"Low-kick Threat to PD" – Cho Sung-hoon, Kim Jong-kook, and Daesung Show 'Manly Travel Methods' as Intense as the Jungle [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Cho Sung-hoon, Kim Jong-kook, and Daesung, brimming with testosterone, present "Manly Travel Methods."

On the morning of the 21st, an online production announcement for SBS Plus's new variety program "Manly Travel Methods" was held, with Kim Jin-ho PD, mixed martial arts fighter Cho Sung-hoon, singer Kim Jong-kook, and BIGBANG member Daesung in attendance.

On this day, PD Kim explained the unique aspects of "Manly Travel Methods" compared to other travel programs: "The combined YouTube subscribers of the three participants are nearing 7 million, and bringing them together is our top differentiator. This year's trend is T&A—respecting individual tastes. Our program stands out with many 'world premiere' routes not seen on other broadcasters."

PD Kim, known for directing SBS's "Law of the Jungle" and "Jungle Rice," pioneered survival variety entertainment. When asked how his past directing experience translated to this program, he joked, "My experience dealing with wild animals in the jungle proved very helpful this time. Cho Sung-hoon even said he would 'low-kick the PD,' which made me feel a sense of fear. I believe I handled the unpredictable nature of the cast well."

What is the most distinctive point of this trip compared to existing travel experiences, according to the cast? Cho Sung-hoon replied, "We didn't plan this trip extensively. A travel style where we move as soon as we think of it suits me well. I believe that is our differentiator."

Kim Jong-kook said, "We visited places that are not well known. It felt like we went to spots where locals actually experience things. We visited locations beyond famous tourist destinations to better absorb the local atmosphere of each country. We went to places that could be recommended to those seeking change from cliché travel spots." Daesung added, "This was a trip where we didn't meet a single Korean, which is unprecedented. We also visited restaurants that have never appeared on any broadcast. I consider it a gold mine."

Explaining why he chose this trio, PD Kim stated, "Daesung is 'Daesung of BIGBANG,' the world's top idol and top variety personality. Regarding Kim Jong-kook, when I was the youngest assistant director on SBS's 'Family Outing,' I asked him to appear in the program, and he kept his promise. I also requested Cho Sung-hoon's participation during his busiest time, and he readily agreed, saying, 'I'll go.'"

Kim Jong-kook, Cho Sung-hoon, and Daesung embarked on their journey under the common category of "Manly Men." When asked about their concept of "Manly Travel Methods," Kim Jong-kook first said, "Perhaps the way we go boldly and without overthinking is what 'Manly Travel Methods' is all about." Daesung responded, "I am the only planner among the three. The two older brothers have different manly styles. There are many kinds of manly men in the world. I think we proceeded naturally, following our instincts."

Kim Jong-kook further emphasized, "Actually, we are not overly fixated on being 'Manly Men.' A person whose thoughts and mindset are manly is truly a manly man. It's not about being strong or good at fighting; it's about not tolerating injustice and standing up for what is right." Hearing this, Daesung added, "The manly man I envision is someone who 'doesn't back down.'"

They also touched upon difficult moments during their impromptu trip. When asked about hardships, Cho Sung-hoon and Kim Jong-kook agreed, "There were really no difficulties; everything was fun. The food was delicious as well."

In contrast, Daesung confessed, "I initially agreed to stay in separate rooms with the production team, but once filming began, it turned out to be better than expected. The trip was so exhausting that it felt fine." Kim Jong-kook then empathized with Daesung, saying, "Cho Sung-hoon's snoring is almost like a roar. It's amazing. I've been angry the whole time he's been asleep."

Recently, Cho Sung-hoon has been showing a friendly image on his personal YouTube channel under the nickname "Ajossi." He also introduced various spots in Japan through tvN's variety show "Chaga-ne." He expressed confidence, saying, "Kim Jong-kook and I are only one year apart, and you'll find our chemistry fun. Seeing us with younger brothers will be a new experience."

Kim Jong-kook has been given the tagline "Kim Jong-kook who tames Cho Sung-hoon." Regarding this, Kim Jong-kook revealed, "It seems like I'm the younger brother grumbling at the older brother. We were trying to be entertaining, so we often picked on each other. This program also produced fun chemistry. The image of two aging men bickering is different from typical celebrity dynamics."

How did they adjust their different travel styles? Kim Jong-kook said, "We actually got along quite well. If there's too much grumbling during a trip, it means you don't get along, but we didn't do that." Cho Sung-hoon added, "We also got along well because we mostly ate protein-rich foods. The only differences were that I don't eat vegetables and Kim Jong-kook doesn't drink alcohol."

Daesung's demeanor reminded viewers of Lee Seo-jin from tvN's variety show "Grandpas Over Flowers." Regarding this, Daesung recalled, "Since the two older brothers had different personalities, I wondered how I should mediate. But once we started, we got along well. There wasn't much need for mediation, but there were times when I had to step in when the two of them were bickering."

Kim Jong-kook said, "We're not quite at the level of 'Grandpas Over Flowers,' are we?" He praised Daesung, adding, "Daesung takes good care of the older brothers, just like he did back when he was on 'Family Outing.'" In response, Daesung suddenly drew a line, saying, "It was a good experience," which drew laughter.

When asked what efforts the youngest member, Daesung, made to become a "professional caretaker," he explained, "Even when the cameras weren't rolling, I tried to anticipate what the two older brothers needed to ensure smooth filming. When the cameras were off, cheering them up also helped. Plus, traveling with them gives a sense of safety wherever we go."

Hearing Daesung's words, Kim Jong-kook revealed, "Cho Sung-hoon walks like a real tough guy. If someone looks at him, he immediately says, 'What?' I'm quite different from him." This exposed Cho Sung-hoon, leaving him flustered.

After marrying his non-celebrity wife in September last year, Kim Jong-kook took on his first overseas travel program with "Manly Travel Methods." He shared, "For my family, I traveled far despite the hardships. I want to go straight home after work. But what can I do? My wife didn't offer any special encouragement; she just said, 'Be careful.' I don't particularly enjoy traveling abroad for broadcasts, but I went to bring joy to many people."

Finally, PD Kim stated, "We wanted to introduce the charm of small cities, so this time we focused our travels on Kumamoto and Kagoshima. In the future, we want to showcase small cities rather than famous tourist spots."

Meanwhile, "Manly Travel Methods," a bromance travelogue blending the three men's excessive competitiveness, endless posturing, and childishness, will premiere today at 8:40 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.