[Background]: 'Dolsing' Title Barely Off… Lee Sang-min, the End of a Happy Facade?
Lee Sang-min, a member of 'Roo'ra,' captivated the 90s music scene. After experiencing business failures and the pain of divorce, he successfully rebuilt his career with the character 'Gungsangmin' (miserly Lee Sang-min), appearing on various entertainment programs. In particular, SBS's 'My Little Old Boy' (hereinafter 'My Little Old Boy') garnered sympathy and empathy from viewers by revealing his frugal daily life. Later, he announced his remarriage through 'Dolsing Fourmen' and temporarily left 'My Little Old Boy,' seemingly enjoying a happy married life. However, the news of his return to 'My Little Old Boy' after only a year of remarriage has raised questions about his marriage. The public perceives his return to 'My Little Old Boy' not as a simple resumption of broadcasting activities, but as a signal of a crisis in his marriage. Whether he will overcome past failures and be labeled 'Dolsing' again, or maintain a happy married life and show a new side of himself on 'My Little Old Boy,' remains to be seen.
[Current Situation]: 'My Little Old Boy' Return Amplifies Separation Rumors… Even Choi Jin-hyuk Confesses Cryptocurrency Investment Failure
On March 30, 2026, local time, news of Lee Sang-min's return to 'My Little Old Boy' was reported by major media outlets. SBS stated in an official press release, "Lee Sang-min will appear on 'My Little Old Boy' after a long time, showing a different side of himself than before." However, there was no mention of the specific reason for his return or his married life. This silence is only amplifying public curiosity and suspicion. Online communities and social media are rife with unconfirmed rumors and speculations such as, "Did Lee Sang-min already get divorced?", "His remarriage life doesn't seem smooth," and "His return to 'My Little Old Boy' is a signal of a sham divorce." In particular, doubts are growing about his actions, which are contrary to the happy newlywed life he showed on 'Dolsing Fourmen' in the past. Meanwhile, in this 'My Little Old Boy' broadcast, actor Choi Jin-hyuk will confess his cryptocurrency investment failure. He reportedly suffered significant losses after investing in the recent volatile cryptocurrency market. The exact amount of the loss has not been disclosed, but it is estimated to be substantial. In addition, Im Won-hee and Heo Kyung-hwan will visit a fortune teller to have their fortunes read and share stories about their destinies. The results of their fortune-telling will be revealed through the broadcast and are expected to stimulate viewers' interest.
[Multi-faceted Analysis]: 'My Little Old Boy' Return, Meaning Beyond Broadcasting… The Dilemma of Marriage, Divorce, and Reality Shows
Lee Sang-min's return to 'My Little Old Boy' has a meaning beyond a simple broadcast return. This can be seen as an event that reveals the fundamental dilemma of reality shows. Reality shows claim to show the lives of performers without embellishment, but ultimately create a specific image through editing and directing. Lee Sang-min gained popularity through 'My Little Old Boy' by building the character 'Gungsangmin,' but this may be somewhat different from his actual life. His return to 'My Little Old Boy' after leaving after remarriage may be a strategy by the broadcasting company to reuse the 'Gungsangmin' character. However, this may cast doubt on the sincerity of his marriage and disappoint viewers. In addition, Choi Jin-hyuk's confession of cryptocurrency investment failure may spark a discussion about the social impact of celebrities' investment failures. Investment failures by celebrities can instill incorrect investment perceptions in the public, especially negatively affecting adolescents. Criticisms can also be raised that Im Won-hee and Heo Kyung-hwan's fortune-telling may encourage blind faith in superstition. This is why there are calls for 'My Little Old Boy' to go beyond being a simple entertainment program and take on social responsibility. Culture critic Kim Min-ji criticized, "Lee Sang-min's return to 'My Little Old Boy' is a prime example of showing the illusion of reality shows," and "Broadcasting companies tend to excessively consume the private lives of performers for ratings, which can leave great scars on the performers." She also emphasized, "Choi Jin-hyuk's confession of cryptocurrency investment failure should raise awareness of the investment behavior of celebrities."
[Future Prospects]: Will 'My Little Old Boy' Reflect a Bitter Reality… What Will Lee Sang-min Choose?
Lee Sang-min's return to 'My Little Old Boy' is expected to have a significant impact on his future entertainment activities. If his marriage is actually in crisis, 'My Little Old Boy' could be a stage to honestly reveal his pain. However, this could further damage his image and lose public sympathy. Conversely, if his marriage is smooth, 'My Little Old Boy' could be an opportunity to show his happy side. However, this means abandoning the 'Gungsangmin' character, which could negatively affect his popularity. In the end, Lee Sang-min will have to carefully decide what to show on 'My Little Old Boy.' In addition, 'My Little Old Boy' will have to think more about how to deal with the private lives of performers in the future. Rather than commercially exploiting the pain of performers, they should show a 모습 that truly comforts and empathizes with them. It is expected that social monitoring of the investment behavior of celebrities will be strengthened through Choi Jin-hyuk's cryptocurrency investment failure case. Financial authorities are expected to strengthen regulations on investment advertisements by celebrities and expand investment education. Im Won-hee and Heo Kyung-hwan's fortune-telling can serve as an opportunity to spread a critical view of superstition. The education system should be improved to cultivate scientific thinking and make rational decisions. 'My Little Old Boy' should evolve into a platform that delivers social messages beyond a simple entertainment program. Viewers should be able to gain not only laughter and emotion through 'My Little Old Boy,' but also reflection and contemplation on social issues.
