Monsta X's Kihyun expressed his feelings about participating in the new variety show "Study Abroad Teacher Ryu" as his first program after returning from military service.

On the morning of the 15th, a production presentation for the E Channel’s new variety show "Study Abroad Teacher Ryu" was held at the Cinecube Gwanghwamun located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Actors Ryu Soo-young and Yoon Kyung-ho, along with Monsta X's Kihyun, attended the event where they discussed the program with domestic reporters under the guidance of MC Gu Young-geun.

"Study Abroad Teacher Ryu" is a variety show depicting the culinary study abroad journey of three brothers, Ryu Soo-young, Yoon Kyung-ho, and Kihyun, who left the country to learn and perfect new recipes. Ryu Soo-young, recognized for his practical cooking skills on multiple cooking shows, along with Yoon Kyung-ho, who was loved as 'Yurimping' in the Netflix series "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call," and Monsta X's Kihyun, are generating excitement as they choose this program as their first project after military service.

Monsta X's Kihyun returned to his fans after completing his military service in February. Recognized as a 'special warrior' for his devoted service, he will take on the role of 'special youngest' in "Study Abroad Teacher Ryu." He is expected to excel in the show as the youngest member, known among fans as someone who "knows cooking well," handling foreign languages, cooking, and visuals.

Kihyun stated, "I took on the role of the special youngest. I celebrated my 10th debut anniversary yesterday. I believe many of the fans, 'Monbebe,' know me as someone who does some cooking. However, through 'Study Abroad Teacher Ryu,' I returned as a slightly better 'study abroad student' in cooking. Please look forward to it."

He also mentioned the reason for choosing "Study Abroad Teacher Ryu" as his first program after discharge, saying, "Honestly, I was worried after returning from military service. I discharged with concerns and was told there might not be work for a while. But they reached out to me right away, so there was no reason to hesitate. Since I like cooking, I thought it would be good to challenge myself even though I had concerns. The timing was absolutely perfect."

Kihyun said, "Our individual characters are very different. I think it'll come out well on air. Kyungho hyung can seem laid-back and funny but makes delicious food. That's quite fascinating. I feel a bit boastful saying it, but when I organize the recipe in my head and make it, the taste comes out just as I imagine. I also fulfill my role as the responsible youngest. It feels awkward to say it. Ryu Soo-young hyung is like ChatGPT, tasting and immediately identifying what's lacking, adding it and making it happen seamlessly."

He continued, "We certainly ate a lot. I was the hyungs' PT trainer, guiding them, and I was very committed to my role as the youngest," he emphasized. Ryu Soo-young remarked, "I couldn’t film 'Sangtal,' but my body is in great shape."

Kihyun added, "In fact, I've never been the youngest before. I'm in my mid-thirties now. But being the youngest feels nice. It was unfamiliar to be loved and cherished by the hyungs. Monsta X is not used to expressing love and affection. But receiving that feels good. It’s an advantage of being the youngest. The hyungs’ encouragement gives me confidence, and I feel like I'm cooking well; it’s been a good experience as the youngest."

Additionally, he expressed, "There are dishes I wanted to cook for the members after I came back but haven’t had the chance yet. I want to make 'Polpo de Pop,' which involves boiling octopus, adding vinegar to mayonnaise, and coating it with crushed popcorn. I definitely want to make it when I hang out with the members over drinks. I'm still busy, but once I have time, I would love to cook for everyone."

"Study Abroad Teacher Ryu" will premiere at 5:20 p.m. on the 17th.

[Photo] OSEN reporter Jo Eun-jung.

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