Actor Yoo Seon-ho has officially left KBS2 variety show 2 Days & 1 Night Season 4, receiving an emotional send-off from the members and production staff.
The May 31 broadcast of 2 Days & 1 Night Season 4 followed Yoo Seon-ho on his final trip. Members Kim Jong-min, Moon Se-yoon, DinDin, and Lee Joon, along with the crew, prepared a surprise party for the youngest member who spent 3 years and 6 months with them.
The members secretly carried out a mission without Yoo knowing: take photos with him as the background while holding handwritten letters. When the car trunk was opened, it was filled with snapshots of their memories and heartfelt notes written by the members. Caught off guard, Yoo murmured, "What am I supposed to do with this?"—stunned at first, then quickly getting teary-eyed.
One by one, the members read their letters, pouring love on their maknae. Kim Jong-min said, "Our time together was far more precious than I realized. I will cherish your kind, pure heart for life. You're the best maknae." Moon Se-yoon kept his trademark humor but spoke from the heart: "This is the highest of high praise. I've never said this to anyone," adding, "I love you more than kimchi-jjigae," bringing both laughs and tears. Lee Joon also shared, "Thanks to our bright and positive dongsaeng Seon-ho, our trips together were truly happy."
The one who cried the hardest was DinDin. He read, "You were a gift to us, and the more we saw you, the more we realized you're a rare treasure these days. You're family we'll be with forever." He continued, "You worked so hard, and I love you more than anyone. Looking back, I have so many regrets. I'll make it up to you in life. I hope you keep shining just like now," before breaking down in tears. Yoo Seon-ho warmly hugged DinDin as both of them grew misty-eyed.
Yoo Seon-ho said, "I had so much fun and was truly happy. When else will I get to travel the country every week with you all?" He added, "The trips on the show have ended, but I've gained dependable brothers for life, and I'm so happy and grateful for that." Moon Se-yoon left a final request for the departing maknae: "If anything tough happens—anything at all—please call me first."
The production team also struggled to hide their sadness. PD Joo Jong-hyun said, "It turns out it's been three and a half years. Since we saw each other every two weeks, you were always there, so I didn't realize it, but it was such a joyful time working together. I look forward to Yoo Seon-ho's future," tearing up as well.
Yoo responded, "I'm truly grateful to the hyungs and the production team. I'm not usually good at remembering staff names, but since we met every two weeks, we've grown so close that just seeing your faces makes me smile. Thank you for being with me all this time."
Meanwhile, actor Lee Ki-taek will join as Yoo's replacement. According to the producers, Lee made a strong impression in his pre-interview with his unfiltered honesty and quirky charm, raising anticipation for the new maknae's performance.