In a significant update for fans of long-running variety television, actor Lee Ki Taek has been officially confirmed as the newest addition to the cast of the KBS flagship program, 2 Days & 1 Night Season 4.
On May 14, 2026, both KBS and Lee Ki Taek’s agency, KeyEast, solidified the news following weeks of speculation regarding the show’s evolving lineup.
In a brief but definitive communication with the press, a representative from KeyEast stated,
“It is true that Lee Ki Taek is joining ‘2 Days & 1 Night’ as a new member.”
This confirmation marks the beginning of a fresh era for the program as it seeks to revitalize its chemistry following recent departures and structural changes.
Lee Ki Taek’s entry comes at a transitional moment for the show, which has been navigating a five-member format since early 2026.
The actor is set to fill the specific vacancy left by Yoo Seon Ho, who recently announced his departure to focus more intently on his burgeoning acting career.
The production team expressed their bittersweet feelings regarding this transition, noting,
“We sincerely thank Yoo Seon Ho for helping the program shine over the years through his youthful energy.
We will continue to support him as he shows even more sides of himself as an actor.”
Yoo Seon Ho is scheduled to deliver his final televised farewell to the audience during the broadcast airing on May 31, after which Lee Ki Taek will officially step into the “maknae” (youngest member) or junior role within the group.
From Runway to Reality: A Rising Star’s New Challenge
Lee Ki Taek’s journey to becoming a household name on one of Korea’s most beloved variety shows is a testament to his steady growth in the entertainment industry.
Having debuted as a model in 2018, he successfully transitioned into acting in 2020 through various web dramas.
Since then, he has built a solid filmography with notable appearances in series such as The Devil Judge, Moonshine, Three Bold Siblings, and O’PENing: Shoot Me.
While he is primarily recognized for his dramatic performances, 2 Days & 1 Night represents his first major foray into the world of mainstream network variety programming.
The decision to cast Lee Ki Taek is viewed as a strategic move to inject new energy into the existing team, which currently features veteran entertainers Kim Jong Min, Moon Se Yoon, DinDin, and Lee Joon.
Industry watchers are curious to see how the “variety rookie” will adapt to the show’s notoriously grueling “real wild road variety” concept, which involves unpredictable travel, outdoor sleeping, and high-stakes games for meals.
Lee Ki Taek recently gave viewers a glimpse of his variety potential through his participation in the Coupang Play series Bonjour Bakery, but the scale and tradition of 2 Days & 1 Night present a unique set of challenges that will test his wit and physical endurance.
A New Dynamic for the 2026 Season
The addition of Lee Ki Taek brings the cast back toward a fuller roster, though the production team has hinted that the search for a possible sixth member may still be ongoing.
The 2026 season has already seen its share of headlines, from Kim Jong Min’s humorous New Year’s resolutions regarding his new marriage to the departure of Jo Se Ho earlier in the year.
By bringing in a fresh face like Lee Ki Taek, the show looks to maintain its reputation for fostering a “family-like” atmosphere where the members grow together through shared hardships and laughter.
As the production prepares for his first filming session, the “ARMY” of variety fans is already buzzing with anticipation.
Many are eager to see the “uncle and nephew” or “big brother” dynamics that typically form between the seasoned cast members and the new arrival.
For Lee Ki Taek, this role is a golden opportunity to showcase his authentic personality beyond his scripted characters.