On March 1, 2026, the set of SBS’s popular variety show My Ugly Duckling was abuzz with laughter, nostalgia, and a touch of star-struck energy as beloved actress Moon Chae-won returned as a special MC. For viewers and cast alike, it was a long-awaited reunion, and Moon’s appearance quickly became the talk of the night—thanks to her signature wit, candid confessions, and an irresistible blend of charm and humility.
The evening kicked off with MC Shin Dong-yup recalling a legendary moment from five years ago, when Moon Chae-won had first made her mark on the show with a playful request to Seo Jang-hoon, saying, “Give me a building.” That cheeky line, delivered with a mischievous smile, had gone viral, cementing Moon’s status as a variety show darling. As reported by OSEN, Shin Dong-yup didn’t miss the chance to revisit that moment, teasing, “Five years ago, you made Jang-hoon’s heart skip a beat. That clip of you saying ‘Give me a building’ became a huge hit.”
This time, Shin took the banter up a notch, referencing Seo Jang-hoon’s well-known wealth. With a glint in his eye, he goaded Moon, “Since we’re meeting after a long time, why don’t you say, ‘You have 4 trillion won, give me 1 trillion’?” Without missing a beat, Moon Chae-won flashed her trademark cute expression and delivered, “Jang-hoon, give me 1 trillion won.” The studio erupted. According to Star News, Seo Jang-hoon was visibly disarmed, breaking into a broad grin, while Shin Dong-yup quipped, “His face looks like he’s actually going to give it to you. I haven’t seen him smile this brightly in ages!”
Moon Chae-won’s knack for lighthearted banter wasn’t the only thing on display. The actress, often dubbed the “first love icon,” opened up about her own celebrity crush—none other than actor Kwon Sang-woo. As reported by Spotv News and Star News, Moon candidly confessed, “Kwon Sang-woo was the first male actor I ever liked.” She recalled watching him in the drama Stairway to Heaven and feeling her heart flutter for the first time. The studio, for a moment, was painted pink with nostalgia and a few knowing smiles.
Moon’s story didn’t end at admiration from afar. She recently played Kwon Sang-woo’s first love in the film Heartman, a role that brought her face-to-face with her teenage crush. She recounted, “Before filming, when we ate together outside the set, I was nervous and excited.” Yet, when asked by Shin Dong-yup if those feelings carried over to the actual shoot, Moon hesitated, her voice trailing off: “During filming… well…” The ambiguous response drew laughter, with Shin playfully pressing, “So you snapped out of it during the shoot?” The room burst into another round of giggles, highlighting the easy chemistry Moon shares with the show’s hosts.
But the fun didn’t stop there. As the episode unfolded, the mothers sitting in the studio—often the heart and soul of My Ugly Duckling—couldn’t hide their excitement at Moon’s appearance. Their glances, as reported by Spotv News, were filled with admiration and a hint of matchmaking ambition. Host Shin Dong-yup seized the moment, asking, “If you had to pick one of our sons, who would you choose?” After a brief, thoughtful pause, Moon replied, “I’d choose Kim Hee-chul.” Her answer drew laughter and a gentle ribbing from Shin, who joked, “Didn’t you say looks don’t matter to you?” Moon, ever the quick thinker, replied, “He has a different energy from me.”
The playful matchmaking took another turn as Heo Kyung-hwan’s mother chimed in, promoting her son’s virtues. “Our Kyung-hwan is family-oriented and fun to live with,” she said, drawing more laughter from the audience and underscoring the show’s unique ability to blend celebrity glamour with relatable family dynamics.
Moon also touched on her extensive experience in advertising, sharing insights on the differences between ion drink and alcoholic beverage commercials. When asked about her dream endorsement, she didn’t hesitate: “These days, I’d love to do a coffee ad.” It was a small glimpse into her professional aspirations, offered with the same candor that made her a fan favorite.
Throughout the episode, Moon Chae-won’s presence seemed to spark a wave of nostalgia—not just for her past appearances, but for the moments that have made My Ugly Duckling a staple of Korean variety television. Her playful exchanges with the hosts, honest revelations about her personal life, and the warm reception from both the studio mothers and the audience at home served as a reminder of why she remains such an enduring figure in the entertainment industry.
For Seo Jang-hoon, the night was a repeat of history. Five years after Moon’s first appearance, he found himself once again the target of her playful teasing—and, judging by his beaming smile, he was more than happy to oblige. As Sports Chosun and Star News noted, it’s rare to see Jang-hoon so visibly delighted, and the chemistry between him and Moon was palpable, if only for a moment.
Moon’s candid discussion of her nerves around Kwon Sang-woo also resonated with viewers, offering a rare glimpse behind the curtain of celebrity life. Her willingness to admit to feeling flustered and excited, even after years in the spotlight, was both relatable and endearing. As she put it, “Before filming, I was nervous and excited,” a sentiment that surely struck a chord with anyone who’s ever found themselves star-struck.
In the end, Moon Chae-won’s return to My Ugly Duckling was more than just a nostalgic cameo. It was a celebration of the show’s enduring appeal, the playful spirit of its cast, and the genuine connections that keep viewers tuning in week after week. Whether she’s melting hearts with a single line or sharing the story of her own first crush, Moon’s charm remains as fresh and captivating as ever.
As the laughter faded and the cameras stopped rolling, one thing was clear: Moon Chae-won’s star power hasn’t dimmed one bit, and her presence on My Ugly Duckling was a welcome reminder of why audiences fell in love with her—and the show—in the first place.