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 Gap"). The program, known for its playful approach to everyday moments and its mission to sprinkle luck and laughter into viewers' lives, delivered a heartwarming and riotous hour featuring a star-studded cast and some truly unforgettable antics.
The episode’s main lineup included the ever-charismatic MCs Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok, joined by actors Jung Sang-hoon and Ji Ye-eun. The four, each with their own distinct personalities, managed to create a familial atmosphere that resonated with the spirit of the holiday. According to SBS, the show’s format—designed to seize upon fleeting moments for spontaneous fun—was in full swing as the group embarked on a series of challenges and conversations that showcased both their camaraderie and their quirks.
One of the evening’s highlights was a group jump rope challenge, staged as a nod to traditional Lunar New Year games. But what could have been a simple contest quickly became a comedic spectacle, largely thanks to Ji Ye-eun. Described as having “elementary school level muscle strength” and notorious for being clumsy, Ji Ye-eun faced the jump rope with visible trepidation. Even before the game began, she confessed, “I’m scared of the rope spinning,” before collapsing in laughter and nerves—a moment that set the tone for the segment, as reported by MHN.
Not one to leave a teammate behind, Yoo Yeon-seok stepped in as a one-on-one coach. “Ye-eun, look at me! Jump with me!” he encouraged, determined to help her overcome her fears. The entire crew, including the show’s so-called “Gap Owner,” rallied behind her, chanting “Jump, jump!” in unison. The sense of unity and support was palpable, even as the competitive spirit ran high.
Jung Sang-hoon, meanwhile, brought his own brand of zeal to the challenge. He became so engrossed in the game that he began shedding layers of thermal clothing, to the shock and amusement of his fellow cast members. At one point, Yoo Jae-suk rushed to help him tidy up, exclaiming, “Sang-hoon’s going to end up taking it all off!” But Jung Sang-hoon was undeterred. “What matters now isn’t how I look!” he declared, sweat-soaked and resolute. The studio burst into laughter, with the Gap Owner expressing genuine concern over Jung’s commitment—and his wardrobe choices. According to SBS, Jung even slipped into a playful mood, joking, “Sang-hoon’s not fazed at all!” in a nod to the popular phrase “양꼬치 엔 칭따오,” which references a carefree attitude.
As the jump rope drama unfolded, the cast’s chemistry shone through. The blend of encouragement, gentle ribbing, and sheer determination gave viewers a glimpse into the genuine friendships that have formed behind the scenes. Would Ji Ye-eun manage to conquer her fear and deliver a holiday miracle? The answer, of course, was left for the live broadcast, which aired at 8:20 PM—a prime slot for families gathered around the television during the festive season.
Yet, the show’s humor and warmth weren’t confined to physical challenges. The episode also featured a surprise phone call to actor Jo Jung-suk, who had recently welcomed his second daughter with singer Gummy. The conversation, initiated by Yoo Jae-suk, was meant to be a simple congratulatory gesture. “Congratulations on the birth!” Yoo Jae-suk said, to which Jo Jung-suk replied, “Thank you. You were the first to call after the news—I knew you’d be the one.” The sincerity of the exchange was unmistakable, but the mood quickly shifted to playful banter.
Jo Jung-suk, seizing the opportunity, turned his attention to Yoo Yeon-seok. “Thank you, and you should get married soon. Don’t keep your relationship a secret,” he teased, channeling the classic Lunar New Year tradition of elders dispensing advice—or, as it’s often perceived, gentle nagging. Yoo Yeon-seok, caught off guard by the sudden shift, responded by muting his phone, drawing laughter from everyone present. After the call, he grumbled, “Even my great-uncle doesn’t say things like that…”—a line that had the cast and crew in stitches, according to MHN.
The lighthearted ribbing didn’t stop there. As the group left the café where the call had taken place, Yoo Yeon-seok accidentally left his phone on the table. Yoo Jae-suk was quick to pounce, joking, “Yeon-seok, why are you taking your phone? You’re getting older—how can you just leave your phone behind?” Yoo Yeon-seok protested, “Why are we talking about age? I was just in a hurry, that’s all.” Their banter continued on the walk, with Yoo Jae-suk and Jung Sang-hoon warning him to watch where he was going to avoid injury and poking fun at his supposed forgetfulness. The playful exchange underscored the show’s central theme: that family, whether by blood or by bond, is defined as much by laughter and gentle teasing as by shared memories.
The episode wasn’t just about games or jokes; it was also a celebration of milestones and togetherness. Jo Jung-suk and Gummy’s growing family was a point of pride, with their journey—from starting their relationship in 2013, marrying in 2018, welcoming their first daughter in 2020, and now celebrating the birth of their second child in January 2026—serving as a backdrop for the cast’s own reflections on life, love, and the passage of time.
Throughout the broadcast, the energy was infectious. From Ji Ye-eun’s nerve-wracking jump rope attempt to the warmth of old friends checking in on each other, 틈만 나면, managed to capture the essence of the Lunar New Year: a time when families gather, stories are shared, and laughter echoes through the halls. The episode’s blend of slapstick humor, heartfelt moments, and relatable family dynamics made it a perfect fit for the holiday, offering audiences both a dose of nostalgia and a reminder of the joy found in life’s little gaps.
As the credits rolled on this special installment, viewers were left with more than just a few laughs. They witnessed a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the enduring bonds that carry us through every season—holiday or not.