The producer of the returning show 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' named chef Gordon Ramsay, Hollywood actor Jack Champion and pop star Cardi B as celebrities the MCs would like to invite.
On the afternoon of the 19th, MBC every1 streamed a recorded online press conference for the variety program Welcome, First Time in Korea? (abbreviated Welcome). Director Jeon Min-kyung, who directed the program, and the two MCs Kim Joon-hyun and DinDin attended and talked about the reboot of Welcome.
The biggest change in Welcome, which returned from a hiatus as a reboot, is that travelers can be invited more freely. Previously, foreigners who had friends in Korea came, but now travelers interested in Korea can be recruited even if they are not invited. So which travelers do the producers and MCs want to see?
Kim Joon-hyun said, "I would like chef Gordon Ramsay to come." He said, "He has already been to Korea before, but I want to see him visit old restaurants and try street food at markets. I want to see what kind of food he would eat and like; it would be great if famous chefs came."
DinDin said, "There are so many people I want to see. But I hope they have sincerity. After one visit they would know the Korean vibe to some extent, so I hope people who have never met us before come." He said, "Recently I interviewed cast members of the movie Avatar: Fire and Ash, and one of the child actors, a friend named Jack Champion, said he really wants to come to Korea. He said he truly wants to visit Korea even after the cameras were off. We actually followed each other on social media and exchanged messages. It would be wonderful if a sincere friend who has never been here and is full of curiosity came."
Meanwhile, director Jeon Min-kyung, showing enthusiasm, said, "It feels a bit daunting, but I will apply to the preparation team right away," and added, "Personally, I would love it if Cardi B could come once. Last time I saw her mix canned tuna with gochujang and wrap it in gim, and I thought she really knows how to eat. I think there could be unexpected fun."
DinDin said with a laugh, "I hope it becomes like a route for visiting performers. When we go to another country, sometimes it's a shame to finish after just one performance. It would be great if they could meet Welcome as part of their itinerary from the time they enter the country."
Returning after six months, Welcome, First Time in Korea? is a domestic travel reality program that invites not only those who had friends in Korea but also those who didn't have friends to show a more diverse Korea—from the K-Korea charm people overlooked to the fun arising from cultural differences—transforming Korea as known by friends into a Korea everyone loves. It debuts as a reboot today (the 19th) at 8:30 p.m.
[Photo] Provided by MBC every1.
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