Comedian Im Woo-il's Mother Steals the Show on 'How Do You Play?'

In the latest episode of MBC's variety show How Do You Play? (놀면 뭐하니?), comedian Im Woo-il's mother made a memorable appearance that had viewers laughing. The episode aired on March 29, 2025, and featured a segment titled 'My Friend's Table,' where hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Ha Ha visited Im Woo-il's family home.

The third restaurant recommended by Im Woo-il turned out to be his own home, which left Yoo Jae-suk and Ha Ha feeling a bit nervous as they were greeted by a motherly figure. Upon seeing a photo of Im Woo-il in the house, they were surprised and bowed in respect, with Yoo Jae-suk jokingly expressing concern about arriving empty-handed. However, Im Woo-il's mother cheerfully reassured them, saying, "I invited you here."

She shyly introduced her homemade kimbap, which, despite her modesty, is well-known among Im Woo-il's fellow comedians for its deliciousness. Im Woo-il added to the excitement by claiming, "This kimbap is unlike any other."

This was Im Woo-il's mother's first time on television, and she showcased a delightful sense of humor. When Im Woo-il noticed a small whiteboard in her home listing the broadcast schedule, he was touched, thinking she had been keeping track of his appearances. However, she humorously clarified, "No, I don’t watch dramas. I just wrote down the times for shows like 'If You Don’t Fight, It’s a Blessing.'" This revelation sent everyone into fits of laughter.

Yoo Jae-suk and Ha Ha teased Im Woo-il, saying, "Why are you trying to create a forced emotional moment?" Meanwhile, Im Woo-il feigned hurt, claiming he was genuinely moved by his mother's schedule.

Im Woo-il also shared how his mother had moved multiple times to support his education, which led to her revealing, "It’s not that I was diligent; it’s that he didn’t study well." She recounted how she had even set up a study room with permission from the education office, only for Im Woo-il to decide he needed to retake his exams. This prompted her to sell their house and move closer to a tutoring center, which surprised everyone.

The special kimbap she prepared was a unique 'Vietnamese Spring Roll Kimbap,' featuring boiled pork, a special sauce, and a generous amount of vegetables, all wrapped in seaweed, offering a delicious twist.

Throughout the meal, Im Woo-il's mother’s affection for her broadcast schedule continued to draw attention, leading to more laughter from Im Woo-il and Ha Ha. Im Woo-il even confessed, "I honestly cried while drinking with my juniors," feeling a bit defeated. Yet, his mother insisted, "Not at all. There’s nothing of yours on there," which only added to the humor, prompting Im Woo-il to jokingly suggest he might erase it.

Despite her playful jabs, Im Woo-il's mother expressed her enjoyment of How Do You Play?, praising Ha Ha for making it entertaining. Ha Ha, feeling a bit left out, remarked, "But the award goes to my brother," to which Yoo Jae-suk humorously responded, "Why do you say it like that?"

Im Woo-il, who won a popularity award at the 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards, had previously mentioned his mother in an emotional acceptance speech. However, she humorously noted, "I was watching something else while waiting for the opening," which brought more laughter.

She concluded by stating, "I’ve never caused any trouble. I give him his allowance every month without fail," but then added, "Except for that, I don’t give him anything else. I don’t expect more," which had everyone in stitches.