'Happy Together — Better Together' premieres July 10

[Provided by KBS]
[Provided by KBS]

Anticipation is running high for the return of "Happy Together," one of KBS's longest-running talk variety shows, after the network confirmed the program will make its comeback after a six-year hiatus.

KBS announced that "Happy Together — Better Together" will premiere July 10 at 8:30 p.m. The show, which aired from 2001 to 2020, returns after a six-year absence as one of the network's most storied variety franchises.

Over its original run, "Happy Together" evolved through numerous format changes to become a beloved national talk show, producing countless memorable moments and star appearances. The program won a wide audience with its relaxed atmosphere, in which hosts and guests exchanged candid stories and sharp wit.

The revived show will be hosted by a trio already being dubbed the "horn-rimmed glasses trio" — Yoo Jae-suk, the program's signature MC; director Jang Hang-jun, whose film The King's Warden crossed the 10-million admissions mark; and music veteran Yoon Jong-shin. The new "Happy Together" is billed as a storytelling music audition in which "Yoo Jae-suk listens to people, Jang Hang-jun listens to stories, and Yoon Jong-shin listens to music," as the three hosts meet a range of guests they describe as "life teammates."

Alongside the revival announcement, attention is also turning to a preview the show plans to release on its official YouTube channel on July 13. Titled "The Man Who Lives with Happy Together: Horn-Rimmed Glasses Trio — First Look, Episode 0," the clip will feature the three hosts — Yoo, Jang and Yoon — in unscripted conversation among close friends.

In the preview, Yoon Jong-shin jokes about Jang Hang-jun's rising profile following The King's Warden's box-office success. "I used to be known as 'singer Yoon Jong-shin,' but lately I've become 'Jang Hang-jun's best friend,'" Yoon said. Yoo Jae-suk piled on, saying, "You carry a different kind of weight now," prompting Jang to puff out his chest and declare, "Don't give up, everyone. If you keep trying to the end, you can make it" — drawing laughter from those present.

Relishing the admiration, Jang kept the jokes coming with a string of self-styled words of wisdom. "You've probably felt it too, but when you shoot up like that — there comes a moment when this just becomes your everyday life," he said. He also picked up the tab for drinks and food for the entire crew, a gesture the show described as "a maestro's generosity."

"Happy Together — Better Together" premieres on KBS2 on July 10 at 8:30 p.m.


balme@heraldcorp.com