'Living Report' provided vivid local information and life tips to realize actor Kim Eung-soo's dream of living abroad, garnering enthusiastic responses from viewers.

In the first episode of MBN and MBC Drama Net's new overseas living guide 'Living Report,' which aired on the 26th, 'luxury new stealer' Kim Eung-soo made his first appearance as the 'client wanting to experience living abroad' and requested a tailored guide for 'living for a month,' saying, 'I want to escape from a complicated and hectic life to spend some time recharging.'

That day, Kim Eung-soo noted, 'I want to live in a warm and close Southeast Asia, preferring countryside living over city life, in a house with a view of the forest and beautiful scenery,' revealing his dream of living abroad. In response, Lee Ji-hye and Jasson recommended the 'ultimate value for money' spots: Bali, Indonesia, and Chiang Mai, Thailand, leading to a showdown as team leaders. First, Lee Ji-hye introduced a green healing house in Bali priced around 60,000 won, taking the offensive. This accommodation featured an eco-friendly bathroom with an open ceiling and an attractive garden where one could 'zone out' in a pool; at night, guests could enjoy a firefly night view that could only be seen in clean areas. Kim Eung-soo, seeing this, recalled a memory of catching fireflies in his childhood and studying by their light, showing high admiration for Bali.

Shortly after, the newlywed couple Lee Ji-in and Kim Kyung-in appeared as the 'living guide' in Bali, sharing tips for a month of living and revealing a lodging option in Ubud for Kim Eung-soo. They stated they have been settling in and enjoying Bali for five months, sharing that by staying for a day or two in their desired accommodation and paying for long-term stays without going through an agency, they could secure a better price. They also emphasized the importance of verifying that the photos match the actual condition of the accommodation based on their experiences.

Shortly after, the couple moved to a seafood market in Jimbaran, which is 1 hour and 30 minutes away by car from their Ubud lodging. At the market, they purchased shrimp for one-third the price in Korea and clams for one-seventh, and enjoyed meals while overlooking the sea at a restaurant that cooked seafood for just 1,800 won per kg. They also revealed their actual residence, which was a 'kosh' similar to a one-room or goshiwon in Korea, available for use at a low monthly rent without a deposit. Moreover, for a monthly rent of 360,000 won, they offered fully furnished options including a bed, wardrobe, dressing table, water purifier, refrigerator, TV, and desk, which garnered interest from Kim Eung-soo and others. Jasson even pointed out, 'Didn’t you say you want to heal while watching fireflies?' to which Kim Eung-soo candidly replied, 'Money over memories,' causing laughter in the studio.

As Kim Eung-soo was becoming increasingly enchanted by Bali, Jasson retaliated by introducing Chiang Mai, Thailand, suggesting 'a super low-cost house cheaper than chicken!' His introduction excited curiosity as he presented a centrally located condo rented for 510,000 won (17,000 won per day), which provided access to a large 50-meter swimming pool for free, as well as a gigantic shopping mall nearby. Sensing Kim Eung-soo's captivation with the mall, Lee Ji-hye lamented, 'Didn’t you say you liked rural living?' Kim Eung-soo confidently replied, 'People are often different front and back.'

Amid the heated atmosphere, the international couple Yoon Seong-hoon and Nam Phon appeared as the 'living guide' for Thailand. They explained how Chiang Mai offers excellent medical services, allowing foreigners to obtain affordable treatment with insurance, and providing Korean translation services, which won Kim Eung-soo's favor. They also opened up about their current residence, a townhouse 'Muban,' equipped with a walking trail, dog park, gym, and swimming pool. The wife added, 'There are places that even have a golf course, gas station, and international school.' The sale price for the 'Muban' (approximately 70 pyeong of land, with a combined indoor area of about 40 pyeong across two floors) was 135 million won, with high rental costs (77,000 to 100,000 won per month) posing a significant barrier. The couple mentioned, 'During festivals, you can see fireworks from the windows,' prompting Lee Ji-hye to ask Kim Eung-soo, 'Which view do you prefer, fireflies or fireworks?' Without hesitation, Kim Eung-soo chose the 'fireworks view,' revealing his undeniable 'city man' nature.

As Kim Eung-soo's heart wavered between the countryside and the city, Lee Ji-hye and Jasson revealed the final round 'secret weapon house,' showcasing a villa located in the popular tourist area of Canggu, Bali, alongside the GWK Park famous for its giant Vishnu statue. Next, Jasson presented a hidden forest house in Thailand where one could fully enjoy nature. Amid the quiet and romantic scenery of the dark forest house, Jasson proclaimed, 'We desire not 'isolation' but 'tranquility.' Initially unsure of Jasson’s background, Kim Eung-soo praised him, saying, 'You’ve studied a lot.'

In the end, Kim Eung-soo ultimately selected Chiang Mai, Thailand, among the two countries. Of the six houses presented, he chose the 'Muban,' where everything can be managed within the complex. Although he requested countryside living, he could not hide his city man's side throughout the recording. Lee Ji-hye asked him one last time, 'Is it countryside or city?' Kim Eung-soo coolly admitted he is a 'city lover,' providing a big laugh. Thus, 'Living Report' managed to select an overseas country that suited the client's conditions and goals from the very first episode, as well as provide tailored living guides and local life tips. Viewers commented that it was 'very informative and fun,' 'I watched without even realizing time passing,' and 'I’m curious and looking forward to more information on living in another country for a month.'

[Photo] Broadcast capture

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