On the evening of February 18, 2026, families across South Korea tuned in to KBS2 for a heartwarming Lunar New Year special of the long-running variety show 슈퍼맨이 돌아왔다 (The Return of Superman). Episode 609, titled "Day by Day, Already a Year," brought together three generations of a legendary baseball family, offering viewers a rare and touching glimpse into their holiday traditions, playful competitions, and hopes for the future.
The episode centered on Ko Tae-hyun, the adorable grandson of baseball icon Lee Jong-beom and the son of major leaguer Ko Woo-seok and Lee Jong-beom’s daughter. Tae-hyun, dressed in a vibrant hanbok for the Lunar New Year, instantly charmed audiences and his family alike. According to Daily Sports Hankook, Lee Jong-beom couldn’t hide his affection for his grandson, his eyes “brimming with pride and joy” as Tae-hyun performed a traditional bow—albeit with a child’s twist, squatting in a playful squat before pressing his hands to his forehead. It was a moment that had everyone in stitches, and Lee Jong-beom’s smile was impossible to contain.
But the Lunar New Year festivities were just the beginning. As Sports List reported, Lee Jong-beom took his role as doting grandfather to the next level by personally preparing a holiday meal for Tae-hyun. In the kitchen, he cooked up soybean paste soup and grilled beef, dishes that Tae-hyun eagerly devoured. The family’s love of meat was on full display—Tae-hyun’s enjoyment matched that of his uncle, Lee Jung-hoo, another star in the family’s illustrious baseball lineage. The meal was more than just a feast; it was a celebration of family, tradition, and the passing down of cherished customs.
Yet, beneath the surface of these holiday rituals, a playful but earnest project was underway. Lee Jong-beom, nicknamed the “Son of the Wind” for his legendary baseball career, had a secret mission: to ignite a passion for baseball in his grandson. As OSEN detailed, Lee Jong-beom enlisted the help of his son-in-law, Lee Jung-hoo, a major leaguer with the San Francisco Giants and the proud owner of a record-breaking six-year, 161 billion won contract. Together, they launched the “Ko Tae-hyun Batter Project,” determined to see if Tae-hyun had inherited the family’s “golden DNA.”
The key player in this scheme was Lee Jung-hoo himself. Despite Tae-hyun’s initial preference for K-pop over baseball, Lee Jung-hoo was undeterred. He grabbed a toy bat, his eyes gleaming with playful determination, and demonstrated the art of hitting. According to Xports News, seeing his uncle—a bona fide MLB star—wield a toy bat was a rare sight, and it certainly caught Tae-hyun’s attention. For a moment, Tae-hyun’s eyes widened, and he eagerly tossed balls for his uncle to hit, his interest in baseball momentarily piqued.
The fun didn’t stop there. Tae-hyun soon revealed unexpected pitching instincts, grabbing balls with his left hand and tossing them with surprising accuracy. Lee Jong-beom, ever the proud grandfather, couldn’t resist joking, “Are you planning to go to San Francisco with your uncle?” The prospect of Tae-hyun one day joining the major leagues, perhaps even alongside his uncle, was enough to make the whole family beam with excitement.
To further encourage his nephew, Lee Jung-hoo presented Tae-hyun with a San Francisco Giants uniform, complete with his initials and birthdate. Tae-hyun donned the jersey with a radiant smile, waving goodbye to his grandfather and fueling playful speculation about him becoming the youngest major leaguer ever. The sight brought visible satisfaction to both Lee Jong-beom and Lee Jung-hoo, who exchanged hopeful glances at the family’s future prospects on the baseball diamond.
But as with any family gathering, there were moments of pure, unscripted joy. A toy car “battle” broke out between Tae-hyun and his uncle, with the two racing around the living room. When Lee Jung-hoo teased, “Tae-hyun, you have to say ‘please’,” Tae-hyun dropped to his knees and shuffled forward, his antics melting his uncle’s heart—and, no doubt, the hearts of viewers everywhere. These playful exchanges, as OSEN noted, brought laughter and lightness to the episode, highlighting the close bond between uncle and nephew.
Physical prowess seemed to run in the family. During the show, Tae-hyun easily performed 40 calf raises on a stepper, impressing everyone with his stamina and strength. Lee Jong-beom, ever the baseball scout, joked that a club would soon come calling to recruit his athletic grandson. “I always hoped to see him enjoying exercise like this,” he admitted, his words tinged with both humor and genuine emotion. According to Daily Sports Hankook, this moment captured the essence of the family’s hopes—not just for athletic achievement, but for the simple joy of being active and healthy together.
Yet, for all the playful encouragement and gentle nudging toward baseball, the episode made clear that Tae-hyun’s interests are his own. After a brief flurry of excitement, his attention drifted away from the game, prompting laughter from the adults. Lee Jung-hoo, undeterred, tried once more to draw him back in, but Tae-hyun’s youthful curiosity was already onto the next adventure. It was a gentle reminder that, while family legacies can inspire, every child follows their own path.
As the visit drew to a close, the mood turned bittersweet. Lee Jung-hoo, preparing to return to the United States for the MLB season, hugged his nephew tightly. Tae-hyun, not wanting to part, shed a few tears—an emotional moment that underscored the depth of their bond. Lee Jung-hoo lingered, embracing his nephew again before finally saying goodbye, a gesture that resonated with viewers and family alike.
Throughout the broadcast, the enduring appeal of 슈퍼맨이 돌아왔다 was on full display. Now in its thirteenth year, the show continues to capture the hearts of audiences with its blend of humor, tradition, and genuine family connection. The episode’s success was reflected in its continued high rankings among TV-OTT non-drama programs, with both viewers and critics praising its warmth and relatability. As OSEN highlighted, the show’s recognition with a Presidential Commendation at the 14th Population Day last July further cemented its status as a beloved national institution.
For one evening, at least, the pressures of professional sports and the weight of family expectations faded into the background, replaced by laughter, love, and the simple pleasures of being together. Whether or not Ko Tae-hyun ever picks up a bat for real, his family’s devotion—and the joy they share—was more than enough to steal the show.