![Comedian Lee Yong-jin. [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/08/news-p.v1.20260608.7f54ee0c36194142811b6946a50856bf_P1.jpg)
It has belatedly come to light that comedian Lee Yong-jin was once an official cast member of "1 Night 2 Days" — seven years ago.
The Sunday episode of KBS2's "1 Night 2 Days Season 4" followed newly joined members Lee Yong-jin and Lee Gi-taek as they set off on their first trip with the show.
Lee Yong-jin shared the particular significance the show holds for him. He had appeared as an intern on "1 Night 2 Days Season 3" in late 2018, was selected as a full cast member in March 2019 and completed his first shoot.
The footage never made it to air. The program was canceled following Jung Joon-young's illegal filming scandal, and Lee's recorded segments were shelved along with it.
Fellow cast member Kim Jong-min recalled the episode, saying, "We had already done the first shoot, but when the season ended, that episode was pulled from broadcast."
Lee Yong-jin looked back on the failed debut, saying, "If it had aired back then, I might have been on the show all the way until now."
When cast member Din Din asked whether the episode had been a formal welcome party for him, Lee replied, "We rented an entire island for that — it was my special feature. Banners were hung all over the island, and my father called to say he was proud."
Kim Jong-min welcomed him back, saying, "Honestly, this spot was always meant to be yours." Moon Se-yun added, "Yong-jin ended up going to 'Zzannaetour' instead, but after all that time, we've finally ended up meeting here."
choigo@heraldcorp.com
