In Korea, there's a longstanding tradition of playful teasing called eolleri-kolleri.
It happens whenever a boy and girl are perceived as being a good match, even if all they do is walk to school together.
The teasing is relentless, and the only way to stop it is a direct counterattack.
‘If you react awkwardly, it only leaves room for more teasing. But if you just outright own it, there’s nothing left to mock.’
So, I faced it head-on.
"Yes, I like it. Sujin’s cute and pretty, isn’t she?"
If there was an unexpected variable in play, it was—
“Hyat?!”
Sujin’s startled cat-like cry.
Other than that, the atmosphere seemed to settle down nicely.
“Wow, Donghu, you’re such a man! So bold!”
“Man, this is gold. Jiseok, you can’t even tease him for this.”
“Seoksam-hyung, step out.”
“...”
The seasoned variety veterans were incredibly sharp, bouncing banter back and forth effortlessly.
“Still, to say something like that here... Can we even air this?”
“Isn’t this basically a public confession?”
“No way! Just calling her cute and pretty isn’t a confession. You’re all so mean!”
As the teasing subtly prodded for my intentions, I nodded cheerfully.
“Yeah, I just said it because she’s cute and pretty.”
“This guy... Handsome face, smooth words... You’ve got a lot of sins to atone for.”
“Seoksam-hyung.”
“Hm?”
“Please. Step out.” freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
“...Fine.”
Ordinarily, this would’ve been the moment to wrap things up and move to the opening, but Sujin’s genuine shock reignited the flames in the corner.
“But Sujin seems really surprised. She looks so flustered—shouldn’t we hear her thoughts on this?”
“Uh, um, ah...”
Maybe I came on too strong?
Sujin was still bright red, completely out of sorts.
She wasn’t in a state to give any kind of reaction.
Fortunately, the cast members jumped in with quick improvisation.
“Hyung, come on, she’s a teenager. Asking for her thoughts on this is too much.”
“Alright, Gukjong, should I ask about your love life then...?”
“Hyung, I’m clenching my fist right now.”
“...Have I mentioned how glad I am to have been born before you?”
After a round of laughter to lighten the mood, Yoo Jiseok, the MC, smoothly transitioned to the real opening.
"Alright then, before we dive into today’s Rushman episode, how about some quick words from our guests? Let’s start with Donghu!"
Feeling the true essence of variety shows, I said exactly what I wanted.
“Kangsu, why would you call Donghu hyung?”
With that, the official Rushman opening kicked off.
"Hello, beloved viewers! Today on Rushman! As we introduced earlier, we have the rising superstars joining us! Let’s dive into the madness! Go, go, go!"
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