'Choi Woo Su San' with 1% ratings seeks extension at Manisan

MBC's 'Choi Woo Su San,' unable to break the 1% viewership barrier, is coming to an end, making a final, desperate gamble for the program's survival in its series finale. In the final episode airing on the 9th at 6:05 PM, the cast is set to deliver a unique scene where they revisit their past glory and visit Manisan—the mountain where Dangun Wanggeom is said to have performed rituals—to pray for an extension.

"Please Save Us": The Cast's Final Struggle After Bowing in Apology for 1% Ratings

Not long ago, the members faced their poor viewership ratings head-on, bowing their heads in apology to the audience. When ratings dipped into the 1% range, the members called an emergency meeting and even engaged in self-deprecating humor by reading harsh negative comments, such as "This is the most boring show" or "I changed the channel because it was so dull." Jang Dong-min offered a sincere apology, stating, "I am deeply sorry to everyone who took precious time on a Sunday to watch MBC and 'Choi Woo Su San.' We five ignorant people have finally realized our mistake. Please, do not change the channel; please save us." This process was more than just a comedic bit; it was an attempt to transform their weakness—the low ratings—into a variety show device. In this final episode, they will convey a final message regarding the program's fate by praying for wishes at Manisan.

The cast lineup is equally impressive. Following Yoo Se-yoon, Jang Dong-min, Boom, and Yang Se-hyung—who were all nominees for the Grand Prize at last year's MBC Entertainment Awards—the addition of rising variety star Heo Kyung-hwan heightened expectations. Although the show managed to extend its run by seven episodes beyond the original plan, critics suggest that relying solely on nostalgia and buzz was not enough to drive ratings in the changing broadcasting landscape.

Recalling the Days of 40% Ratings for 'Hwasanggo'... The Quintet Returns as Their Prime Characters

The main highlight of the final episode is the members transforming into the characters that defined their respective primes to reminisce about the past. Yoo Se-yoon will trigger nostalgia as a returning student from 'Bongsunga Hakdang,' while Jang Dong-min will appear as the security guard from the same segment. Heo Kyung-hwan will recreate the "flower beggar" from 'Geoji-ui Pumgyeok' (The Dignity of a Beggar), and Boom will bring back his persona as a reporter from 'Section TV Entertainment News.' Yang Se-hyung will transform into a martial arts club student from 'Hwasanggo,' reviving catchphrases from that era.

In particular, Yang Se-hyung expressed pride by citing specific figures from his past glory. He revealed, "The 'Hwasanggo' segment recorded the highest minute-by-minute viewership for a stand-up comedy program, exceeding 40%," sharing an anecdote of how his popularity skyrocketed overnight. This creates a peculiar tension as the protagonists of the comedy heyday, who once commanded ratings of over 40%, now find themselves in a dramatic situation where they must fight for survival amidst 1% ratings. Meanwhile, Boom, who drew attention in a previous broadcast by introducing his eldest daughter Yoon-seo, is expected to continue his family stories in this episode with an anecdote involving his second daughter.

From Yoo Se-yoon to Yang Se-hyung: The Quintet Reunites as Their Prime Characters

This final episode will be filled with the members personally recreating the iconic characters that once made them stars. Yoo Se-yoon will appear as a returning student from 'Bongsunga Hakdang,' and Jang Dong-min will play the security guard from the same segment.

Heo Kyung-hwan will bring back the "flower beggar" from 'Geoji-ui Pumgyeok,' while Boom will recreate his days as a reporter for 'Section TV Entertainment News.' Yang Se-hyung will also transform into a martial arts club student from 'Hwasanggo' to recreate his past self.

Award History and the Record of 40% Viewership

The cast's variety show credentials are stellar. Yoo Se-yoon, Jang Dong-min, Boom, and Yang Se-hyung were all competitors for the Grand Prize at last year's MBC Entertainment Awards. Heo Kyung-hwan, also established as a major variety star, joined them in this lineup.

The segment 'Hwasanggo,' in which Yang Se-hyung previously appeared, gained massive popularity, recording a peak minute-by-minute viewership of over 40% during its run in the stand-up comedy era.