LUCY’s Leader Outed as K-Pop’s Ultimate Penny-Pincher

LUCY’s leader Choi Sangyeop just gave fans the most entertaining variety show moment of the week — by completely exposing his bandmates on national television. Appearing on KBS’s beloved music show Immortal Songs, Choi Sangyeop unleashed a series of hilarious revelations about life inside the band that left both the studio audience and his fellow LUCY members scrambling.

The segment quickly went viral as Choi Sangyeop painted a picture of himself as arguably K-pop’s most dedicated penny-pincher — a title he seemed to wear with a mix of pride and sheepish acknowledgment.

The Meat Incident and Other Bandmate Betrayals

The headline-grabbing moment came when LUCY members turned the tables on their leader, revealing that Choi Sangyeop habitually skips group meals when meat is involved. The accusation, delivered with the kind of dramatic flair only bandmates can muster, was captured in the now-viral quote: everyone eats meat except me. The studio erupted as the members piled on with additional examples of their leader’s legendary frugality.

But Choi Sangyeop was far from a passive target. He fired back with his own exposures of LUCY member behavior, creating a back-and-forth exchange that had the show’s hosts barely able to keep the segment on track. The mutual roasting revealed the kind of genuine, unfiltered group chemistry that variety show producers dream about.

Choi Sangyeop also proudly detailed his cost-cutting lifestyle habits that have apparently become legendary within the entertainment industry. He shared that he refuses to take a car for any distance under five kilometers, opting instead for his bicycle or simply running to his destination. The revelation drew both admiration and disbelief from the show’s panel.

Kim Jong-kook Birthday Gift Gate

Perhaps the most endearing anecdote involved veteran entertainer Kim Jong-kook. When asked about gift-giving traditions with industry seniors, Choi Sangyeop cheerfully admitted that for Kim Jong-kook’s birthday, he had sent nothing more than a congratulatory video message — no physical gift, no dinner, just a self-recorded clip. The confession was met with a wave of laughter, with hosts noting the boldness of sending a DIY video to one of Korea’s most famous entertainers.

The moment perfectly encapsulated what has made Choi Sangyeop a rising variety star: an ability to turn potentially awkward personal habits into genuinely entertaining television. His complete lack of embarrassment about his frugal ways, combined with his natural comedic timing, transformed what could have been a simple guest appearance into one of the show’s most memorable segments.

LUCY Beyond the Laughs

The Immortal Songs appearance comes at an important time for LUCY, who have been steadily building their reputation as one of K-pop’s most versatile bands. Known for their unique blend of violin-driven pop rock, the four-member group has carved out a distinctive niche in an industry dominated by traditional idol formats.

Choi Sangyeop’s variety show charisma adds another dimension to the group’s public profile. While their musical performances showcase technical skill and artistic ambition, moments like the Immortal Songs segment reveal the human, relatable side that helps artists build lasting connections with broader audiences beyond their core fandom.

For LUCY fans and variety show enthusiasts alike, the episode served as a reminder that some of the best entertainment comes from artists simply being themselves — frugality, meat-skipping habits, and DIY birthday videos included.