Lee Deok-hwa Announces Retirement from Officiating Weddings, Encourages Kim Il-woo to Marry This Year

In the latest episode of Channel A's variety show, 'Current Men's Life - Groom Class' (요즘 남자 라이프-신랑수업), Lee Deok-hwa expressed his support for the marriage of 'eternal bachelor' Kim Il-woo. The episode aired on November 20, showcasing Kim Il-woo learning baking in Gangneung.

In the early hours, while everyone else was asleep, Kim Il-woo strolled through the rain-soaked streets, dressed in a stylish autumn outfit that caught the attention of Lee Da-hae, who remarked, "It’s a casual look, but very fashionable." Kim Jong-min chimed in, asking if Kim Il-woo styled himself, to which he replied, "All my clothes."

Kim Il-woo arrived at a café where he brewed coffee alone, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an advertisement. When his baking mentor arrived, Kim Il-woo greeted him with a 90-degree bow, saying, "Good morning, Master. I look forward to today as well." His mentor, a master baker with 40 years of experience, had trained in Japan and France, which impressed the cast. Lee Seung-chul humorously noted, "As you live, there’s no one above you," to which Kim Il-woo replied, "Where would I go to be the youngest?"

In an interview, Kim Il-woo shared, "I’ve been learning baking lately, from 7 AM to 12 PM at a nearby bakery café." Lee Seung-chul praised him, saying, "You’re perfect as a husband right now." Kim Il-woo even brought homemade bread to the studio, which left the panel in awe. Lee Seung-chul, impressed by the taste, exclaimed, "With this, you’ll get married in one shot!"

Kim Il-woo prepared the bread as a gift for Lee Deok-hwa, whom he deeply respects and has known for 12 years. Lee Deok-hwa, a veteran in the entertainment industry, appeared as Kim Il-woo's fishing mentor for the day. When Kim Il-woo expressed concern that fishing might not be a popular hobby among women, Lee Deok-hwa joked, "It used to be the number one reason for divorce!" This led to a humorous exchange about Lee Deok-hwa's own experiences with his wife, revealing that he had consulted a fortune teller before marriage.

Unfortunately, due to bad weather, their fishing trip was ultimately unsuccessful, leaving them disappointed. However, Lee Deok-hwa encouraged Kim Il-woo, saying, "I think you dislike women. There’s no reason for women to dislike you. You’re handsome, fit, a good actor, and earn well. What’s wrong with you? If I were a woman, you’d have no flaws at all."

He then urged Kim Il-woo to get married this year, stating, "You should finish it within two months. There’s no need to drag it out for months. Fate can appear quickly." When Kim Il-woo expressed doubt about making a decision after 60 years of hesitation, Lee Deok-hwa replied, "Making a decision takes just a few seconds," leaving the panel impressed.

Lee Seung-chul also chimed in, asking Kim Il-woo if he could decide within a few days, to which Kim Il-woo smiled, saying, "Just hearing about it makes me happy." In contrast, Kim Jong-min shared his personal view that he couldn’t rush into marriage, stating, "I believe you should experience all four seasons together first. Even if you really like someone." He mentioned that he has been with his girlfriend for over two years, indicating that he feels ready to take the next step.

As the episode concluded, Lee Deok-hwa declared, "With you, I will retire from officiating weddings," continuing to cheer on Kim Il-woo's journey toward marriage.