From comedian Lee Su-ji to actor Jeong Jun-won, the stars shared their impressions of coming together for "Part-time job vacation."
MBC's new variety show "Part-time job vacation" premieres on the 19th. The first stars of the "romance-fulfilling working + holiday" variety show "Alkangs," which blends into local life and overcomes hardships to find happiness, are Lee Su-ji·Jeong Jun-won·Kang Yoo-seok·Kim Ah-young.
In September, four members deemed "the trendsetters among trendsetters" traveled to Tanzania in Africa. The four, each with different charms, worked together, and the ensuing chaotic adaptation and fantastic chemistry promise a fresh kind of fun.
The camaraderie that deepened from enduring hard labor together, the friendships and memories of youth that wiped away tears and runny noses, and the moments the cast members directly revealed as their best—what might those be?
Although the journey of "Alkangs," seasoned with sweet and salty moments, has ended, before the behind-the-scenes stories that left a deep impression on the four part-timers are revealed, the production released a Q&A with the cast.
Below is the full Q&A with the "Part-time job vacation" members.
Q1. How was it to work a "part-time job" in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and enjoy a "vacation"? What was the biggest difference from other trips?
Lee Su-ji: While doing a new part-time job, I had interesting experiences and enjoyed relaxation like a vacation, making many happy memories in Zanzibar. Every moment was new as I worked with unfamiliar schedules and new people, with the excitement of not knowing what each day would bring. I usually get excited before a trip, but this time I maintained that feeling throughout the trip, felt a lot of gratitude, and ended up being comforted myself.
Jeong Jun-won: On usual trips you tend to stick to tourist spots, but this time, by working a part-time job, I was impressed to be able to interact with locals in places tourists don't easily access. It wasn't simple sightseeing; through an experience that blended into local daily life, I gained a sense of accomplishment that's hard to feel on regular trips.
Kang Yoo-seok: It was especially meaningful that in Zanzibar, Tanzania, a place not easily visited ordinarily, I didn't just stay as a tourist but worked part-time and blended into their daily lives. Working and communicating with locals in an unfamiliar environment and feeling real local life was the most impressive and special experience.
Kim Ah-young: I had fantasies about Africa to the point of thinking I wanted to go there for my honeymoon, and I think I experienced many truly fantastic moments. I had pictured Africa as grasslands and nature, but it felt more European at times and Southeast Asian at others, with each city having a different atmosphere, so each time felt like a new trip. On this trip, I did various part-time jobs and communicated with local people, feeling the culture, so I saw and heard more than before.
Q2. At what point was your "romance" most fulfilled?
Lee Su-ji: On a safari tour I probably wouldn't have tried if I had planned it myself, when I faced the endlessly spreading plains, I felt calm and healed at the same time. It was the moment a long-held dream became reality.
Jeong Jun-won: Undoubtedly, the highlight of this trip was the "great outdoors." I've always had a longing for vast nature, and this wonderful place exceeded my expectations and fulfilled it all.
Kang Yoo-seok: As someone who particularly loves nature, the moments swimming with dolphins in Zanzibar's blue sea and encountering various wild animals on the endless safari made me very happy. All those scenes remain deeply in my heart.
Kim Ah-young: I like traveling, and I actually enjoy extreme situations and new challenges. I had a dream of doing a travel show someday, and wow... I was so grateful and wondered if I was really allowed to travel like this here. Thank you.
Q3. How was the chemistry among the four members? Through this trip, was there a surprising charm you discovered in another cast member besides yourself?
Lee Su-ji: I didn't feel we had to "adjust" to one another. We naturally considered each other and created harmony, and just being together was comfortable and fun. It felt like I had three reliable younger siblings. Especially Jeong Jun-won is always passionate and diligent. He put his heart into his work and, with his unique positive energy, was a mood-maker who brightened the team's atmosphere.
Jeong Jun-won: This experience was perfect in itself. Everyone we were with was kind and considerate, so just being together made me happy. It reminded me again that who you travel with is more important than where you go. Ah-young had a different charm from her on-screen image.
Kang Yoo-seok: Jun-won hyung was much more pleasant and attentive than I expected, and Su-ji nuna impressed me with her sharp sense of humor while also being warm and attentive to those around her. Ah-young was a friend with quirky yet lovable energy.
Kim Ah-young: When we needed to create something and opinions were scattered, Jun-won oppa volunteered to lead. And Su-ji nuna and Yoo-seok added the seasoning well... like a chef and sous-chef chemistry? But the chef would change depending on the situation, so when we "did something together" it was so fun for me. I already knew about nuna, but I was surprised again by her energy and stamina, and I felt, "Ah, nuna is too big for Korea to contain." I thought her laughter and energy could connect with people worldwide. I thought Yoo-seok might be a bit cold, but he was like the youngest son—very comforting. He was also quietly competent and practical. And I thought Jeong Jun-won oppa was a quiet, calm senior, but he turned out to be much more cheerful and someone who really wants to be hilarious. I think he is an honest person without pretense.
Q4. What do you think is the must-watch point unique to "Part-time job vacation"?
Lee Su-ji: It was a trip where you can fully feel healing in the great outdoors along with the warm and charming chemistry of four actors. We'll take care of the hardships, so please just enjoy the healing.
Jeong Jun-won: I think the must-watch point of this trip is the chemistry among the four. At first it seemed like we wouldn't match, but once we were together, we blended naturally without awkwardness, creating many unexpected laugh points.
Kang Yoo-seok: The teamwork the four of us created, and the journey that combined work and adventure rather than being just a trip, made the program richer. It was a time when we could see and feel things from various perspectives.
Kim Ah-young: I remember many of the places we visited, but the people I was with in Tanzania remain the strongest memories for me. So I think viewers will find our chemistry to be the key point to watch!
Part-time job vacation airs Wednesday the 19th at 9 p.m.
[Photo] Provided by MBC.
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