'Rude' Yang Sang-guk and 'Steady' Heo Kyung-hwan [★FOCUS]

*This content was translated by AI.

In the first half of 2026, the stock prices of two comedians, Heo Kyung-hwan and Yang Sang-guk, rose again. However, their paths appear to be diverging at present.

First, Heo Kyung-hwan re-entered the mainstream spotlight starting last July with a special episode of MBC's "What Do You Do When You're Bored?" (hereinafter "Nolmwo") titled "The Gathering of Unpopular People." His catchphrases accumulated since his days on "Gag Concert," such as "I'm doing it~," "Unbalanced~," "I'm anxious~," "I'm coming back to life," "I'm curious?", "Interest~ is high," and "Isn't this the taste?" were mimicked by members including Yoo Jae-suk, bringing great entertainment value. At the time, Heo Kyung-hwan was identified as the next candidate to fill the spot vacated by Lee Yi-kyung, who had been a fixed member before leaving.

Heo Kyung-hwan appeared in almost all episodes of "Nolmwo," including the "Comma, Club" episode, for about half a year, and in March, his name was listed on the portal site's cast information for "Nolmwo," announcing his status as a fixed member.

However, since becoming a fixed member on "Nolmwo," Heo Kyung-hwan has been seen standing behind new guests or occasionally slipping up on his gags, giving the impression that he is being more cautious in his activities. He steps forward only when Yoo Jae-suk or other members set the stage, raising the question of whether he is afraid of facing backlash after seizing an opportunity he hasn't had in a long time by acting rashly. However, if his overly passive attitude continues, it could become "no fun," suggesting he needs to show more momentum.

In contrast, Yang Sang-guk was re-examined in February during the "War Against Crime: The Era of Country Boys" episode of "Nolmwo," receiving praise from viewers for his confident responses that did not back down even from Yoo Jae-suk, as well as his rhythmic and deep dialect. Gaining the character "King Kim Se-wang," he also created a "Gyeongsang-do dialect chemistry" with Heo Kyung-hwan that entertained listeners, leading to frequent appearances on "Nolmwo" and creating an atmosphere suggesting he might become a fixed member.

However, Yang Sang-guk's popularity was short-lived, lasting only three days. Recently, after appearing on the web variety "Pinggeo-go" on the YouTube channel "Tteuntteun," he became embroiled in controversy over his words and actions. When co-appearance groom Nam Chang-hee stated, "I prepare breakfast for my wife who goes to work and see her off to the bus stop every day," Yang Sang-guk responded, "That's really dangerous," arguing that one should not be too accommodating. When Yoo Jae-suk took the same stance as Nam Chang-hee, Yang Sang-guk made provocative remarks such as, "I usually listen to Senior Yoo Jae-suk, but I don't think this is the case," and "Mr. Yoo Jae-suk, if you say it one more time, I'll scold you."

Following this, a flood of comments appeared on Yang Sang-guk's personal SNS, criticizing his remarks as "patriarchal and outdated." In response, Yang Sang-guk posted comments apologizing, saying, "I am sorry for causing you inconvenience," and "I will be more careful in the future." His outdated mindset and stubborn behavior had sparked public backlash.

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*This content was translated by AI.