K-SNAPP

Yoo Ji-tae Credits 'You Quiz on the Block' For 'The King's Warden' Box Office Boom

The unbelievably humble 28-year veteran star

Yoo Ji-tae, You Quiz on the Block, Yoo Jae-suk, Jang Hang-jun, The King's Warden, Han Myeong-hoe, 10 Million Admissions
Photo: tvN 'You Quiz on the Block'

Actor Yoo Ji-tae is set to appear on tvN variety show You Quiz on the Block (hereafter 'You Quiz'), where he opens up about behind-the-scenes stories from the film The King's Warden and reflects on his acting career.

On the March 25 broadcast of 'You Quiz,' Yoo Ji-tae—who clinched the coveted 'ten-million actor' title 28 years after his debut—shares a range of stories tied to the project. Playing the villain Han Myeong-hoe in The King's Warden, he delivered a commanding presence that helped propel the film's blockbuster success.

Yoo Ji-tae jokes, "Maybe the movie crossing ten million was thanks to 'You Quiz'," serving up his trademark good humor and drawing laughs. In reality, the film attracted over 14.9 million moviegoers, placing it among the highest-grossing Korean films of all time.

The episode also reveals how Yoo Ji-tae built the character of Han Myeong-hoe—from the intense charisma to the grit behind it. He candidly shares the toll of gaining weight for the role, including bouts of hyperlipidemia, acute gastritis, and colitis, laying bare the hardships he faced as an actor.

Viewers will also see fresh behind-the-scenes stories involving director Jang Hang-jun. Along with Jang's surprise interview, the show dives into acting anecdotes from the pivotal confrontation scene with King Danjong, even unveiling an on-the-spot acting cut.

As a 28-year veteran, Yoo Ji-tae further discusses his acting philosophy and family life. He also revisits his melodramatic side as the actor behind the iconic line, "How does love change?"

Currently a professor in Konkuk University's Department of Media Acting, Yoo Ji-tae plans to share heartfelt advice for his juniors. He also opens up about being raised by a single mother, which sparked his interest in social welfare, adding a deeply moving note.

Meanwhile, 'You Quiz' airs at 8:45 p.m. KST today.