On July 11, 2025, the popular MBC entertainment show I Live Alone aired an episode featuring comedian Im Woo-il, who once again captivated audiences with his unique lifestyle and candid personality. This episode, the 604th of the series, offered viewers a multifaceted glimpse into Im Woo-il's daily life, from his unconventional food habits and economic philosophy to a humorous encounter with a flock of magpies during a countryside trip.
The show opened with Im Woo-il revealing the contents of his refrigerator, which was packed with leftover food and beverages collected from his filming sets. Im explained that he often brings back uneaten snacks from waiting rooms and leftover meals from shoots, reheating and consuming them later at home. He shared, "I can't stand wasting food. Seeing food go to waste stresses me out, so I end up saving it." His frugality stems from humble beginnings, as he admitted, "Since my early days as an unknown comedian, I have been saving on food expenses by making meals out of leftovers."
This candid admission sparked concern from fellow guest and webtoon artist Kian84, who was visibly shocked by the state of Im's refrigerator. Kian84 warned, "If you don't throw that away, bacteria will grow." The playful banter continued as host Jun Hyun-moo teased Kian84, calling him "the bacteria captain, the germ man," which brought laughter to the studio.
Im Woo-il's food habits, especially his practice of reusing leftover coffee, stirred up considerable public attention. After the broadcast, he reportedly received numerous direct messages warning him about the health risks of drinking leftover coffee, often referred to as "bacteria coffee." However, Im remained undeterred, confidently stating, "Many people messaged me saying bacteria would grow, but I will show you that I'm fine." In the episode, he demonstrated this by taking leftover coffee from his fridge, adding ice cubes from a purchased ice bag, and drinking it as if it were freshly made.
This act was more than just a quirky habit; it symbolized something deeper for Im. He explained that by using purchased ice rather than homemade ice when guests visit, he wanted to portray himself as "a man who has achieved economic freedom" and "a man of leisure." He added humorously, "I'm a man who doesn't skimp on ice anymore." This statement not only amused viewers but also highlighted his unique approach to everyday economics and self-image.
Adding to the amusement, Im was seen consolidating leftover coffee from different cups into a single tumbler before heading out, prompting Kian84 to quip, "That's beyond reheating; it's fermentation!" This lighthearted moment underscored the eccentric yet relatable nature of Im's lifestyle.
Later in the episode, Im Woo-il embarked on a scenic ride on his old motorcycle, covering about 60 kilometers to reach Daebudo, a popular island destination. The journey showcased his love for simple pleasures and the outdoors. At a rest stop near Daebudo's entrance, Im bought shrimp crackers to feed a flock of magpies, commenting, "The magpies were so cute." However, the situation quickly turned chaotic as the birds swarmed him the moment he opened the snack bag.
Im's panic was palpable as he tried to evade the persistent birds, which even followed him relentlessly. In a comical turn, when he attempted to offer the crackers, a magpie bit his hand, causing him to scream. Co-host Code Kunst humorously remarked that Im looked like he was "playing a guitar" with the birds, adding to the episode's levity. Im likened the experience to "watching a gangster movie," describing the sensation of trying to give away the snacks but feeling like they were being snatched away.
Eventually, Im hid the shrimp crackers in his bag, noting with surprise that the magpies seemed to recognize even the sound of the snack bag. This amusing episode not only provided laughs but also highlighted Im's down-to-earth personality and his ability to find joy and humor in everyday situations.
Im Woo-il's appearance on I Live Alone continues to resonate with viewers due to his genuine and unpretentious nature. His lifestyle choices, from frugal food practices to symbolic gestures of economic freedom, offer a refreshing contrast to typical celebrity portrayals. Despite criticism and public scrutiny, Im stands firm in his habits, embodying a man comfortable in his own skin and confident in his values.
As the episode closed, audiences were left with a vivid portrait of a man who embraces life's quirks with humor and resilience—whether it's reusing ice bags to signal financial independence or navigating a comical battle with hungry magpies. Im Woo-il's story reminds us that sometimes, the small, everyday moments reveal the most about who we are.
