From moments of runner's high to trembling tears, the appearance of the Extreme crew preparing for a second challenge was revealed.
In the third episode of MBC variety program 'Extreme84,' which aired on the 14th, the day after completing the 'Big 5 Marathon,' Kian84 was shown belatedly enjoying a runner's high in the running mecca of Cape Town. In addition, Lee Eun-ji and Tsuki joined as new crew members, and after intense training the journey preparing for a second challenge called France's 'Medoc Marathon' was revealed. During marathon preparations, a scene in which Tsuki, wearing a squid costume, fell into crisis recorded a peak minute rating of 5.3%, showing high engagement. (Nielsen Korea, metropolitan area)
The day after the Big 5 Marathon, Kian84 and Kwon Hwa-woon went on a recovery jog in the running mecca of Cape Town. In the process they naturally joined a local runner named Junior who was immersed in exercise, and the three headed to Table Mountain, famous for its trail running course.
Led by Junior, who became a daily crew member, they ran up dirt paths and endless uphill slopes as the extreme training continued, and when a collapsed Kian84 was helped back up by Junior, the 'father-and-son' chemistry completed and drew laughter. On the way down a movie-like scene unfolded with a rainbow hanging in the sky, leaving a deep impression.
Then Kian84, propelled by Kwon Hwa-woon's momentum, challenged Cape Town's top running crew to a 10km run. At first he seemed intimidated by the overwhelming size of the large crew, the distinctive runners and the imposing couple who led the crew, but once they started running he showed happiness at Cape Town's beautiful scenery and the sense of solidarity shared with runners. In particular, Kian84 enjoyed a 'runner's high' that he had not felt even at races, revealing an overwhelming emotion that added to the poignancy.
Stimulated by the culture and atmosphere of the local crew that grew from four members to around 600, Kian84 acknowledged there were lessons to learn, saying "there is a reason things succeed," and vowed "someday the Extreme crew will catch up," raising expectations for the next challenge.
That day's broadcast also officially conducted auditions to find a new face for the Extreme crew. The first candidate who brought a smile to Kian84's face was Tsuki of girl group Billlie. Tsuki, who says she runs more than 100 km a month, delivered a spirited determination, saying "I'll run even if my legs fall apart," and when faced with Kwon Hwa-woon's sharp questions she left an impression with a firm answer, "I am a person with a strong mind; if I had a glass heart I wouldn't have been able to debut in Korea."
Comedian Lee Eun-ji appeared next and from the start dominated the interview room with a flashy performance. Despite being a novice runner, Lee Eun-ji, who practices running every day, empathized with the happiness Kian84 felt while running and honestly expressed her ambition, saying "I want to move beyond being a beginner." However, her unpredictable reactions repeatedly embarrassed Kian84, and even Kwon Hwa-woon, who said he would enforce discipline for the new crew members, was shaken by Lee Eun-ji's 'flirting' skit, drawing laughter. The scene where she mentioned the 'no dating' rule and asked Kwon Hwa-woon, "Are you confident you can keep it?" instantly turned the set into a sea of laughter.
New crew members Lee Eun-ji and Tsuki immediately began training for the next challenge. Kian84 personally instructed them on everything from basic running posture to speed control and interval training, showing leadership as crew leader. Tsuki trained shoulder to shoulder with Kian84, surprising him with her fast speed and competitive spirit. Particularly, she was crowned a 'running robot' for maintaining perfect form and an expressionless face even as her speed increased, and Kian84 admitted he was secretly anxious that he might be outclassed by Tsuki's ability, which provoked laughter.
The Extreme crew, now four members, departed for France for the 'Medoc Marathon.' Passing more than 50 wineries, a course where Bordeaux wine is provided and the added annual theme cosplay make the Medoc Marathon a different type of extreme from South Africa's Big 5 Marathon. The four transformed into marine life concepts such as mackerel, squid and fisherman to match this year's cosplay theme, 'sea.'
But the cosplay became another variable. With temperatures reaching 31 degrees and the addition of cosplay outfits, running became burdensome. In particular, Tsuki, who transformed into a squid, looked flustered by the cumbersome legs that moved awkwardly with every stride. Tsuki, who had repeatedly expressed determination to finish, showed signs of wavering in anxiety, asking, "Do I have to give up finishing?" Particularly at the end of that day's broadcast, Tsuki eventually broke into tears, and a worried-looking Kian84 was shown, increasing curiosity about whether the Extreme crew can overcome this crisis.
In addition, scenes previewed showed Kian84 dancing and enjoying the local atmosphere while trying hard to resist the lure of wine, and runners from around the world partying as if there were no tomorrow, raising expectations for the identity of the 'Medoc Marathon.'
[photo] MBC 'Extreme84' broadcast capture
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