature look led to hilarious exchanges, with friends joking he could pass as their uncle or a teacher. His high school photos, looking older than his years, and stories of being mistaken for a senior actor (even by Lim Soo Jung!) kept the laughter flowing.
Hyun Bong Sik’s simple lifestyle—eating egg rice with dried laver and living in a slightly messy home—contrasted with his powerful on-screen presence, making him a relatable yet fascinating figure. His judo background and tales of being scouted for dramas added depth to his story, proving why he’s a beloved scene-stealer in Chungmuro.
A Blind Date Full of Heart and Humor
The episode also featured a touching blind date arranged by Hyun Min for his mother, Mi Hye, who has been single for 38 years. Hyun Min’s thoughtful preparation, from choosing her outfit to ironing a handkerchief for her to offer her date, showcased his devotion. The date at a vinyl record cafe in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, was filled with awkward yet sweet moments. Mi Hye’s date, Lee Hyeon, charmed her with flowers and compliments, comparing her to actress Annette Bening. Their shared love for film music and candid talk about raising children alone hinted at a promising connection, leaving viewers hopeful for Mi Hye’s “last love.”
Why My Little Old Boy Continues to Shine
My Little Old Boy remains a cultural phenomenon in South Korea, blending humor, celebrity insights, and universal themes of family and love. The 9th anniversary episode, with its mix of Jung Il Woo’s star power, Yoon Si Yoon’s Mongolian adventure, Hyun Bong Sik’s comedic charm, and Mi Hye’s heartwarming blind date, exemplifies why the show has thrived for nearly a decade. As it aims for a 50th anniversary, the show continues to resonate with audiences through its authentic portrayal of family bonds and personal growth.