On the evening of February 18, 2026, KBS2’s beloved family variety show Superman Returns delivered a heartwarming and energetic episode, weaving together themes of tradition, athletic legacy, and the irresistible pull of family bonds. Episode 609, titled “Day by Day, Already a Year,” featured the Go family—whose roots run deep in South Korea’s baseball history—and showcased a touching, and at times hilarious, effort to nurture the next generation’s love for the sport.
At the center of the episode was Go Tae-hyun, the cherubic grandson of legendary baseball player Lee Jong-beom and son of Major Leaguer Go Woo-seok. Tae-hyun, dressed in a vibrant hanbok for Lunar New Year, instantly charmed both his family and viewers. According to Daily Sports Hankook, Lee Jong-beom could barely contain his delight as Tae-hyun performed a traditional New Year’s bow, or sebae, with a squat powered by surprisingly strong legs. The proud grandfather’s grin said it all—Tae-hyun’s athletic prowess was on full display.
The episode’s real highlight, however, unfolded as Lee Jong-beom set in motion his “secret project” to mold Tae-hyun into a baseball hitter. The project’s ace? None other than Lee Jung-hoo, Jong-beom’s son and a rising star in Major League Baseball, currently playing for the San Francisco Giants. As reported by OSEN and Top Star News, Jung-hoo returned home before heading back to the U.S., eager to spend time with his nephew and perhaps spark in him a love for the family’s favorite sport.
Initially, Tae-hyun’s interests seemed to lie elsewhere—K-pop, not baseball, was his passion. Undeterred, Lee Jung-hoo armed himself with a toy bat and, with a determined glint in his eye, stepped up to the plate in the family living room. His playful demonstration—smacking out hits with the toy bat—caught Tae-hyun’s attention. The little boy’s eyes widened, and soon he was picking up balls from a basket and tossing them left-handed, revealing a budding pitcher’s instinct. Lee Jong-beom, watching this unfold, couldn’t resist joking, “Are you planning to go to San Francisco with your uncle?”—a nod to the possibility of Tae-hyun one day joining the Giants, just like his uncle.
As Xportsnews detailed, the family’s baseball genes seemed undeniable. Tae-hyun wore a personalized San Francisco Giants uniform, complete with his initials and birthdate on the back. Beaming with pride, he waved “bye-bye” to his grandfather, prompting laughter and a flurry of speculation about whether he might become the youngest Major Leaguer ever. The playful atmosphere was infectious—uncle and nephew soon found themselves embroiled in a spirited toy car race around the living room, their laughter echoing through the house. When Jung-hoo, riding the toy car, told Tae-hyun, “You have to say ‘please’,” Tae-hyun dropped to his knees, drumming his feet on the floor in a dramatic plea, melting his uncle’s heart and prompting more giggles from the family.
Throughout the episode, Tae-hyun’s physical abilities continued to impress. As reported by Daily Sports Hankook, he completed 40 repetitions on a stepper machine with ease, demonstrating not only his calf strength but also a level of stamina that had Lee Jong-beom quipping, “A scout offer from a baseball club might come soon.” The comment, though made in jest, spoke to the family’s hopes and dreams for the youngest member of their baseball dynasty.
Yet, the episode wasn’t all about sports. Emotional moments shone through, especially as Jung-hoo prepared to return to the U.S. As Xportsnews described, Tae-hyun, not wanting his uncle to leave, was moved to tears. Jung-hoo, equally reluctant to part, embraced his nephew tightly—a tender scene that resonated with viewers and underscored the deep familial love at the core of the Go family’s story.
These touching vignettes unfolded under the watchful eyes of MCs Kim Jong-min and Lalal, who guided viewers through the family’s laughter, tears, and playful competitions. The episode’s structure allowed for a seamless blend of tradition—Tae-hyun’s hanbok and New Year’s bow—with the modern, globalized reality of a family whose members now play baseball on the world stage.
Superman Returns has long been a staple of South Korean television, airing every Wednesday at 8:30 PM since its debut in 2013. The show’s format—observing celebrity fathers as they care for their children—has endeared it to audiences for over a decade. Its cultural impact is undeniable: as OSEN and Top Star News noted, the program received the Presidential Citation on Population Day in July 2025, in recognition of its positive portrayal of parenting and family life. The show’s ability to generate buzz remains strong, with cast members frequently ranking among the most talked-about TV personalities according to Good Data Corporation.
The Go family’s episode exemplified why the show continues to resonate. It offered viewers a glimpse into the joys and challenges of nurturing young talent, the gentle push-and-pull between generations, and the ways in which tradition and ambition can coexist within a single household. The playful rivalry between K-pop and baseball, embodied by Tae-hyun’s shifting interests, added a relatable and humorous twist. And who could forget the sight of a Major Leaguer wielding a toy bat, all in the name of family?
For Lee Jong-beom and Lee Jung-hoo, the episode was a chance to pass down not only baseball skills but also the values of perseverance, joy, and togetherness. For Tae-hyun, it was a day filled with new experiences, affection, and the subtle encouragement to dream big—whether on the baseball diamond or in the living room. And for viewers, it was another memorable chapter in the ongoing story of Superman Returns, a show that continues to celebrate the magic of everyday family moments, one Wednesday night at a time.