Lee Jang-woo plays matchmaker for cousin Hwanhee

Actor Lee Jang-woo has made his first appearance in an observational variety show since leaving 'Home Alone.' This time, instead of his life living alone, he was with his family. He planned a trip and prepared a lavish meal for his cousin Hwanhee and his aunt, and even went as far as arranging an impromptu blind date by offering to introduce a friend of his wife, Cho Hye-won, to Hwanhee.

Lee Jang-woo appeared on the KBS2 show 'Mr. House Husband' aired on the 15th, going on a glamping trip with his cousin Hwanhee and his aunt.

Visiting Hwanhee's house that day, Lee Jang-woo candidly shared his thoughts after watching 'Mr. House Husband.'

He pointed out Hwanhee's usual behavior, saying, "I watched 'Mr. House Husband,' and there are many problems. Why are you being like that to your aunt?" He explained his reason for stepping in, adding, "Hyung has been such a 'tough guy' since he was young. It made me angry to see him treating his aunt so roughly."

"Since I am the youngest, I grew up being very affectionate. I came here to teach him how to treat his aunt properly," Lee Jang-woo said, his playful words carrying deep affection for his family.

An unexpected topic arose: Hwanhee's marriage.

Lee Jang-woo stepped in as a matchmaker, offering to introduce a friend of his wife Cho Hye-won, who was born in 1994. Hwanhee expressed hesitation, noting the age gap of nearly 12 years, saying, "Then I'll just get criticized a lot and have to leave the show." However, Lee Jang-woo actively persuaded him, saying, "Our parents have a 20-year age difference."

Hwanhee's thoughts on marriage were also revealed.

When asked by Lee Yo-won if he had thoughts about marriage, Hwanhee replied, "It would be a lie to say I don't." When Eun Ji-won asked why he wanted to get married, he confessed honestly, "At my age, when people ask if someone has married, I feel like saying 'I went because of circumstances' is better than not having gone at all."

However, the focus of the broadcast was on family stories rather than the blind date.

Lee Jang-woo prepared an outing for his aunt, who had taken good care of him during his childhood. He suggested the outing, saying, "I want to treat my aunt today. There are many amazing places around here." When his aunt, who usually doesn't move easily, readily agreed to go, Hwanhee expressed disappointment instead.

Hwanhee's jealous reaction, saying, "The mother I know only went when I coaxed her like that," drew laughter.

Even during the move, his aunt's attention naturally turned toward Lee Jang-woo. Watching the motherly figure taking care of her nephew with everything from snacks to herbal medicine, Hwanhee could not hide his sulky expression.

Lee Jang-woo prepared a flower-viewing trip for his aunt, who loves flowers, and meticulously packed parasols, handheld fans, and ice water. At this, Hwanhee's mother grabbed Lee Jang-woo's arm and said, "I should tell Jang-woo's mother that we should swap sons," bringing laughter to the group.

After flower-viewing, they moved to the glamping site.

Lee Jang-woo prepared a lavish meal including abalone porridge, seasoned abalone, and grilled abalone, using abalone he had prepared since dawn. He even brought a hula hoop, which he knew his aunt liked.

Rather than simply preparing expensive food, Lee Jang-woo's meticulous side stood out in the way he remembered and prepared what the other person liked.

During the meal, childhood memories and sincere feelings for the family flowed naturally.

Lee Jang-woo expressed his special affection for his aunt, saying, "When I was young, looking at my aunt always felt like looking at my mother. She never once said anything unpleasant to me."

He also expressed his respect for Hwanhee.

He said, "Watching 'Mr. House Husband,' I saw Hyung crying sorrowfully. To me, Hyung is a big star. Our family became happy because of him, and I have often thought that I want to become a cool person like him."

In particular, he confessed that it was his first time seeing Hwanhee, who had always shown a strong image, cry on a broadcast, saying, "It was my first time seeing the always-strong Hyung cry, and even our mother cried seeing that."

Lee Jang-woo's actions, which included considering his aunt's feelings by recalling his late grandmother, added a touching element. Hwanhee's mother expressed her overwhelming emotions, saying, "I am thankful for my son, and I am truly thankful to Jang-woo. There is no happiness like this."

Hwanhee also showed a changed side. He revealed plans to prepare a 'Hwanhee Tour' for his mother and family, gradually opening up his feelings for them that he hadn't been able to express before.

For Lee Jang-woo, this appearance on 'Mr. House Husband' was a starkly different image from what he showed on 'Home Alone.'

After showing the daily life, eating shows, and lifestyle of a single man for six years on 'Home Alone,' his first choice for a variety show after marriage was the warmth of family. Moving beyond a life of living well alone, his portrayal of giving time back to those who raised him left a lasting impression.

Lee Jang-woo left 'Home Alone' last November after marrying Cho Hye-won, with his final episode airing in December. Returning to observational variety about eight months later, he prioritized family over his own daily life. The transition from a man living alone to one showcasing the meaning of "together" made this appearance particularly special.