“Anything for Popularity!” ‘How Do You Play?’ ‘Insamo’ Members' Hilarious Efforts Boost Ratings

MBC's entertainment program ‘How Do You Play?’ delivered laughter with the members of the ‘Association of Unpopular People’ (Insamo) going to great lengths for popularity.

Last November 22nd, the broadcast featured the second meeting of the ‘Insamo’ members. Following last week's shocking popularity ranking reveal, the members' desperate attempts to win over the 'couch producers' captivated viewers at home. The episode solidified ‘Insamo’s hot topic status by topping Saturday variety show ratings for the 2049 demographic. The 2049 viewership rating recorded 2.3%, with the Seoul metropolitan area household rating at 4.3%. The best minute was Jung Joon-ha’s ‘Human Balloon Show,’ soaring to 5.2% viewership.

The show kicked off with the members making grand entrances reminiscent of an airport runway, a crucial step for aspiring stars. They then took their seats according to last week's rankings, engaging in playful rivalry. Notably, it was revealed that Choi Hong-man brought his 'potential girlfriend' to the set just to see Yoo Jae-suk, surprising everyone.

The first week's popularity ranking announcement brought a dramatic twist. Kim Gwang-gyu, who ranked first last week, dropped to third place, while Tukutz, who was last, surged to first, astonishing everyone. Choi Hong-man (9th) and Han Sang-jin (8th) were visibly shocked. Tukutz commented, "Everything happens for a reason," while Mithra Jin humorously teased, "The world has changed. Tukutz is number one…"

Members disappointed by their rankings showcased their charms in unique ways. Huh Kyung-hwan performed a 'height-instant-deletion show' when his height-increasing shoes slipped off during a jiu-jitsu demonstration. Kim Gwang-kyu changed his song to BLACKPINK's 'DDU-DU DDU-DU' and charmed the audience with 'babbling' antics during his performance. Choi Hong-man presented an 'MZ-tailored optical illusion magic,' and Hyun Bong-sik became the 'Human Metronome.' Haha’s basketball trick shot missed wildly, while Jung Joon-ha put on a passionate 'Human Balloon Show.' Han Sang-jin attempted an idol dance but ended up performing an 'uncle dance,' drawing bursts of laughter.

Meanwhile, the preview for the next episode shows Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, and Joo Woo-jae visiting the National Museum of Korea with Huh Kyung-hwan to honor the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, raising anticipation. ‘How Do You Play?’ airs every Saturday at 6:30 PM KST.

Netizens reacted enthusiastically to the members' all-out efforts, commenting things like, "I cried from laughing so hard," "I love this kind of variety show," and "I have to watch next week too."