On July 27, SBS’s popular variety show My Little Old Boy aired footage from Kim Jun-ho and Kim Ji-min’s recent wedding, sparking backlash from viewers questioning whether the program has lost its original intent.
The lavish wedding, held at the Grand InterContinental Parnas Hotel in Seoul on July 13, drew over 1,200 guests. Notable celebrities such as Shin Dong-yup, Seo Jang-hoon, Kim Jong-kook, Kwon Sang-woo, Yoo Ji-tae, Yoo Jae-suk and Cha Tae-hyun attended. Singers Gummy and Byun Jin-sub performed congratulatory songs, while Lee Sang-min hosted the event.
Seo Jang-hoon humorously commented on the scale of the event “It must be the largest remarriage ceremony in Korean history” and praised Kim Jun-ho as “Asia’s top groom”. During the ceremony, Kim Jun-ho affectionately promised his bride, “I’ll grant all your wishes. I’m your genie now.” Kim Ji-min’s mother also moved many with her heartfelt congratulatory speech.
Despite being newly married, both Kim Jun-ho and Lee Sang-min remain on the show, which originally focused on unmarried middle-aged men. Lee Sang-min, in particular, drew sharp criticism earlier this month after a segment aired showing him and his 10-year-younger wife visiting a fertility clinic. The episode detailed sensitive medical information such as ovarian age, sperm motility and implantation success rates, raising privacy concerns among viewers.
Lee Sang-min also continues to feature prominently on the show, recently assisting Bae Jung-nam during Paris Fashion Week in a “one-day manager” role.
Frustrated viewers have taken to online platforms to voice their displeasure, “They’re married now, so why are Kim Jun-ho and Lee Sang-min still on the show?”, “Next week will probably feature their honeymoon… they’ve milked this too much” and “Even bone broth isn’t boiled this long.”
Many have called for a return to the show’s original format, “I want to watch single middle-aged men, like before” and “There should be rules—if you get married, step away from a show centered on the single life.” Some criticized the continued participation of married cast members in what was essentially a singles’ concept, saying, “Stop making excuses to stay on a show that’s no longer meant for you.”
Originally launched in 2017, “My Little Old Boy” was designed as an observational reality program documenting the daily lives of single, never-married men, with commentary from their mothers. The core concept—watching the struggles of “mama’s boys” navigating single life—resonated with viewers.
However, over time, the program’s scope has expanded to include dating, marriage, and even fertility journeys. With figures like Kim Jun-ho and Lee Sang-min staying on post-marriage, concerns are mounting that the show has lost its unique identity.
Now, many viewers are calling on the show to return to its original roots and introduce fresh cast members to revive the format. The fate of married cast members has become a pressing issue that “My Little Old Boy” must address to maintain its relevance and viewer trust.
Daum
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