Lee Yong-jin and Shin Gi-ru Deliver Hilarious Chemistry on SBS's 'Ani Geunde Jinjja!'

SBS's hit variety show Ani Geunde Jinjja! (translated as No But Really!) delivered a memorably entertaining episode on March 2, as comedian Lee Yong-jin took center stage as a guest alongside his longtime friend and fellow comedienne Shin Gi-ru. The episode featured candid revelations, playful banter, and a surprising throwback photo that left both the cast and viewers in stitches.

Lee Yong-jin's Hilarious Confessions

Lee Yong-jin made his entrance on the show's signature "prison" set, where host Tak Jae-hoon and the panel wasted no time grilling him. When a photo from his 27-year-old days was unveiled, Lee jokingly declared, "I looked like a yakuza back then," prompting Tak Jae-hoon to tease him about being voted the most desirable comedian to marry among female comedians.

Rather than shy away from the topic, Lee leaned into it with characteristic confidence. He revealed that informal popularity polls during group dinners consistently placed him at number one, calling himself "the winner of unpopularity popularity votes." Fellow cast member Kai quipped, "Even K-pop idols wouldn't brag this boldly — this is peak audacity," sending the studio into fits of laughter.

A Private Love Story

The conversation took a more personal turn when the hosts pressed Lee about his famously secretive wedding. He explained that keeping his marriage private was a mutual decision with his family, firmly stating that he does not take questions about his personal life on broadcast. Still, he offered a rare glimpse into his relationship, sharing that he met his wife through a blind date and that they have been together for 15 years. "I'm the loyal type — I don't break things off easily," he added with a smile.

Lee also mentioned that during a past appearance on Radio Star, he had prepared to share his love story on air, but the entire segment was edited out, drawing sympathetic laughs from the panel.

The Dynamic Between Lee Yong-jin and Shin Gi-ru

The episode's biggest highlight came when Shin Gi-ru arrived as Lee's special visitor. When asked about the nature of their 20-year friendship, Shin boldly proclaimed their relationship was "between love and friendship — more like flirting beyond love." Lee immediately fired back with dramatic flair: "I'd rather wear a prison uniform and be electrocuted than admit I have feelings for her."

Despite the comedic deflection, Lee praised Shin's unique humor, saying he especially loved her signature "tall-tale comedy" style. He recalled their first meeting at a comedy club, noting that her deadpan delivery of absurd claims had him hooked from the start. When Shin proposed a romantic two-night, three-day overseas trip together, Lee shut it down swiftly, saying, "The only trip we're taking is to the afterlife."

A Surprise Throwback Photo

The episode's most endearing moment arrived when Shin Gi-ru's middle school photo was revealed. Looking back at her 16-year-old self, Shin shared that she weighed 90 kilograms at the time. The cast members unanimously agreed the photo was adorable, with several expressing genuine surprise at the transformation. The lighthearted reveal added a warm, nostalgic touch to an episode packed with sharp wit and genuine camaraderie between two of Korea's most beloved comedians.

Ani Geunde Jinjja! continues to air on SBS, solidifying its reputation as one of South Korea's premier talk-variety programs.