On June 25, 2025, the JTBC reality show No. 1 Can't Be 2 aired a revealing and emotionally charged episode focusing on the tumultuous relationship between comedian couple Kim Hak-rae and Im Mi-sook. After enduring three months of cold war under the same roof, the couple's ongoing conflicts came to a head, exposing deep-seated frustrations, misunderstandings, and a surprising path toward reconciliation.
The episode opened with scenes of Kim and Im living largely separate lives within their shared home, a situation that shocked viewers and the show's cast alike. Minor household disputes, like disagreements over changing the front door lock's battery or replacing light bulbs, became symbolic of their larger communication breakdown. Their son, Kim Dong-young, distressed by the cold atmosphere, took the initiative to book a couple's counseling session to help his parents mend their fractured relationship.
During the counseling session with Professor Lee Ho-seon, known as the "tiger counselor," both Kim and Im shared their perspectives. Im Mi-sook tearfully revealed her exhaustion from managing the household alone and enduring panic disorder for ten years, a struggle her husband had been largely oblivious to. She questioned her role in the marriage, lamenting, "Am I really his wife? Am I really a woman? Do I have to live like this until I die?" Her emotional outburst underscored the depth of her pain and isolation.
Kim Hak-rae, on the other hand, expressed his own frustrations. Despite having a background in mechanical engineering, he admitted to being clumsy with household tasks, such as operating the coffee machine or turning on the television, which only fueled Im's anger. He felt misunderstood and belittled, saying, "If I'm told to replace a light bulb, I expect to do it myself, but then I'm treated like I don't know how to do anything." He also voiced resentment over being criticized for focusing on his association work and performances, which he felt were dismissed by his wife.
Professor Lee highlighted Kim's personality traits, explaining that he has a patriarchal tendency to prefer working independently and making decisions on his own. More importantly, he is somewhat insensitive to others' emotions, which has contributed to the couple's conflicts. The counselor pointed out that Im's exhaustion and emotional burden were warning signs of a serious crisis, marking the first significant challenge in their long marriage.
The counseling session also addressed Kim Hak-rae's past extramarital affairs and gambling losses, topics that had long strained the marriage. When questioned why Im had not divorced him despite these issues, Kim confidently attributed it to his "charm and sincerity," claiming he had restored and even profited beyond the assets he once squandered. He insisted, "I never thought of my affairs as love. They were just social interactions because I'm a celebrity." This candid admission shocked both the counselor and the studio audience, with Im Mi-sook responding angrily, "Gambling sincerity, affair sincerity, guarantee sincerity—what kind of charm is that at this age? I want to slap him right now."
Despite the tension, the counseling proved to be a turning point. The couple began to understand each other's personalities and the reasons behind their frequent arguments. Im expressed a simple but heartfelt wish: "I want Kim Hak-rae to call me by name and tell me I'm pretty." To everyone's surprise, Kim warmly replied, "Mi-sook, you're pretty," accompanied by a gentle look that melted the tension. Im responded with a bright smile, teasing, "Hak-rae, why are you so cool now?" The couple left the counseling hand in hand, signaling hope for their future together.
Meanwhile, the episode also showcased the lives of another couple, Jo Hyeon-min and Choi Seol-ah, who were embroiled in their own domestic dispute—this time over interior design. Seol-ah secretly undertook a bold home makeover project, moving the bathtub from the bathroom to the living room and painting the walls a vivid red with a motivational phrase, "You will succeed," alongside a portrait of her husband. Jo Hyeon-min was visibly uncomfortable, questioning why he wasn't consulted.
When he discovered that their daughter's cherished first drawings had been painted over, his frustration peaked. Seol-ah, fearing their marriage might become the "first divorce case," tried to lighten the mood by donning a dog mask and acting playfully. Jo eventually laughed, and the couple agreed to redo the walls to preserve their daughter's artwork. The episode ended on a warm note, with Jo dreaming of moving to a house with a bathtub, symbolizing a fresh start.
The episode resonated with viewers, drawing a nationwide viewership rating of 2.2% and 2.1% in the metropolitan area among paid households. It highlighted the complexities of long-term relationships, the challenges of communication, and the power of empathy and counseling in healing wounds.
As the show prepares for its next episode on July 2, 2025, audiences are left reflecting on the raw honesty and hope displayed by these couples. Kim Hak-rae and Im Mi-sook's journey, in particular, offers a poignant reminder that even after years of hardship, understanding and love can find a way back through patience and willingness to change.
