‘The Fiery Priest 2’ Cast’s Reunion: Gukbap Obsession, Laughs, and Lee Ha Nee’s Big Move

Actress Lee Ha Nee recently revealed the story behind her decision to move to the Seoul Arts Center neighborhood.

On Tuesday, SBS’s variety show Whenever Possible welcomed the stars of the hit drama The Fiery Priest 2—Kim Nam Gil, Lee Ha Nee, and Kim Sung Kyun—who brought their unexpected comedic talents to the show, much to the delight of viewers.

During the opening segment, Yoo Yeon Seok revealed that he had known about the guests two weeks in advance. He shared, “I got a sudden call from someone saying, ‘I’m going to be on Whenever Possible.’ That guy is a big worrier and always very considerate of others. He’s the complete opposite of Lee Seo Jin.”

As Kim Nam Gil, Lee Ha Nee, and Kim Sung Kyun made their entrance, Yoo Jae Suk greeted them warmly, saying, “It’s been five years, but The Fiery Priest 2 is finally back!” Kim Nam Gil joked, “These two were so busy. I’ve spent the last five years just waiting to film The Fiery Priest again.” Lee Ha Nee playfully grabbed Kim Nam Gil by the neck, retorting, “Weren’t you the busiest of us all?” The playful exchange drew laughter from everyone present.

Yoo Yeon Seok expressed his admiration for the show’s ability to bring back the original cast for a new season. Kim Nam Gil acknowledged the challenge, saying, “It’s not easy. Unless we filmed consecutive seasons, it takes time to get all three of us together.” Lee Ha Nee emphasized their strong bond, adding, “We always miss each other. Even when we meet and end up bickering, we still think, When can we see each other again?”

During the show, Lee Ha Nee also revealed Kim Nam Gil and Kim Sung Kyun’s shared obsession with gukbap—a Korean rice soup dish. She joked, “We have a group chat with just the three of us, and 80% of our conversations are about gukbap. They’re absolutely obsessed with it.” Kim Nam Gil quipped, “I always gain weight when filming with Sung Kyun because we only eat gukbap and noodles.” Kim Sung Kyun proudly confirmed his gukbap enthusiast status: “I love noodles so much. If someone doesn’t eat their noodles when we order gukbap, I’ll happily finish them off.”

The show’s first guest was musical actor Song Moon Sun, a member of the Seoul Arts Troupe. As Lee Ha Nee guided the cast members to the Seoul Arts Troupe building, she pointed out, “Not only is the Seoul Arts Center here, but the National Gugak Center is just around the corner. My family home is right across the street.” Lee Ha Nee, a National Gugak High School graduate, holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Korean traditional music from Seoul National University.

Lee Ha Nee explained her decision to move to the area, saying, “I moved here because of the Seoul Arts Center. My father instinctively told me, ‘Artists should live in front of the Seoul Arts Center.'” Her father, Lee Sang Eop, previously served as the Deputy Director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Lee then guided the cast members through the Seoul Arts Troupe building, proving she’s a true local of Seocho District.

Whenever Possible is a variety show on SBS that airs every Tuesday. It is designed to bring joy and luck to viewers during their brief downtime.