'Will 'Around the World in 4 Days' take the last dance?'
On the 8th, a production presentation for the new entertainment program 'Around the World in 4 Days' (hereinafter 'Around the World in 4 Days') was held at the Gold Mouse Hall in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Attending the presentation were producer Kim Ji-woo, Park Dong-bin, along with Kian84, Pani Bottle, and Lee Si-eon, with fixed panel member Lee Seung-hoon serving as MC. Dex could not participate due to scheduling conflicts.
'Around the World in 4 Days' is a program in which Kian84, the man who 'was born to live,' embarks on a grand trek on the 'Chama-godo,' known as the highest and most rugged mountainous trail in the world, seeking out ethnic minorities who call 'Chama-godo' their home. An enchanting journey where every step becomes a story is expected to unfold.
'Around the World in 4 Days,' which has firmly established itself as MBC's representative entertainment program, returns this season with a powerful lineup including Kian84, Pani Bottle, Lee Si-eon, and Dex, showcasing a strengthened dynamic.
Park Dong-bin noted, 'I know there are several season 4 entertainment programs out there, but I think our season 4 might be the most fun. I hope everyone looks forward to it,' thereby raising anticipation for season 4. Kian84 expressed, 'I didn't think I would come back, but I'm glad I did. This has been the most challenging travel experience yet. I'm looking forward to it, and I'm excited to see how viewers will perceive it,' while smiling.
That day, as the highlight video began, members continuously expressed their struggles. When asked how difficult it was, Pani Bottle shared, 'I ended up being the least active among the four including Dex. This time we went to high-altitude areas, and there was a lot of physical activity.' He continued, 'I wanted to just watch, but no one pressured me. However, I felt embarrassed just standing aside, so I participated, and physically it was indeed challenging. I wondered if this was right, but watching the program, it seems that the struggles are part of what makes it interesting, so I have no regrets.'
Listening to this, Lee Si-eon commented, 'We received Ghurka training, and it was so tough that I almost felt like cursing. Pani really almost passed out. It was extremely difficult. I guess it turned out to be enjoyable for viewers since it was hard.'
Even before the broadcast of this season, Kian84 had mentioned several times that this would be the 'last season.' In response, Kian84 shared, 'To elaborate on why it was hard, after returning from 'Around the World,' I was ill for two weeks. This time, it’s been about a month. Only now am I feeling better. I was continuously receiving IVs. I was in such bad shape.'
He continued, 'Personally, I think this was the toughest entertainment program, and I've discussed with the producers that this might be the last. Even when I was making webtoons, I didn't feel like I was achieving a perfect ending. This time, I feel a sense of accomplishment having completed it, although I still think it could be the last.' He added, 'Isn’t it nice to leave while being applauded? It was emotional for me, and I think that’s how I felt.'
Regarding this, producer Kim Ji-woo said, 'We had indicated that it would be the last during season 2 and again during season 3, so we had feelings about leaving without returning this time as well. We departed with a 'last dance' sentiment,' adding, 'While there is the mindset of it being the last, someone expressed, 'Don’t do this, you need to keep going,' so we’ll discuss it well together.'
Kian84 shared why he feels that this season marks a perfect ending, stating, 'I think we’ve done all the ideas we could come up with together, both the members and the production team. Therefore, I view it as a perfect ending. When this ends, I think it would be fun to talk about these stories in a webtoon, but now I can’t think of anything specific. I traveled abundantly and fulfilled every wish, and I feel it is a perfect ending because I did my best to the fullest.'
Pani Bottle is currently enjoying about three types of travel, including his YouTube channel. When asked about the differences of 'Around the World,' he explained, 'I think I am doing three major types of travel: my channel, 'Around the World,' and 'Earth Monopoly.' My channel feels like the program that shows it most directly and without MSG. Compared to cooking, it’s like sashimi. 'Earth Monopoly' quickly showcases many places while building familiarity with guests and capturing their reactions. It’s about experiencing the excitement of traveling and gaining energy in return. It's a broad yet shallow feeling.'
He added, 'On the other hand, 'Around the World' feels the most profound. It’s more like an experience than a trip, similar to how in the classic ‘Journey to the West’, even if SONOKONG can fly on the iron cloud, he still walks. It’s about experiencing deeply, with a sense of training. The feeling is different, and that's why I think I can sustain it,' to which MC Lee Seung-hoon interjected, 'If we compare it to cooking, YouTube is sashimi, 'Earth Monopoly' is omakase, and 'Around the World' would be like market soup.'
In response, Pani Bottle expressed, 'I once worked on a construction site. It's like the delicious meal at a cafeteria you eat after finishing the construction,' eliciting laughter.
Prior to airing 'Around the World,' the recent Netflix entertainment 'Kian’s Bizarre B&B' gained significant attention for its success. When asked if they had gathered any ideas from this, producer Park Dong-bin replied, 'We haven't heavily considered the success of 'Kian’s Bizarre B&B.' I think it’s a program that captures the most entertaining aspects that Kian84 can present. We believe it’s different from ours in that we show Kian84's more human, genuine side, and that’s probably our differentiation.'
Producer Kim Ji-woo stated, 'I’m grateful that thanks to 'Kian’s Bizarre B&B' doing well, our program is receiving attention. I feel thankful that Kian84 has become a hotter figure and that we are receiving interest as well,' adding, 'Last season, Dex and Kian went to India, and they recognized Dex. At that time, Kian84 thought, 'I should try Netflix' and seems to be glad to have realized that dream.'
Kian84 remarked, 'In fact, after we return, I talk to the producers. I think it would be really fun to visit North Korea. How much was the trip to the moon? We talk about those things. Realistically, I don't see anything tangible yet. If that were to happen, I think viewers would look forward to it, and I would be excited too. If there were to be such travel destinations, wouldn’t I want to sneak off again?'
Lee Si-eon's reply brought laughter. He stated, 'Throughout the seasons, I haven’t had a single place I wanted to go. I thought I could just play around with friends, but since season 1, my image has significantly worsened. I've resented the producers a lot,' to which Lee Seung-hoon asked, 'Is it demon editing?' And Lee Si-eon responded, 'Kim Ji-woo is the demon.'
When 'Around the World in 3 Days' aired, Kian84 received his first grand award. In addition, he achieved seven awards including Best Newcomer (Dex), Best Writer, Best Female Performer (Jang Doyoun), Best Couple (Kian84, Pani Bottle, Dex), Entertainer of the Year, and Entertainment Program of the Year.
As expectations rise for Kian84 to reclaim his grand award this season, he commented, 'I'm actually being cautious with my words because I don't want it to seem like I'm overly greedy, but if it's given to me, I would be grateful. Also, Hyunmu seems quite greedy. As for Seok, I don’t know his thoughts as we don’t work together, but I’d be very thankful if awarded. However, even when drawing cartoons or during broadcasts, I always maintain a sense of urgency.'
'I also make a living from this, so I shouldn't get too accustomed to it. I shouldn’t fall into a rut, because then the broadcasting station won’t reach out to me. I traveled with that mindset of not getting accustomed, but when we reached the midway point this time, I found myself exhausted, unable to move or speak. It was so physically demanding that it went beyond being about comfort or discomfort; it was indeed painfully challenging. I want to articulate that it was an incredibly painful journey. While people go around hunting for delicious eateries, I personally feel that a glass of water tasted excellent when it is accompanied by tremendous hardship during the travels, and thus, flipping over to sleep becomes happiness.'
So how did Kian manage to gather his thoughts? Kian said, 'In searching for new places for the program, every stunning new place would initially amaze me and release dopamine; however, seeing them frequently renders them familiar. I’m also human, so I lose that sense of wonder over time. During that time, I attended a mercenary school locally while my friends ate, dressed, and trained, and I did my best to follow their routines. If I didn’t integrate with intensity, I wouldn’t know how to live. I tried to observe with a determined attitude, worried that if I merely skimmed over the experiences, it might affect the broadcast.'
Due to Dex's absence from the production presentation, the cast and production team mentioned his contributions instead. Lee Si-eon said, 'It may be a spoiler, but this is the place Dex wanted. Here are friends training daily, and among them, he is achieving remarkably high scores...'
In response, producer Kim Ji-woo remarked, 'More formidable than we expected are the friends there, and we’ll see versions of Dex that we haven’t seen before, as well as Dex awakening and evolving.' Lee Si-eon added, 'It’s incredible. There are weak moments, but a few pointed words can spark his awakening the next day.'
Furthermore, Pani Bottle discussed Dex, stating, 'Since the end of seasons 1 through 3, there have been some awkward moments with the cast. Before season 4, it seems we became closer by working out together. This friend’s energy has significantly increased. He only chooses to say things that are funny, and I try to make him laugh, and now with Dex being capable of everything, I wonder what I can do in our place other than making reservations. It feels like my position is becoming smaller. It’s not like Dex can’t perform because he’s unable to reserve hotels. If there’s a next season, please let me take care of the reservations and calculations.'
Producer Kim Ji-woo expressed, 'When I talk about Dex, only praises come to mind; he was such a great person. He may be the youngest, but at times, he even seems like an older brother. Every time an immature older brother interjects, he organizes things, leads, and is so admirable. Additionally, as Dex became more impressive, Pani Bottle started losing weight continuously. He suggested he no longer has a part to play, but might it not be a competition in terms of beauty?'
Kian84, who contributed to Dex's success, also reflected, 'He has grown a lot. He’s progressed greatly, and I hold him in high regard for his exceptional self-objectivity. Plus, he’s a veteran, right? When it comes to maintaining focus, you can see a clear determination in his eyes. Even when one becomes a star and a celebrity, they don’t seem to change, and I admire that immensely.'
Meanwhile, MBC's 'Around the World in 4 Days' will begin airing on the 11th, broadcasting every Sunday night at 9:10 p.m.
[Photo] Provided by MBC
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