Yang Sang-guk, 44 and single, jokes he wants to live like King Sukjong 'for the country'

Broadcaster Yang Sang-guk, 44 and unmarried, made an unexpected admission about wanting children.

Actor Im Ho appeared as a guest on Wednesday's episode of TV Chosun's entertainment program "Wangeun Mueol Jasheotna," a food and history variety show.

The episode featured "Jang Hee-bin's secret table" — a spread said to have been personally prepared by royal concubine Jang Hee-bin to win the heart of King Sukjong — with dishes including black-bone chicken soup and braised black goat.

Chef Lee Yeon-ju said the spread was "a table of seduction that used dark ingredients to restore vitality."

On the food, historian Choi Tae-sung said, "According to unofficial historical records, Jang Hee-bin prepared it with great care to replenish the king's energy."

Yang and fellow cast member Shin Gi-ru asked, "Just how much replenishing did he need?" Shin added with a laugh, "I guess all the kings must have had great stamina."

Choi said, "Securing an heir was something the king had to be mindful of, even deliberately so. It was an important royal duty — truly important. It was something done for the nation."

When the conversation turned to royal concubines, Yang said, "There could be kings who showed restraint, and others who made full use of their abilities. In a way, wasn't Sukjong one who made full use?" Choi replied, "It was for the nation," to which Yang quipped, "I'd like to do something for the nation too," drawing laughter from the set.