Singer Son Tae-jin is captivating viewers with a three-dimensional traveler persona that alternates between perfection and goofiness.
On the cable channel ENA variety show "Even if you're directionally challenged," Son Tae-jin is showcasing a different charm each week through an unpredictable journey as he attempts customized themed trips designed by popular travel creators.
In particular, known as the "smart Tae-jin" who speaks five languages—English, Italian, French, Chinese and Korean—Son Tae-jin displays an intellectual side while also embracing unexpected clumsiness and candid reactions that show his human charm, demonstrating his own way of traveling. We looked back at Son Tae-jin's activities on the show that have revealed why "it's okay to be directionally challenged."
# "If I don't know, I ask"...the "question relay" that proved the brainy man persona
Son Tae-jin's travel approach starts with a simple but sure strategy: "If I don't know, I ask." Even on his first trip to Taiwan, he asked airport staff about his destination in fluent English and continued the trip smoothly with a "question relay," communicating with locals in Chinese. In the underground mall wayfinding mission, he immediately recognized that the numbers were a building numbering system amid the complex layout of Taipei City Mall, naturally set the direction, and demonstrated his foreign language skills as well as quick reflexes and situational judgment, proving himself a reliable "smart Tae-jin" among directionally challenged travelers.
# Son Tae-jin's romantic journey that follows where his feet lead…"Just go!"
Son Tae-jin is an impromptu traveler who surrenders to the flow of the place rather than meticulous planning. He said he usually only decides on accommodation and restaurants and lets the rest of the schedule follow wherever his feet take him, and on this trip he fully enjoyed the refreshment that comes from novelty and freedom while maintaining his own travel style. In Jiufen, following others' movements with the phrase "Just go," he arrived at an observatory, and he dramatically boarded a train on the opposite platform, showing the true charm of an impromptu trip that is "okay even if you're directionally challenged" through wonderful scenes encountered in unplanned places.
# "Human Son Tae-jin"…the surprising clumsy charm that drew viewers' real-life empathy
The contrast between his smart image and the reverse charm of a "directionally challenged Son Tae-jin" is also an indispensable source of entertainment. Son Tae-jin evoked viewers' real-life empathy by wandering a shopping arcade for more than 30 minutes following wrong directions, and his nervousness at a terrifying blade massage lasted only a moment before he relaxed and provided a cute laugh. He also cheekily insisted a jasmine tea was "green tea," drawing suspicion of being the "S university liar," and displayed small resourcefulness by boiling an egg in hot spring water, naturally revealing the lovable side of the imperfect "human Son Tae-jin."
Through "Even if you're directionally challenged," Son Tae-jin has shown a variety-entertaining presence that combines intelligence, romance and clumsy charm, earning much love from viewers with a multi-faceted appeal different from his charismatic stage persona.
[Photo] ENA "Even if you're directionally challenged" screenshot.
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