'Lost 12kg on the mound' Kwak Beom takes on the half marathon: "Fighting for his life" [Earnest Bite]

*This content was translated by AI.

Comedian Kwak Beom, after participating in his first-ever half marathon, unleashes a non-stop stream of witty banter alongside a mukbang featuring 'frozen samgyeopsal'.

'Earnest Bite,' set to be released on the 30th, features MC Kim Ji-yoo taking on the role of pace maker for her close senior Kwak Beom, accompanying him to the race venue.

Before the race, when Kim Ji-yoo met Kwak Beom, she called him "Kkwak-jjanku" (a portmanteau of Kwak Beom and Ddu-jjanku), but could not help but marvel at his slimmed-down appearance, which was unrecognizable. Kwak Beom revealed that he had lost 12kg. Despite an insane schedule, he prepared for the marathon, stating, "I've been busy lately; if I hadn't been running, I would have gotten tired quickly," citing running as his secret to physical management. He then added, "Today's goal is to finish the 21km half marathon in under two hours," showing his firm determination.

Finally, Kwak Beom's first-ever half marathon challenge begins. Kim Ji-yoo, who started running alongside him, is flustered by the enormous speed gap between them. Even amidst the pain of her first marathon, Kim Ji-yoo, encouraged by the citizens, eventually hits her limit at the 5km mark and declares surrender, saying, "I ran with you because I wanted to help you finish, but it's not as easy as it looks," expressing her admiration.

Meanwhile, Kwak Beom quickly breaks through to the 10km mark, but suddenly stops at the 12km point due to a calf cramp. Vowing, "I must run even if my legs break," Kwak Beom starts running again, but soon complains of pain as cramps strike his legs repeatedly. In this sudden crisis, attention turns to whether he can achieve his goal of finishing within two hours.

After finally completing the half marathon race through many twists and turns, the earnest dish Kwak Beom shouts for is 'frozen samgyeopsal'. When Kim Ji-yoo asks, "Why did you choose frozen samgyeopsal instead of expensive meat?", Kwak Beom replies, "The 'frozen samgyeopsal' I ate after the marathon felt like it was absorbed at the cellular level," and heads straight to his favorite restaurant. Kwak Beom says, "This is one of Seoul's top three frozen samgyeopsal spots," and adds, "I came here every day whenever I had meetings," unable to hide his anticipation.

Finally tasting the long-awaited 'Earnest Bite', Kwak Beom exclaims, "My back is pulling. This is why I live," repeatedly marveling and enjoying a perfect dopamine party. Kwak Beom and Kim Ji-yoo showcase their witty banter, possible only between close friends, alongside a delicious 'frozen samgyeopsal' mukbang. Kwak Beom confesses, "When 'Gag Concert' ended and the future was uncertain, I let go of life," and when he shows a photo from that time, Kim Ji-yoo delivers a sharp remark, saying, "You look 15 years older than you do now." When Kim Ji-yoo asks, "When do you feel your popularity these days?", Kwak Beom answers, "In the past, people just greeted me, but now they ask for photos," revealing an awkward episode where he was mistaken for actor Park Bo-gum at the Han River, making the burst into laughter.

Regarding his sincere reason for running, Kwak Beom says, "Just being nominated for the Baeksang Arts Awards was a major goal achieved in my life, and I have no more desire for awards." He confesses, "When goals disappear and I feel empty, signing up for a marathon creates a short-term goal," but then teases Kim Ji-yoo, "You chased me like a ghost and pushed too hard in the early stages," showcasing their witty chemistry and eliciting laughter.

Meanwhile, Kwak Beom reveals that he is overcoming the crisis of burnout caused by an insane schedule with his unique mindset. Kwak Beom says, "Senior Lee Yong-jin told me, 'Comedians are replaced the moment they leave their post.' Hearing that, I told myself, 'What kind of burnout could I possibly have?'" pointing out the harsh reality. He also explains his reason for consistently operating a comedy channel with his own funds: "Even though I get criticized and run a deficit, I took the public recruitment exam and became a comedian to do comedy," expressing his burning sincerity for comedy. He adds, "I just want to do my best to make people laugh at any place that invites me, and I want to be a small happiness for someone who has a hard day," conveying his firm belief as a comedian and moving the audience.

Meanwhile, Kwak Beom, famous as a 'daughter doting father', also shares a humorous confession of love for his family. He proudly mentions that his eldest daughter was cast on the street and that his second daughter scored 100 points on a test. During actual filming, when his daughter called and asked him to make a reservation at a hair salon on her behalf, he readily agreed. Kim Ji-yoo, moved by Kwak Beom's deep love for his family, jokingly requests to be self-adopted, causing laughter.

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*This content was translated by AI.