In the fast-paced world of Korean entertainment, few friendships are as enduring- or as hilariously rooted in a “rocky” start- as the one between legendary comedian Park Myung Soo and global superstar IU.
On April 5, 2026, fans were treated to a trip down memory lane during the latest episode of the popular YouTube show Pinggyego.
Host Yoo Jae Suk, alongside guests IU and Byeon Woo Seok, revisited a moment from nearly two decades ago that has defined the dynamic between the comedian and the singer ever since.
The story serves as a testament to IU’s unshakable confidence even as a teenager and Park Myung Soo’s surprisingly soft heart beneath his “grumpy” television persona.
A Harsh First Encounter on the Set of Infinite Challenge
The tension began in 2009 during the height of the Infinite Challenge “Duet Song Festival.” At the time, Park Myung Soo had achieved a massive hit with the song “Naengmyeon,” originally performed with Girls’ Generation’s Jessica.
However, when a follow-up performance was scheduled for a 2010 “guerrilla concert,” Jessica was unable to attend due to her grueling idol schedule.
A then-rookie IU, only 17 years old and still relatively unknown to the general public, was brought in as a last-minute replacement to sing Jessica’s parts.
Yoo Jae Suk vividly recalled Park Myung Soo’s less-than-welcoming reaction to the young singer.
According to the “Nation’s MC,” Park Myung Soo was visibly frustrated by the change, reportedly shouting, “Who is that? Bring Jessica! Bring Jessica!”
While such a confrontation could have easily devastated a young artist, Yoo Jae Suk was stunned by IU’s composure. He noted,
“When I looked at IU, she just had this expression like, ‘Yeah, whatever. It happens.’ And she didn’t lose her confidence at all.”
IU confirmed this on Pinggyego, admitting that even at that age, she was not the type to get discouraged or easily shaken by a senior’s outburst.
The Annual Tradition of “I’m Sorry”
Since that fateful day in 2010, Park Myung Soo’s guilt has apparently never subsided. IU revealed that for every single year of their friendship, the comedian has felt the need to apologize for his initial rudeness.
“He’s been apologizing for nearly 20 years now,” IU shared with a smile, emphasizing that this recurring apology has actually become a endearing staple of their relationship.
Despite his often-blunt variety show character, IU defended his character, stating,
“Park Myung Soo is such a kind person.”
The transformation of their relationship from a “rocky” start to a close-knit bond is well-documented, with the two later collaborating on the massive 2015 hit “Leon” for another Infinite Challenge festival.
Their chemistry on Pinggyego highlighted how the power dynamics have shifted over two decades; while the 17-year-old IU was once the “replacement” singer, she is now a titan of the industry who views her senior’s long-term apology with playful affection.
As Yoo Jae Suk summarized, the moment stayed with him because it revealed IU’s true nature early on, while Park Myung Soo’s inability to let the slight go proves that his “mean” persona is often just for the cameras.
For fans, the story is a heartwarming reminder that some of the best friendships in the industry start with a misunderstanding and end with twenty years of mutual respect.
