The latest episode of SBS’s variety show No, But Really (also known as Real Talk) delivered a moment that has K-pop fans talking for all the right reasons. On the February 16 broadcast, musical actress and Fin.K.L member Ock Joo-hyun surprised everyone by effortlessly lifting EXO’s Kai in a bridal-style carry, sparking a flood of hilarious reactions across social media .
The 45-year-old singer, known for her powerful stage presence in musical theater, proved that her nickname “Power Joo-hyun” is well-earned. She picked up the much younger idol as if he weighed nothing, leading fans to coin the phrase that she is “never beating the princess allegations”โa playful nod to the irony of the older female star carrying the male idol like a fairytale princess.
The moment that broke the internet
The third episode of No, But Really, which aired on February 16, featured Ock Joo-hyun as a guest wearing a prisoner’s uniform as part of the show’s prison-themed concept . Throughout the episode, she displayed her signature strength by lifting all four male MCsโTak Jae-hoon, Lee Sang-min, and Lee Soo-jinโone by one.
But the moment that truly went viral happened when EXO’s Kai made his guest appearance. In a spontaneous move, Ock Joo-hyun scooped the idol up in a wedding-style princess carry, holding him with remarkable ease. Witnessing this, MC Tak Jae-hoon attempted to lift fellow cast member Lee Su-ji but dramatically failed and fell, making the scene even funnier .
Fans immediately noticed the contrast: the woman in her mid-40s carrying a grown man while the male comedian couldn’t manage the same task. The comedy of the situation was not lost on viewers.
Fans react: “She’s never beating the princess allegations”
Social media exploded with reactions shortly after the broadcast. The phrase “never beating the princess allegations” trended among K-pop fans, referring to how Ock Joo-hyunโdespite being the one doing the carryingโsomehow made the moment look elegant and royal.
The irony was perfect: here was a woman in a prisoner costume performing a feat of strength while making it look like a scene from a romantic drama. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and online forums with comments:
“Ock Joo-hyun really said ‘I am the prince in this story’ while carrying Kai like that.”
“The way she carried him so effortlessly while Tak Jae-hoon couldn’t even lift Lee Su-jiโฆ the gender roles are reversed and I love it.”
“Kai just laying there accepting his fate like a Disney princess waiting to be saved.”
“45 years old and still out here carrying idols. Fin.K.L never jokes around.”
“She really said ‘I’ll take it from here’ and picked up the whole EXO visual like a bag of groceries.”
The moment also sparked discussions about Ock Joo-hyun’s long-standing reputation for physical strength. Fans shared old clips from her Fin.K.L days and musical performances, noting that she has always been remarkably strongโa fact that her groupmates famously benefited from during their early years.
The backstory: Ock Joo-hyun as Fin.K.L’s designated driver
The episode also revealed a touching and funny backstory about Ock Joo-hyun’s role in her girl group Fin.K.L. During the broadcast, she shared that she used to serve as the chauffeur for her membersโLee Hyori, Sung Yu-ri, and Lee Jinโwhenever they went on dates to the Han River .
When asked about this, Ock Joo-hyun explained: “I would park the car by the Han River and wait at a convenience store eating ramen while they went on their dates.” This revelation left the MCs and audience both touched and amused. The image of the future musical queen quietly eating instant noodles while her bandmates enjoyed romantic evenings added another layer to her “princess but actually provider” persona .
Lee Su-ji asked, “Does that mean the three of you went on a date?” clarifying that she meant the Fin.K.L members. Ock Joo-hyun confirmed she was essentially the designated driver and wait staff for her members’ romantic outings.
Kai’s reaction and the prison chaos
Adding to the hilarity, the episode had multiple comedy layers running simultaneously. Earlier in the show, Tak Jae-hoon had openly flirted with Ock Joo-hyun, asking, “Aren’t you dating? Should I be your partner?” . This was when Kaiโstill in his prisoner costumeโshouted, “This isn’t a meeting; it’s a prison!” instantly breaking the tension and making everyone laugh .
The prison concept itself added to the absurdity. Ock Joo-hyun, dressed as an inmate, somehow established “prison discipline” through a power struggle with Lee Su-ji, who was supposedly the top-ranked inmate . The combination of prison uniforms, dating jokes, and unexpected feats of strength created a perfect storm of comedy.
Ock Joo-hyun’s love life revelation
The singer also opened up about her personal life during the episode. When MCs asked about her last relationship, she revealed, “It’s been over three years. I’ve even forgotten to count” . She surprised everyone by stating she prefers one-sided love over being in an actual relationship.
This honest admission, coming from a woman who has been in the industry for over two decades, resonated with viewers. Her comfort with being single and her playful attitude toward romance contrasted beautifully with the fairytale imagery of carrying Kai like a bride.
EXO’s recent variety show chaos
Kai’s appearance on No, But Really is part of a larger pattern of EXO members bringing comedy to variety shows recently. Just weeks earlier, EXO had gone viral for their “Ending Fairy” moments on music shows, where they intentionally created awkward and funny endings during broadcast cameras .
On SBS’s Inkigayo, the members had taken fan jokes about their previous “disappearing” Ending Fairy and turned it into an even more elaborate comedy sketch. Members like Chanyeol and Suho created moments where they appeared to glide on moving walkways or cross paths in deliberately awkward ways .
Fans had noticed that EXO member D.O. was behind some of these ideas, reportedly saying he wished he could have made them even funnier . This playful energy carried over to Kai’s appearance on No, But Really, where he proved he can deliver comedy lines as effectively as dance moves.
The cultural impact of “Princess Ock”
The viral moment has added a new chapter to Ock Joo-hyun’s already legendary career. From her days as Fin.K.L’s main vocalist to her current status as a musical theater icon, she has consistently defied expectations. But few could have predicted that carrying an idol in 2026 would become one of her most talked-about moments.
Fans have begun editing the clip with various soundtracksโfrom romantic ballads to action movie scoresโeach adding a different flavor to the already surreal scene. Some have placed crowns on both Ock Joo-hyun and Kai’s heads, fully embracing the “princess allegations” joke.
The moment also sparked conversations about age and gender in K-pop. An older woman displaying physical strength over a younger male idol subverts typical variety show dynamics, where male comedians usually perform feats of strength. Ock Joo-hyun, without intending to, became an unintentional icon for flipping those expectations.
What’s next for No, But Really
No, But Really has been gaining attention for its fresh format, where each episode features a different concept. The prison theme for episodes 2 and 3 allowed for chaotic interactions that traditional talk shows don’t usually permit.
The show, hosted by Tak Jae-hoon, Lee Sang-min, and Lee Soo-jin, continues to experiment with settings that force celebrities out of their comfort zones. With viral moments like Ock Joo-hyun carrying Kai, the program is establishing itself as a must-watch for fans who enjoy seeing idols in unpredictable situations.
For those who missed the broadcast, clips of the “princess carry” moment continue to circulate on social media platforms, with fans urging others to watch the full episode for context. The combination of Ock Joo-hyun’s strength, Kai’s willing participation, and Tak Jae-hoon’s failed attempt has created a comedy trifecta that transcends language barriers.
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