Hangout with Yoo Episode 304: The Epic NPCC Gathering – Laughs, Rankings, and Heartfelt Moments
If you're a fan of Korean variety shows, Hangout with Yoo Episode 304 is a riotous must-watch. This installment dives deep into the Non-Popular Celebrity Club (NPCC), a hilarious gathering of stars who are famous but crave that elusive popularity boost. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Yoo Jae-suk (Jae Seok) and his co-hosts, the episode features nine "unpopular" celebs sharing stories, roasting each other, and competing in a surprise popularity poll. From Squid Game star Heo Sung Tae's global glow-up to Kim Kwang Kyu's unexpected top spot, here's your full Hangout with Yoo Episode 304 recap packed with highlights.
What is the Non-Popular Celebrity Club (NPCC)?
The NPCC is the comedic heart of Hangout with Yoo Episode 304. It's a club for celebrities who admit they're well-known in their fields but lack the massive fanbase they desire. Founded after a viral preliminary meeting, this episode marks the first official gathering. Guests include comedians, actors, and musicians who've hustled for years without breaking into "idol-level" popularity. The theme? "Fame vs. Popularity" – and the results are equal parts funny and relatable.
Quick Fact: The episode bids a touching farewell to former cast member Yi Kyung, who's stepping away due to his booming drama and film schedule. The hosts promise ongoing support for his future projects.
NPCC Members: Meet the "Unpopular" Stars of Episode 304
Out of ten invitees, nine showed up for the glamorous (yet over-the-top flashy) red carpet entrance. Here's the lineup:
- Heo Sung Tae – The Squid Game villain turned global sensation.
- Hyun Bong Sik – Modest actor stealing hearts with his humility.
- Tukutz – Epik High's honest rapper with a massive YouTube crew.
- Han Sang Jin – Veteran actor fighting "delusions of popularity."
- Heo Kyeong Hwan – Comedian with catchphrases that echo but don't convert to fans.
- Choi Hong Man – Giant wrestler-turned-TV star, popular with kids but not adults.
- Kim Kwang Kyu – Rising drama king from Bon Appetit, Your Majesty.
- Jung Jun Ha – Restaurant owner and honorary Gangnam Station ambassador.
- Haha – The club's wildcard, blending hosting duties with participant vibes.
Missing in action: Jang Hang Jun and Hwang Kwang Hee. The energy? Electric, with dance-offs, awkward intros, and non-stop banter.
Episode 304 Highlights: From Roasts to Revelations
Hangout with Yoo Episode 304 kicks off with a festival vibe – mirror balls, dancing, and a "thirst for popularity." Key moments include:
1. The Grand Entrance and Seating Shenanigans
Guests strut in like it's the Oscars for underdogs. Choi Hong Man's front-row seat sparks "evolution of humanity" jokes, while Heo Kyeong Hwan's antics unbalance the lineup. Pro tip: Never seat a 7-foot giant next to short kings – hilarity ensues.
2. Fan Club Glow-Ups and Brutal Feedback
Post-episode boosts? Heo Sung Tae's fan club exploded from 50 to 553 (pity joins included). Heo Kyeong Hwan's? It dipped – ouch! Stories range from movie promotions (The Informant for Sung Tae) to TV offers that fizzle out.
Funny Fail: Tukutz arrives with a six-person crew, mistaken for a trot singer by Choi Hong Man. "Who's that guy with the big entourage?" Cue the "Two Cuts" nickname origin story.
3. Age Wars and Dropout Drama
Han Sang Jin and Heo Sung Tae debate "same-age friends" status, while Tukutz confesses dropping out of elementary school (he scratched doors like a puppy missing mom). Bonds form – or break – over salon chats and agency ties.
4. Charm Demos and Rude Fan Tales
Choi Hong Man demos age-specific greetings: Cute for teens, salutes for seniors (sweat included). Jung Jun Ha vents about huggy fans at his restaurant, while Kim Kwang Kyu recalls a drunk fan yelling, "Get a hair transplant!" Ouch.
Popularity Rankings: The Shocking NPCC Poll Results
The episode's climax? A survey of 120 fans across ages reveals the initial NPCC popularity rankings. Self-votes were cocky (8/9 claimed top 3), but reality hit hard:
- 1st: Kim Kwang Kyu (775 points – drama magic!)
- 2nd: Heo Sung Tae (Squid Game international flex)
- 3rd: Haha (Fan-favorite reliability)
- 4th: Jung Jun Ha (Gangnam ambassador surprise)
- 5th: Heo Kyeong Hwan (Middle-ground relief)
- 6th: Hyun Bong Sik (Modest MVP)
- 7th: Han Sang Jin (Delusion points deducted)
- 8th: Choi Hong Man (Kid-popular penalty)
- 9th: Tukutz (Crew envy backfires)
Unanimous vote: Weekly rankings continue via viewer polls! Will Tukutz climb from the bottom? Tune in.
Strengths & Weaknesses Spotlight: Kwang Kyu: No dating rumors (win), but self-centered vibes (ouch). Haha: Fan-loyal, but "zero effort on looks." Brutal and brilliant.
Future Plans: Fan Meets, Sports Days, and Overcharge Jokes
The group brainstorms: Joint fan signs, lightstick dreams (minimum 5,000 – debt alert!), "Middle-Aged Star Athletics Championships," and video calls from Yeongtong (punny twist on "video call" in Korean). Jung Jun Ha's "overcharge fans" gag steals the show. Emotional close: Han Sang Jin tears up over 30 years of "What have you been up to?" queries. The verdict? Team up, support, and evolve popularity weekly.
Why Watch Hangout with Yoo Episode 304?
This NPCC gathering blends self-deprecating humor, raw vulnerability, and K-variety magic. It's a reminder: Even stars feel "unpopular" sometimes. Stream now on platforms like Viki or KOCOWA for subtitles. Who's your pick to rise in next week's rankings? Vote and share in the comments!
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