On the evening of June 15, 2025, SBS’s popular variety show My Little Old Boy (known as Miwoo Saekki) aired a heartfelt and captivating episode featuring actor Im Won-hee, 56, stepping out of his comfort zone for a blind date arranged by the show’s producer. As his close friends continue to tie the knot, Im’s journey into the world of romance after years of solitude resonated deeply with viewers and studio audiences alike.
Im’s longtime friend and fellow actor Jung Suk-yong appeared alongside him during the episode, where Im revealed he was about to go on a blind date set up by the show’s PD. Jung’s reaction was one of genuine surprise and excitement, calling the opportunity a “miracle” and urging Im to treat this as his “last chance” at love. The blind date, Kim Hye-jin, is a broadcasting professional and a university friend of the PD, fitting perfectly with Im’s ideal partner profile—someone highly educated and working in the same industry.
Throughout the episode, the chemistry and nervous anticipation were palpable. Im, known for valuing intellect and meaningful conversation, was visibly anxious before meeting Kim. His inability to maintain eye contact at first underscored his vulnerability, but as the conversation unfolded, they discovered shared interests and common ground. This sparked a warm, pink-tinged atmosphere that even the studio hosts and the show’s famous “Mother Avengers” (the mothers who comment on the show) couldn’t help but cheer on.
Adding a touching layer to the story, Im’s mother made a surprise phone call to her son just before the date. She expressed envy over Jung Suk-yong’s impending marriage and candidly shared her feelings about Im’s single status, saying, “It’s pitiful for my son to be alone at this age.” Her heartfelt words elicited laughter and sympathy from the studio’s mothers and viewers alike, highlighting the universal parental concern behind the scenes of celebrity lives.
The date itself took an unexpected turn when Kim playfully flirted with Im in Chinese, telling him he was handsome—a line that caught everyone off guard, including host Seo Jang-hoon, who remarked, “That’s not something you say out of the blue.” Im’s bashful response, coupled with Kim’s charming compliment about his outfit (which Im revealed was a gift from fellow celebrity Joo Woo-jae), created a lighthearted yet intimate moment that captured the hearts of the audience.
Im’s reaction to Kim’s flirtatious signals was genuine and endearing; at one point, he was so taken aback that he froze, a candid moment that endeared him further to viewers. The episode portrayed not just a blind date but a man rediscovering the excitement and vulnerability of new love after years of solitude.
Jung Suk-yong’s role as both a friend and a dating mentor was evident throughout. His advice to Im to embrace the opportunity fully and his supportive presence underscored the importance of friendship during life’s pivotal moments. The studio’s warm reactions and the “Mother Avengers’” empathetic smiles added a communal feeling, reminding viewers that behind every celebrity is a network of loved ones rooting for their happiness.
The broadcast also highlighted the emotional toll of seeing close friends marry while remaining single, a common experience that many viewers found relatable. Im’s mother’s candid admission about feeling “pitiful” for her son struck a chord, reflecting the societal pressures and personal longing often felt in such situations.
As the date progressed, the initial nervousness gave way to a promising connection. The discovery of mutual interests and the gradual easing of tension painted a hopeful picture for Im’s romantic future. Studio commentators expressed genuine optimism, with some exclaiming, “Isn’t this going to work out really well?”
The episode closed on a hopeful note, leaving audiences eager to see if this special meeting could blossom into something more. Im Won-hee’s journey on My Little Old Boy offered a refreshing glimpse into the humanity behind the celebrity facade—showing that even seasoned actors face the same anxieties, hopes, and surprises in love as anyone else.
For fans and new viewers alike, this episode was more than just entertainment; it was a touching narrative about friendship, family, and the courage to open one’s heart again. It aired at 9 PM on June 15, 2025, inviting viewers to share in the joy and vulnerability of a man ready to embrace a new chapter.
