On the evening of February 17, 2026, viewers across South Korea tuned in to SBS for a Lunar New Year special episode of the beloved variety show 틈만 나면 (translated as "Whenever There’s a Chance"). The episode, which aired at 8:20 PM, promised a festive blend of laughter, camaraderie, and a few heartwarming surprises—delivering all that and more through the antics of its star-studded cast: MCs Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok, joined by actors Jung Sang-hoon and Ji Ye-eun.
The special kicked off with a signature dose of good-natured ribbing and banter. Jung Sang-hoon and Ji Ye-eun, both appearing as Lunar New Year guests, wasted no time in bringing up their latest project: the new season of Coupang Play’s SNL Korea. With a mischievous glint, they teased Yoo Yeon-seok about rumors of him being approached for the show. Caught off guard, Yoo Yeon-seok responded with surprise, "Me?"—his bewilderment drawing chuckles from the group, according to Newsen.
Ji Ye-eun, playing up the moment, announced, "We’re basically casting directors today!" She then turned to Yoo Jae-suk, asking if he’d consider hosting an episode of SNL Korea. Yoo Jae-suk, never one to mince words, cut in with a definitive, "I can’t do it," and elaborated, "You have to decline quickly. There’s no point in saying, 'I’ll think about it.' We’re all too busy." His blunt honesty drew knowing laughs, with Yoo Yeon-seok quipping, "That’s how you do it. Just be direct." The exchange was a classic example of the show’s self-aware humor and the easy rapport among its regulars.
But the night wasn’t just about playful jabs and television crossovers. The episode took a sentimental turn when the group placed a call to actor Jo Jung-suk, who, together with his wife, singer Gummy, had just welcomed their second daughter in January. Yoo Jae-suk led the congratulations, saying, "Jung-suk, congratulations on the birth," to which Jo Jung-suk replied, "Thank you. You were the first to call with congratulations—it really felt like you’re my big brother." The warmth in his words was palpable, as reported by MHN.
Not to be outdone by sentimentality, Jo Jung-suk quickly shifted gears, turning his attention to Yoo Yeon-seok. With a sly tone, he said, "Thank you, and you should get married soon. Don’t keep your relationship a secret!" The unexpected "holiday nagging," as it was dubbed by MHN, left everyone in stitches. Caught off guard, Yoo Yeon-seok fumbled with his phone, muting it in mock exasperation. Later, he grumbled, "Even my great-uncle doesn’t say stuff like that," keeping the laughter rolling. The moment captured the essence of the Lunar New Year—family, well-wishes, and the inevitable, loving meddling that comes with it.
Jo Jung-suk and Gummy’s story is well-known to fans: the couple began dating in 2013, tied the knot in October 2018, and welcomed their first daughter in 2020. Their new arrival in January 2026 was a cause for celebration, with friends and colleagues alike offering their heartfelt congratulations. Jung Sang-hoon, close with Jo Jung-suk, remarked during a bus ride, "I only saw her in photos, but she’s so pretty. It’s rare for a newborn to be that cute."
Of course, no episode of 틈만 나면 would be complete without a competitive twist. In the spirit of the Lunar New Year, the cast took on a group jump rope challenge—a game that quickly became a comedy of errors. Ji Ye-eun, self-described as possessing "elementary school level muscle" and notorious for her lack of coordination, was visibly nervous. "I’m scared of the rope turning," she admitted, collapsing in laughter before the game even began. Sensing her anxiety, Yoo Yeon-seok stepped in as a personal coach, encouraging her, "Ye-eun, look at me! Jump with me!" His one-on-one coaching and the group’s collective chants of "Jump! Jump!" turned the challenge into a raucous team effort.
Jung Sang-hoon, meanwhile, threw himself into the game with such enthusiasm that he began stripping off layers of clothing as he broke into a sweat. Yoo Jae-suk, ever the straight man, hurried to tidy Jung Sang-hoon’s disheveled appearance, exclaiming, "Sang-hoon, you’re going to end up taking it all off!" Unfazed, Jung Sang-hoon retorted, "How I look right now doesn’t matter!"—his determination only fueling the group’s laughter. At one point, he even slipped into a playful mode, referencing the popular phrase "Yangkochi and Tsingtao," and joked, "Sang-hoon isn’t bothered by anything!" The slapstick energy had the entire cast (and likely viewers at home) in stitches.
The camaraderie extended beyond the games. As the group left a café, Yoo Yeon-seok accidentally left his phone behind, prompting Yoo Jae-suk to tease, "Yeon-seok, why are you leaving your phone? Are you getting old?" Yoo Yeon-seok protested, "Why bring age into this? I just got flustered for a moment!" The lighthearted back-and-forth continued as they strolled down the street, with Yoo Jae-suk and Jung Sang-hoon tossing out more playful warnings: "Watch where you’re going, or you’ll get hurt!" and "They say as you get older, you need to check things more often." The jokes, though relentless, were delivered with the affection of old friends.
Throughout the episode, the cast’s ability to blend humor with real moments of vulnerability and celebration reminded viewers why 틈만 나면 remains a staple of Korean variety television. Whether it was the gentle teasing over marriage and aging, the chaotic group jump rope, or the heartfelt congratulations for new life, the Lunar New Year special captured the full range of emotions that make the holiday—and the show—so beloved.
As the credits rolled, fans were left with a sense of warmth and connection, a perfect reflection of the holiday spirit. With each episode, 틈만 나면 continues to offer not just entertainment, but a reminder of the joy found in life’s little moments and the bonds we share, both on and off the screen.