KBS 2TV's 'Salim Nam Season 2' (hereafter 'Salim Nam') aired on the 5th, featuring Click B's Kim Sang-hyuk's 20-year broadcasting confession and singer Park Seo-jin's heartfelt tears for his family, leaving a deep impression. The episode included special guests singer Shin Ji and Kang Hye-yeon, who added candid remarks and energy.
The viewership rating for the episode recorded 6.9% according to Nielsen Korea's nationwide aggregate. It ranked No. 1 in overall Saturday entertainment ratings for 8 consecutive weeks, and thanks to Kim Sang-hyuk's joining, the 2049 viewership rating also saw a significant increase. The highest rating was 8.9% during the scene where Park Seo-jin and his family praised and gifted Hyo-jung as part of their laughter therapy operation.
Recently, after gaining attention for a romantic connection with Ji Sang-ryeol, Shin Ji appeared as a special guest and introduced herself saying, “Oppa, can you kiss me? Ji Sang-ryeol's girl, Shin Ji.” To this, Park Seo-jin responded, “Welcome, sister-in-law,” instantly lightening the atmosphere.
Shin Ji then shared about her romantic connection with Ji Sang-ryeol on 'Salim Nam', stating, “I get asked a lot if we are really dating. Ji Sang-ryeol is a good person,” sparking curiosity about their relationship changes.
In the main VCR, Park Seo-jin embarked on a mission to find laughter for his younger sister Hyo-jung. He received a call from his worried mother and learned that Hyo-jung had been experiencing difficulties due to some customers at the dried fish store.
Hyo-jung, who often traveled between Incheon and Samcheok to take care of her family, shared in an interview with the production team, “There were customers who forced me to take off my mask, touched my sides or buttocks, or pinched me,” and cautiously revealed, “I accumulated wounds from people who cursed or spoke roughly, and eventually, it made me cry.”
Park Seo-jin, after unintentionally having a verbal dispute with Hyo-jung due to his clumsy way of expressing himself, confessed, “Seeing my family look like they were struggling because of me made me feel so sorry. I should have comforted them more warmly, but I end up blaming myself for not being able to express it better.”
He then carried out a 'laughter therapy operation' with his parents. His father wore a wig and performed an impromptu makeup show to lighten the mood, while his mother prepared a heartfelt meal filled with seafood. Park Seo-jin opened a laughter therapy class to convey his sincerity for Hyo-jung, and her previously stiff expression gradually softened, depicting a warm recovery among the family.
The story of Kim Sang-hyuk, the second main character from the group Click B, was also introduced. Kim Sang-hyuk, who was active in the original flower boy idol band Click B and has traversed both the music and entertainment industries, has now transformed into a passionate restaurant owner who even distributes flyers himself, drawing attention.
Currently living alone with his mother, Kim Sang-hyuk shared, “My father passed away when I was 11,” reminiscing about his father who died in a fall accident. His mother expressed, “Even if he is in a wheelchair, I just wish my husband was here. I miss the empty space,” shedding tears, and Kim Sang-hyuk also cried alongside her, saying, “I miss my father more when I have to face the world on my own.”
Having a 20-year hiatus due to a past scandal, Kim Sang-hyuk stated, “It was overwhelming to feel the opposite temperature after only receiving love,” but added, “I believe everything is a result of my actions, and I can't blame anyone else. I regretted a lot back then, and after accepting it, I thought I had to do what I could since I have my family.”
In the meantime, it was revealed that Kim Sang-hyuk's mother had to sell two houses worth tens of billions due to a scam that cost her about 2.3 billion won. She confessed that she was scammed by a boyfriend she dated after being widowed for over a decade. Kim Sang-hyuk explained, “He was someone I had even visited my deceased father's grave with, so I had no choice but to believe him. I even gave him a carnation on Parents' Day,” and calmly shared that they supported each other through tough times.
Kim Sang-hyuk also recalled the time in 2021 when he moved his father's remains, shedding tears again over his longing for his father. He expressed, “I must not cause my mother pain,” and shared, “I live with the motivation that I need to make my mother's remaining time comfortable.”
This episode of 'Salim Nam' conveyed a gentle emotion to viewers, blending sincerity towards family, regrets and overcoming the past, and a delightful sense of entertainment. 'Salim Nam' airs every Saturday night.
