WOODZ opens up about a difficult time after his father’s death “Felt like only a shell was left” (You Quiz) - 스포츠경향

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A special themed ‘Breaking Through the Odds’ unfolds on tvN ‘You Quiz on the Block’.

Today (the 11th, Wed) at 8:45 p.m., episode 334 of ‘You Quiz on the Block (directed by Heo Kang-seok and Kim Ji-young, written by Lee Eon-ju)’ features Venerable Hosan, who nurtured Korean snowboard medalists; singer WOODZ, who created a reverse-charting legend with a song sung during military service; brain scientist Professor Kim Dae-shik, who researches AI; and actor Lee Dong-hwi, a scene-stealer brimming with individuality in every project.

The face of the reverse-charting syndrome, singer WOODZ (Cho Seung-yeon), also sits down with Yoo Jae-suk to share stories heard nowhere else. Returning with a short haircut alongside his first full-length album, WOODZ reveals the behind-the-scenes of achieving a reverse hit with his self-composed stage for ‘Drowning’ during military service. Along with the reflection, “I never imagined it would change my life,” he turns up the heat with an on-the-spot a cappella live of ‘Drowning’ and a dance time. The growth story of WOODZ, now in his 12th year since debut, is unveiled as wellfrom his days as a soccer prospect who left for Brazil at 14, to taking on some 50 auditions in pursuit of a singer’s dream, and even his three years as a YG trainee, told with candor.

He also shares how, even after finally achieving his dream of debut, he had to endure an abrupt halt to activities, and how he faced rock bottom with the passing of his father. Recalling that time as “it felt like only a shell was left,” WOODZ tells how he received the news that his father had passed away abroad and personally carried the urn back home. Along with this comes an unexpected behind-the-scenes story of appearing on ‘Show Me the Money 5’ and the single remark from his mother that held him back when he was contemplating giving up on singing. After enduring a long stretch like the ‘10,000-Hour Rule,’ WOODZ reached a brilliant peak with ‘Drowning’a candid tale viewers will hear.

Venerable Hosan, head monk of Bongseonsa who has supported Korean snowboard medalists for 23 years from behind the scenes, visits ‘You Quiz’. Called a spiritual pillar for national team snowboarders such as Choi Ga-on, Kim Sang-gyeom, Yoo Seung-eun, and Lee Chae-woon, he shares how he entered the world of snowboarding with five ski resort season passes he happened to receive, and the background behind launching the ‘Dharma Cup Snowboard Competition’ in 2003 and continuing it for 23 years. The episode includes how athletes who, as ‘Dharma Kids,’ competed in the event when young grew into medalists, as well as a moving moment when the athletes themselves hang medals around his neck. Even amid a double life(?) shuttling between the temple and the slopes, he reveals his unique habits to keep his monastic focus, and adds interest with the story of the ‘championship prayer beads’ he personally made for LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop.

The story of Professor Kim Dae-shik, a brain scientist who has researched AI for more than 20 years, is also revealed. Looking back from the DOS, mobile phone, and Windows eras to today, Professor Kim explores how to survive amid the rapid rise of AI while laying bare the truths and falsehoods within the AI boom, sparking curiosity. He addresses the impact of AI on jobs and even offers the shocking outlook that serious conversations between people could disappear. He also reveals the existence of an ‘AI-only group chat’ and chilling exchanges between AIs that outwit scientists; hearing this, Yoo Jae-suk cannot hide his surprise, saying, “Is that not something out of a movie?” A ‘You Quiz’ concept game completed in ten minutes through AI-enabled vibe coding will also be unveiled for the first time. Viewers will further learn why Professor Kim always uses honorifics with AI and his original insights for living through the chaotic AI era.

Audiences will also meet actor Lee Dong-hwi, a scene-stealer with an irreplaceable presence. Active as the new ‘button-pusher’ for Yoo Jae-suk, Lee reveals the behind-the-scenes of the much-discussed ‘Pumba look’ and offers his first on-air clarification. Although he and Yoo Jae-suk are alumni of the Seoul Institute of the Arts, Lee graduated on his own, and his varied episodes add interest. He candidly recounts having a so-called ‘artsy illness(?)’ as a college student, graduating after seven years and drafting a written pledge with his father, and his struggles as a bit-part actor before debut, handing out his profile and hustling for roles. In particular, he confesses, “Even if you send 200 profiles, you get fewer than eight auditions,” and shares how he once burst into tears listening to the song ‘As You Say’ by Yoo Jae-suk at the time.

The behind-the-scenes of Lee Dong-hwi, who remained a legend in the audition world after countless tryouts, also draws attention. He shares how, at the audition for the drama ‘Reply 1988,’ he joined the project of his life through effort, showcasing voice impressions and dance, as well as the special bond he feels toward his Ssangmun-dong friends. He also reveals how he joined MSG Wannabe and even took the music show stage, along with his special feelings toward Yoo Jae-suk. From the big screen, where his performances in ‘Veteran,’ ‘Crime City 4,’ and ‘Extreme Job’ put his name among triple ten-million actors, to the behind-the-scenes of the new work ‘Method Acting,’ in which he participated both as cast and producer, there is much to hear. Viewers will also see his special love for family and the story that brought Lee Dong-hwi to tears.

tvN ‘You Quiz on the Block’ airs every Wednesday at 8:45 p.m.