The Lunar New Year special episode of SBS’s popular variety show '틈만 나면' (Whenever There’s a Chance) aired on February 17, 2026, and quickly became the talk of the town for its playful banter, unexpected mishaps, and a delightful display of chemistry among its cast and guests. The episode, which was broadcast at 8:20 PM, featured the usual MC duo, Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok, alongside actors Jung Sang-hoon and Ji Ye-eun. For viewers, it was a festive treat packed with laughter, camaraderie, and a healthy dose of on-screen flirting.
From the outset, the program set a vibrant tone as the cast and their guests boarded a bus together, heading out to meet this episode’s '틈 친구'—a group of firefighter colleagues eager to create new memories. As the ride began, Ji Ye-eun, known in the entertainment industry as a 'flirting expert' or '썸 장사', wasted no time in working her signature magic. Sitting side by side with Yoo Yeon-seok, she launched into a light-hearted flirtation, complimenting his performance in the hit drama '슬기로운 의사생활' ('Hospital Playlist'). "I really enjoyed watching 'Hospital Playlist'," she said, setting the stage for a playful exchange.
Yoo Yeon-seok, ever the good sport, decided to test her fandom with a quick quiz: "Do you remember the name of my character?" Ji Ye-eun, caught slightly off guard, responded with a coy smile and a half-guess: "Was it Dr. Kwak Jun-pal?" Her answer brought laughter all around, with the moment perfectly capturing the episode’s easygoing, teasing spirit. According to News1, Ji Ye-eun’s flirtatious energy was on full display, and her interactions with Yoo Yeon-seok became a recurring theme throughout the episode.
The bus ride, however, took an amusing turn when Yoo Yeon-seok, engrossed in conversation with Ji Ye-eun, missed his stop—a rare mistake for the typically composed MC. Visibly embarrassed, he could only laugh at himself, while Ji Ye-eun seized the opportunity to tease him further. "He’s completely fallen for my charm," she declared with a confident grin. This bold assertion didn’t go unnoticed by the rest of the cast. Yoo Jae-suk, quick with a quip, interjected, "There are plenty of people in the entertainment industry who like Ye-eun," before rattling off a list of names: Yoon Nam-no, Miki Kwang-soo, Yoo Hee-kwan, and Yang Se-chan. His comments sent the group into fits of laughter, and Ji Ye-eun, clearly enjoying the attention, replied, "I am very popular, you know!"
As the bus continued its journey, the chemistry between the cast, both playful and genuine, set the tone for what would become a memorable episode. According to OSEN, the lighthearted teasing and banter were not just for show; they reflected the warm, family-like atmosphere that has made '틈만 나면' a staple of Korean variety television.
The episode’s main event involved a series of team challenges with the firefighter friends, designed to foster teamwork and create lasting memories. The first mission required the group to protect a ping-pong ball inside a cup while jumping rope five times as a team—a task that proved trickier than it sounded. Ji Ye-eun, initially hesitant and struggling to find the right moment to jump in, failed on her first attempt. But, displaying both determination and resilience, she succeeded on her second try, prompting the firefighters to cheer, "Go!" The camaraderie and encouragement were palpable, and the mission ultimately ended in success, with the firefighters declaring, "We’ll end this as a beautiful memory. It was so tough! Stop!" as reported by Sports Today.
The next challenge—a relay race passing a ping-pong ball—upped the ante. Despite a few failed attempts, the team persevered, rallying together with a collective shout of "Jump!" and finally securing a win. The segment showcased not only the competitive spirit of the guests but also the genuine bonds that can form through shared challenges. The firefighters’ heartfelt remarks at the end of the mission underscored the episode’s underlying message: sometimes, it’s the little moments of teamwork and laughter that make for the most cherished memories.
Yet, the episode’s most talked-about moments remained the ongoing flirtation between Ji Ye-eun and Yoo Yeon-seok. Ji Ye-eun’s playful confidence continued to shine as she teased Yoo Yeon-seok about his repeated mistakes, asking, "Aren’t you completely fallen for me?" Her boldness drew both admiration and amusement from the cast and viewers alike. In one particularly meta moment, a passerby recognized Ji Ye-eun and called out her name, prompting her to beam with delight—a testament to her rising popularity. As OSEN noted, this spontaneous fan interaction only added to her charm and the episode’s feel-good atmosphere.
The show also offered a glimpse behind the scenes of Ji Ye-eun’s career. She shared touching details about her emotional acceptance speeches at the 2025 SBS Entertainment Awards, explaining that she often became tearful because of the support she received from her seniors, especially Yoo Jae-suk. "The seniors from 'Running Man' always make me cry just by seeing their faces. They called me a lot when I was having a hard time," she revealed, singling out Yoo Jae-suk for his frequent encouragement. This candid confession added a layer of sincerity to her otherwise playful persona and clearly moved Yoo Jae-suk, who looked on with pride.
As the episode drew to a close, the mix of laughter, teamwork, and genuine emotion left a strong impression on viewers. The playful exchanges between Ji Ye-eun and Yoo Yeon-seok, the good-natured ribbing from Yoo Jae-suk, and the warmth of the firefighter guests combined to create a festive, uplifting experience. It’s no wonder that the episode has been widely discussed in the days since its broadcast, with fans praising both the entertaining antics and the heartfelt moments that set it apart.
For '틈만 나면', this Lunar New Year special was more than just a holiday episode—it was a celebration of friendship, fun, and the unpredictable magic that happens when personalities collide and hearts open, even if only for a bus ride and a few shared games.