# 'Shawshank Escape' Pledges Loyalty to Yoo Jae-suk on 'Nolmyeon Hanni?'

- URL: https://hallyu-brief.vercel.app/en/news/shawshank-escape-seoul-song-festival-yoo-jae-suk-a66821
- Published: 2026-10-17T11:41:59.724Z
- Publisher: Hallyu Brief

> On MBC's 'Nolmyeon Hanni?', a Seoul Song Festival contestant nicknamed 'Shawshank Escape' pledged total loyalty to Yoo Jae-suk during the '95 Seoul Song Festival re-selection round.

## Key points

1. The episode airs October 17 at 6:30 PM KST.
2. The contestant first gained attention with a live performance from prison in the first round.
3. Yoo Jae-suk called the contestant's enthusiasm 'impressive' during the meeting.

## What happened on the show?

On MBC's variety show 'Nolmyeon Hanni?', a contestant of the '95 Seoul Song Festival known as 'Shawshank Escape' made a playful pledge of loyalty to host Yoo Jae-suk. The episode, airing October 17 at 6:30 PM KST, shows the re-selection round, where Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Heo Kyeong-hwan, and writer Joo Woo-jae meet with contestants who were held back from the first preliminary round.

## Who is Shawshank Escape?

The contestant gained attention in the first preliminary round by performing a live song from 'inside prison,' a first for the festival. In the new episode, they 'escape' from prison to take part in the re-selection round. When asked about their age, they avoided the question by singing a song, which Yoo Jae-suk guessed reflected an older generation.

## Why is the pledge drawing laughs?

After describing their experience of applying to multiple audition programs, the contestant told Yoo Jae-suk they would 'lie low' and do anything asked of them, saying they had almost no backbone. Yoo Jae-suk responded that their passion was remarkable.

## For international fans

'Nolmyeon Hanni?' is one of MBC's long-running variety shows, known for its guest-driven comedy. Last summer, the show held a special '80s MBC Seoul Song Festival' that featured stars including Kim Hee-ae, Lee Juck, and Solar, which drew high ratings and online buzz.

## FAQ

### When does the episode air?

The episode airs October 17 at 6:30 PM KST on MBC.

### Who are the hosts of the re-selection round?

Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Heo Kyeong-hwan, and writer Joo Woo-jae take part in the meeting.

## Sources

- [조선비즈](https://biz.chosun.com/entertainment/enter_general/2026/10/17/MVSDMNBVHE2DSNBVHEYDAMJRMM/)

_Written and translated with AI from official announcements and Korean media reports. If something is wrong, please let us know._