After 8 Years Off TV, This Actress Drops the Mystery—and Rises to No.1 in Buzz Rankings

Actress Kim Sa-rang has ranked No.1 in non-drama TV buzz after her guest appearance on SNL Korea Season 7, according to the FUNdex non-drama content rankings for the first week of May, released by Good Data Corporation. The Coupang Play show has now topped the category for four consecutive weeks.

This marks Kim Sa-rang’s return to variety television after eight years, since her last appearance on MBC’s I Live Alone in 2017.

In episode 4 of SNL Korea Season 7, released on April 26, Kim made a glamorous entrance wearing a white mini dress. Host Shin Dong-yup was visibly stunned, joking, “It’s the first time an opening has ever felt like a military base full of excitement.”

Kim responded with heartfelt words, “I haven’t been active for a while, so I’m truly grateful and touched to see so many people welcome me so warmly.”

During the “Elixir of Youth: Substance” skit, Kim showed off her comedic chops and even revisited a now-iconic quote, “If you eat three full meals a day, you’ll gain weight.”

One particular moment that drew both nostalgia and controversy was the reenactment of Kim Sa-rang’s legendary 2005 fan meeting, still talked about 20 years later. Before diving into the skit, Kim shared, “Back then, fans gathered from faraway cities to celebrate my birthday. It remains such a beautiful and meaningful memory.”

However, one segment sparked mixed reactions. In the skit, Kim Sa-rang placed a straw in Shin Dong-yup’s mouth to feed him a drink, then passed that same straw to comedian Kim Won-hoon in a comedic relay.

Online viewers were divided. Negative comments included: “This crosses a line,” “That’s just unsanitary,”“Dangerous content like this shouldn’t be normalized,” and“There’s a risk of infection.”

Meanwhile, others expressed admiration, “Kim Sa-rang is still stunning,” and “Her self-care is seriously impressive.”

Kim Sa-rang, a former Miss Korea (2000), rose to fame in the early 2000s and has starred in numerous hit dramas including All About Eve, Man In Love, The King and I, Secret Garden, and My Love Eun Dong.