The winds of change are blowing through KBS2’s beloved travel variety show 1박 2일 (“2 Days & 1 Night”), as the program ushers in a new era with the addition of two fresh faces—comedian Lee Yong-jin and actor Lee Ki-taek. Their much-anticipated debut, set for June 7, 2026, comes on the heels of the emotional departure of longtime member Yoo Seon-ho, who bid farewell after three and a half years on the show. With fans eager to see how these new personalities will gel with the established cast, the stage is set for a dynamic shakeup in one of South Korea’s most enduring variety franchises.
The May 31, 2026 broadcast of 1박 2일 Season 4 was a bittersweet affair, spotlighting Yoo Seon-ho’s final journey with the team. According to TV Daily, the episode closed with a preview that introduced Lee Yong-jin and Lee Ki-taek as the show’s newest members. Their arrival, marked by both nerves and excitement, signals not just a changing of the guard but a fresh injection of energy into the long-running series.
Lee Ki-taek, reflecting on his first moments at KBS, confessed, “I was really nervous. The moment I entered KBS, I felt incredibly tense.” His candor set the tone for what viewers can expect from the young actor—genuine emotion and openness. Lee Yong-jin, no stranger to variety television, chimed in with his own mix of anticipation and excitement, admitting, “I feel both thrilled and expectant.” As the two stood on a red carpet outside the KBS main building, clad in sharp black suits and striking nervous poses, the weight of their new roles was evident to all watching. (KBS2)
The preview also offered a glimpse into the duo’s first trip with the established cast. Lee Yong-jin, bleary-eyed and yawning after just waking up, quickly found his groove, drawing laughs as he adapted to the show’s famously unpredictable travel format. Meanwhile, Lee Ki-taek, still in his formal attire, gamely waded across a chilly valley stream—showing off the youthful bravado expected of the group’s latest “maknae,” or youngest member. This willingness to dive in, both literally and figuratively, has already sparked curiosity among viewers about how the newcomers will handle the show’s notorious challenges and comedic pitfalls.
Lee Yong-jin wasted no time making an impression. As reported by TV Daily, he “brought energy to the show by being willing to embarrass himself from the first trip.” It’s a trait that often endears variety stars to audiences, and his commitment to slapstick and self-deprecating humor could be just what the show needs to keep things lively.
On the other hand, Lee Ki-taek’s tall, model-like physique might have suggested athletic prowess, but the reality turned out to be quite the opposite. His less-than-stellar performance in physical games drew good-natured laughter from both cast and viewers, with TV Daily noting that his “poor athletic skills created humor,” yet he still managed to show “promise as the youngest member.” It’s this blend of earnest effort and relatable shortcomings that has quickly made him a favorite among those tuning in for the new season.
But who exactly is Lee Ki-taek, and why is his arrival generating such buzz? According to JNM News, Lee has been steadily building his profile across the South Korean variety landscape throughout the first half of 2026. He first gained notice as the assistant pastry chef and resident “maknae” in Coupang Play’s 봉주르빵집 (“Bonjour Bakery”), where he worked alongside established stars like Kim Hee-ae, Cha Seung-won, and Kim Seon-ho at a senior dessert café in Gochang, Jeollabuk-do. There, Lee’s passion and “pure charm” shone through, winning the hearts of viewers and producers alike.
He then took on a more introspective challenge in SBS’s 법륜로드: 스님과 손님 (“Beopryun Road: Monk and Guest”), embarking on a journey of self-discovery with personalities such as Noh Hong-chul and Lee Joo-bin. Lee’s honest, unguarded demeanor stood out, earning praise from producers for his sincerity and down-to-earth approach. “You can feel his innocence in the way he looks after his older castmates and follows them around,” said producer Ryu Jin-hwan, while the Bonjour Bakery team highlighted his “honest opinions” and “endearing imperfections.”
These qualities—sincerity, humility, and an eagerness to learn—have positioned Lee Ki-taek as a rising star in the variety world, with industry insiders and audiences alike pegging him as one to watch. His first 1박 2일 recording, completed on May 22, 2026, reportedly left a strong impression on both crew and cast, thanks to his “bright energy and dedication despite the intense filming schedule.” (JNM News)
As for Lee Yong-jin, his reputation as a quick-witted comedian and his willingness to fully commit to physical comedy bode well for the show’s future. The chemistry between the new and existing members will be crucial as 1박 2일 seeks to maintain its place as a weekend staple and continue its tradition of unpredictable, laughter-filled adventures.
The departure of Yoo Seon-ho, who spent three years and six months with the show, was certainly a poignant moment. His last episode, aired on May 31, 2026, marked the end of an era for fans who had grown attached to his antics and camaraderie with the rest of the cast. Yet, as is often the case in the world of variety television, change is inevitable—and sometimes, it’s just what a show needs to stay fresh and relevant.
The anticipation around Lee Yong-jin and Lee Ki-taek’s official debut is palpable. Social media has lit up with speculation about how the two will fit in, what new dynamics they’ll bring, and whether their unique personalities will mesh with the show’s established rhythm. Industry observers note that variety programs are increasingly drawn to stars who can offer authenticity and relatability over polished perfection—a trend that both Lee Yong-jin and Lee Ki-taek seem well-positioned to embody.
With their first episode set to air June 7, 2026, all eyes will be on 1박 2일 as it embarks on this new chapter. Will Lee Yong-jin’s fearless comedy and Lee Ki-taek’s earnest charm help the show scale new heights? One thing’s for sure: the journey promises plenty of laughs, surprises, and perhaps a few moments of genuine connection that remind us why variety shows like 1박 2일 remain so beloved.
As the cast and crew prepare for this next adventure, fans can look forward to watching the evolution of the show in real time—proof that sometimes, a little change is just what the doctor ordered.