On the evening of February 22, 2026, viewers across South Korea tuned in to SBS’s popular variety show My Ugly Duckling (미운 우리 새끼) for a special episode that saw the much-anticipated return of Cool’s Lee Jae-hoon to television after a seven-year hiatus. The broadcast offered a rare and intimate glimpse into the daily lives and enduring friendship of two icons from the 1990s K-pop era: Lee Jae-hoon and Country Kkokko’s Tak Jae-hoon, both now long-term residents of Jeju Island.
It’s not every day that a beloved star reemerges after years away from the spotlight, and Lee’s appearance was met with genuine excitement. As reported by OSEN and Xportsnews, the studio’s “Mother Avengers” panel exclaimed, “It’s really been a long time!” when Lee walked into Tak’s home, decked out in a bright pink outfit that immediately caught everyone’s attention. Tak, still puffy-faced from a nap, greeted his friend with the sort of easy banter that comes from three decades of camaraderie. When Tak asked how long it took Lee to get there, Lee replied, “It only took about seven minutes,” confirming just how close the two live on the island.
Lee, who has called Jeju home for 14 years, has become something of a local fixture. According to Newsen, he’s earned the nickname “Jeju Hoon boss” for his hands-on volunteer work, including shoveling snow during winter storms and even performing CPR to save citizens in emergencies. MC Shin Dong-yup, observing from the studio, expressed admiration for Lee’s dedication to community service, remarking on his reputation as a reliable neighbor and a “훈반장” (a kind of honorary local leader).
The episode was full of lighthearted exchanges that showcased the pair’s chemistry. As Lee presented Tak with a special gift—a smoked barbecue grill—he explained, “This is something you have to wait a long time for.” Tak, ever the comic foil, groaned, “How long are we talking about?” Lee’s answer—“If you do it for a long time, it can take more than 10 hours”—elicited a mock protest from Tak, who quipped, “Then you should come by yourself at dawn and do it!” The playful ribbing continued as Lee demonstrated his meticulous approach to barbecue, injecting saltwater into the meat using a syringe and checking the temperature with a thermometer.
It wasn’t just the food that impressed. MC Shin Dong-yup was quick to praise Lee’s culinary prowess, noting, “Among singers, Lee Jae-hoon and Sung Si-kyung are truly in a league of their own when it comes to cooking.” This was echoed by other panelists, who agreed that Lee’s attention to detail in the kitchen was matched only by his musical talent.
But with the meat needing to smoke for at least three hours, the two friends decided to make the most of their waiting time. They hopped in Tak’s car and set off to see some snow, a rare treat on Jeju Island. As they drove, the nostalgia was thick in the air. Lee and Tak took turns playing their own hit songs from the 1990s, singing along and reliving memories of their heyday. Lee belted out Cool’s classics like “슬퍼지려 하기 전에” and the record-breaking “애상,” while Tak responded with his own anthem, “내가 선택한 길.” The studio panel, watching via VCR, smiled fondly at the impromptu concert, with Tak exclaiming, “It feels like we’ve gone back in time.” Shin Dong-yup added with a wink, “Tak Jae-hoon also sings really well. That song is still great, but I wonder why it wasn’t a bigger hit,” drawing laughter from the group.
After their snowy excursion—complete with sledding and jokes about the “highest mountain in Korea” being real estate (Tak’s tongue-in-cheek response to Lee’s trivia question)—the duo returned to finally savor the smoked meat. Their enthusiasm was palpable, and their shared enjoyment underscored the simple pleasures of good food and good company.
The episode didn’t just stop at food and music. In another segment, the two attempted to recreate a trending “MZ AI dance” video, a nod to the younger generation’s love of viral internet challenges. Lee, initially confident, quickly deferred to Tak, who gamely tried to match the moves from the AI-generated video. When a passerby appeared, the pair were overcome with embarrassment and quickly ended their dance session, much to the amusement of the studio audience. MC Shin Dong-yup seized the moment to reminisce about the “훈훈훈 trio”—Tak Jae-hoon, Lee Jae-hoon, and Seo Jang-hoon—showing a humorous AI dance version featuring Seo and declaring, “That’s the best!”
Throughout the show, the deep-rooted bond between Lee and Tak was on full display. There was plenty of gentle teasing about their seniority in the music industry. When Tak asked Lee to sing, Lee retorted, “I’m your senior. You should sing first. How many years has it been?” Tak, who debuted in 1995, responded with mock indignation, “Are you really bringing up something from 30 years ago?” Lee replied with a grin, “Still, we have to respect seniority,” before both broke into laughter.
The easy rapport between the two, built over 31 years of friendship, brought a warmth and authenticity to the broadcast that resonated with viewers. Their willingness to poke fun at themselves—whether over their debut years, their culinary skills, or their awkward dance moves—reminded everyone watching that even celebrities cherish the ordinary moments of life.
The episode of My Ugly Duckling served as a vibrant reminder of the enduring appeal of stars like Lee Jae-hoon and Tak Jae-hoon. Not only did it offer a window into their personal lives and lasting friendship, but it also celebrated the traditions, humor, and nostalgia that continue to bind generations of Koreans together. As the credits rolled and the studio panel exchanged knowing smiles, it was clear that Lee’s return to television had struck a chord—reminding fans old and new why these artists remain beloved, both on and off the stage.