K-pop idol group Monsta X member Kihyun, marking his 10th anniversary since debut, expressed his determination as he embarks on his first variety show, 'Study Abroad Student Anamseon', after returning from the military.

On the 15th, a production briefing for the new E Channel variety show 'Study Abroad Student Anamseon' (abbreviated as 'Study Abroad Student') took place at the Cinecube Gwanghwamun in Jongno-gu, Seoul. At the event, actors Ryu Soo-young and Yoon Kyung-ho, along with Monsta X's Kihyun, discussed the program with domestic press under the moderation of MC Gu Young-geun.

'Study Abroad Student Anamseon' is a variety show depicting the culinary study abroad challenges of three brothers, Ryu Soo-young, Yoon Kyung-ho, and Kihyun, who have gone overseas to broaden their culinary repertoire. Ryu Soo-young, who has been recognized for his real cooking skills in numerous cooking shows and is called 'Anamseon Saeng,' Yoon Kyung-ho, who gained popularity as 'Yurimping' in the Netflix series 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call', and Monsta X's Kihyun have chosen this program as their first post-military variety show, garnering great expectations.

In particular, Monsta X's Kihyun returned to his fans after completing his military service in February. Acknowledged as a 'special warrior' for his diligent service, he will take on the role of 'special maknae' in 'Study Abroad Student Anamseon.' Known among fans in Monsta X as someone who is 'good at cooking,' there are high expectations for how he will perform as the capable youngest member, excelling in foreign languages, cooking, and visuals.

Kihyun said, "I’ve been assigned the role of the special maknae. I just celebrated my 10th anniversary yesterday. I know many fans, 'Monbebe,' recognize me as someone who can cook a bit. However, this time I’ve returned as a revised 'Study Abroad Student' who can cook a little better through this program. Please look forward to it."

He also shared the reason he chose 'Study Abroad Student Anamseon' as his first program after returning from the military, saying, "Honestly, I was worried after being discharged. I was concerned because I heard there wouldn't be any work for a while after discharge. But as soon as I was approached, there was no reason to hesitate. Since I love cooking, I thought it would be good to tackle it despite the worries. The timing was quite amazing."

Kihyun noted, "Each of our three characters is very different. I think it will come through well on the broadcast. Older brother Kyung-ho can appear really relaxed and funny while being good at cooking. It's quite fascinating. When I say it myself, it sounds like boasting, but if I organize a recipe in my mind and make it, it turns out just as it should. I also faithfully play my role as the youngest under the older brothers. It’s a bit embarrassing to say this myself. Ryu Soo-young is like ChatGPT; he tastes something and immediately identifies what’s lacking and adds it right away, seamlessly keeping it going."

Thus, he emphasized, "We ate quite a bit. I was the older brothers' PT trainer and fulfilled the roles of guiding and being the youngest," In response, Ryu Soo-young jokingly replied, "I couldn't film the 'sangtal' segment, but my body is really in good shape."

Yoon Kyung-ho expressed surprise at Kihyun, saying, "He has been greatly influenced by MZ culture." He added, "Honestly, after we turned off the camera for a bit and had a drink together, when music played, our bodies started to move. When we were dancing, Kihyun was doing different moves to another beat." To this, Kihyun chimed in, "I once taught them waves for an hour and a half," bringing more laughter.

Ryu Soo-young admitted, "Honestly, at first I thought, 'Can I really make it? Can I cook?' Even I feel anxious cooking every day. However, on the first day, I went to a small kitchen and managed to cook; though none of the dishes turned out to be perfect, I was surprised at how delicious everything was. Taste matters. It's easier to create new dishes than to present them beautifully. However, Kihyun specifically never forgets what he hears once. In cooking, how many recipes you master is crucial, and he has an outstanding sense. He picks things up really well without needing to be told."

He stated, "Among ourselves, we say that 'Ipsi Pi' refers to how important it is to articulate. The imagination to memorize recipes is great. Eventually, I’ll be doing pastry and baking as well. It was really delicious. It felt like it could be sold. It felt like 'Kihyun Bakery' or 'Kihyun Confectionery.'"

In response to the praise from the older members, Kihyun said, "Honestly, I’ve never been the youngest anywhere. Now that I’m in my mid-thirties, being the youngest feels nice. I wasn’t used to being loved and adored by older members. In Monsta X, we are not accustomed to receiving love and cuteness. But receiving it feels good. It's a perk of being the youngest. Since the older members treat me affectionately, I feel more confident about my cooking and had a wonderful experience being the youngest."

He added, "After the members come back, I want to cook for them even if I haven’t been able to yet. There’s a dish called 'Polpo de Pop,' which involves boiling octopus and tasting it with mayonnaise added with vinegar, then sticking crushed popcorn on it. I’d really like to make it when having drinks with the members. I haven’t had the time yet, but I want to prepare it for everyone when I do."

He further shared his feelings after returning from military service and shooting abroad, saying, "The sense of liberation was beyond words. After spending 1 year and 6 months looking at training grounds and mountains, I felt an incredible sense of freedom in Portugal."

Kihyun stated, "I am a person who feels great joy from eating, but I gave it up for 1 year and 6 months. Since my friends in the military were not trained chefs, it was a period where I couldn't feel that food was delicious for 1 year and 6 months. I've realized that I overlooked that fact. While trying a lot of home-cooked meals at various places, I felt again that it was a tremendous joy I had."

Above all, he added, "In fact, I prepared ingredients and uploaded photos of completed dishes, and all those things were a bait for 'Study Abroad Student Anamseon.' I wanted to show 'Monbebe' (the fandom) that I can really cook. I wanted to convey that I’m sincere about cooking."

'Study Abroad Student Anamseon', in which Kihyun will shine, will premiere on the 17th at 5:20 p.m.

[Photo] OSEN reporter Jo Eun-jung.

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