The “Lion Boy” has traded his stage lights for fields. Ahn Hyo-seop makes a rugged transformation in the premiere of his new healing rom-com, ‘Sold Out Again Today.’
Ahn Hyo-seop, who recently made headlines for his appearance at the Oscars, is back on the small screen and this time, he’s unrecognizable. In the premiere of the new SBS Wednesday-Thursday drama Sold Out Again Today (Sold Out on You), Ahn Hyo-seop stunned viewers by transforming into “Matthew Lee,” a prickly but warm-hearted young farmer in the serene Deokpung Village.
The “Tractor” Transformation
Matthew Lee isn’t your average lead. He’s a “Young Farmer” who runs everything from local civil complaints and mushroom cultivation to company management. While he constantly tells the villagers, “This is the last time,” he’s the first one there to help, even acting as a local bus driver on his trusty tractor. It’s a complete 180-degree turn from Ahn Hyo-seop’s usual roles, and fans are already loving the grumpy-but-sweet chemistry he brings to the screen.
The Collision: Workaholic Meets Countryside
Opposite him is Chae Won-bin, who plays Dam Ye-jin, a successful home shopping show host suffering from chronic insomnia. She is the definition of a “workaholic”—climbing high-rise buildings to reach sales goals and ignoring relationship drama in favor of products.
The spark? It was explosive. In the first episode’s ending, Ye-jin, searching for a rare mushroom, winds up in Deokpung Village. The two leads meet in a “face-off”—a high-stakes encounter between a luxury sports car and Matthew Lee’s tractor. It was a chaotic, hilarious start that has viewers begging for more.
Viewership & The “Healing” Appeal
According to Nielsen Korea, the premiere of Sold Out Again Today recorded a national rating of 3.3%. While fans expressed a bit of “premiere disappointment”—mostly wishing to see the leads share more screen time together in the opening episode—the overall sentiment was positive.
Viewers praised the fresh, lush visuals of Deokpung Village and the strong performances of both leads. With the drama aiming for a “Wellness” (Well-being + Fitness) and “Healing Rom-Com” vibe, the stage is set for a heartwarming story of growth and romance.