Monk Beopryun's healing variety show succeeds... 'Monk and Guests' sees ratings rise [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

'Beopryun Road: Monk and Guests' (hereinafter 'Monk and Guests') has seen its ratings rise.

According to Nielsen Korea, a ratings survey company, on the 27th, the SBS variety program 'Monk and Guests,' which aired on the 26th, reached a peak per-minute viewership of 3.9%, showing an upward trend. In particular, the 2049 demographic viewership ranked first among all variety programs aired on Tuesday. Shortly after its first broadcast, the program entered the Netflix 'Top 10 Series in South Korea Today' at number 7 overall and number 2 in the variety category, and later climbed to number 4 overall and number 1 in variety.

'Monk and Guests' is a road trip documentary featuring 'national mentor' Monk Beopryun and five guests—Noh Hong-chul, Lee Sang-yoon, Lee Ju-bin, Lee Ki-taek, and Woo Chan—as they embark on a journey to find their 'true selves' through immediate question-and-answer sessions.

In the episode aired on the 26th, Monk Beopryun and guests Noh Hong-chul, Lee Sang-yoon, Lee Ju-bin, and Lee Ki-taek were shown heading to Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment.

On that day, Noh Hong-chul, Lee Sang-yoon, Lee Ju-bin, and Lee Ki-taek bombarded Monk Beopryun with various questions. When Lee Sang-yoon asked, "Do you ever get angry, Monk?" Beopryun replied, "When something that should be done is not done. At such times, I think I even get a bit irritated," revealing his human side. When Lee Ju-bin then asked how to quickly calm down when angry, Beopryun advised, "That is clinging to an angry mind. You must not hold on tightly or dwell on it."

Afterward, Monk Beopryun and the guests headed to Bodh Gaya. With only two train tickets secured in advance, Beopryun and Lee Ju-bin traveled by overnight train, while Noh Hong-chul, Lee Sang-yoon, and Lee Ki-taek had to take a bus that took a full 12 hours. To pass the time and alleviate the boredom of the seemingly endless long-distance journey, the three men spent their time playing games, showcasing their natural chemistry. Meanwhile, about nine hours later, Noh Hong-chul shared his harsh experience of the bus ride, saying, "I couldn't sleep. Every time I tried to fall asleep, I woke up," describing how he barely endured the trip due to his light sleep.

In particular, the broadcast featured a one-on-one immediate question-and-answer session with Monk Beopryun, drawing viewers' interest. Lee Ju-bin, who took the first turn in the Q&A with the monk, drew attention by opening up about her unfulfilled feelings despite landing her first leading role after 10 years of obscurity. Lee Ju-bin stated, "I've always dreamed of this moment, but I don't feel an overwhelming sense of satisfaction, relief from anxiety, or fulfillment. It's a lingering worry: 'What do I really want? What should I do to become happy?'"

In response, Monk Beopryun offered a clear and insightful answer that prompted a shift in perspective: "Because you think your desires are fixed, you end up searching for what you want. But what you want changes constantly. Yet, you keep trying to find what you want regardless of the moment, which is why you can't find an answer."

Beopryun then addressed Lee Ju-bin, who said, "When I look at myself, I feel like I'm pushing myself too hard. People say to love yourself, but I don't know how." The monk replied, "That is an obsession," offering practical advice. He continued, "All of that is self-abuse. You are tormenting yourself. To love yourself means not tormenting yourself. Don't try to become something else. If you feel anxious, just acknowledge it: 'I am anxious.'" Afterward, Lee Ju-bin shared her inner thoughts, saying, "I felt my thoughts clearing up quickly. After listening to the monk's words and reflecting, I realized there was no major problem."

Meeting again at Bodh Gaya, Monk Beopryun and the guests headed to the Mahabodhi Temple, the largest Buddhist holy site known as the actual place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. In a first for a variety program, the broadcast revealed the interior of the Mahabodhi Temple, capturing viewers' attention. To film inside, the group had to purchase separate camera tickets, surrender their mobile phones, and pass through an X-ray inspection before entering the temple. The temple's scenery, revealed after undergoing strict security checks, was moving in itself. Everyone marveled at the majestic grandeur of the Great Stupa, and Noh Hong-chul expressed his overwhelming feelings, saying, "It's so magnificent that it feels like all my energy is being drawn in."

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*This content was translated by AI.