Venerable Beopryun revealed viewing points for 'The monk and guests,' which he will create with five guests.
The SBS program Beopryun road: The monk and guests (hereinafter 'The monk and guests'), which premieres on the 19th, is an impromptu question-and-answer road trip that follows Venerable Beopryun, who has comforted countless people's hearts, and five distinctive guests Ro Hong-chul, Lee Sang-yoon, Lee Joo-been, Lee Ki Taek and Woo Chan as they travel India seeking the "true self."
Ahead of the premiere, Venerable Beopryun, Ro Hong-chul and director Ryu Ji-hwan PD personally shared special behind-the-scenes stories and viewing points of this journey. Ryu Ji-hwan PD said, "I have always wanted to make meaningful travel programs," and "While watching the impromptu question-and-answer sessions I used to enjoy, I suddenly thought, 'How about a trip with Venerable Beopryun?'" He added, "Venerable Beopryun is a 'genre' in himself, so it was possible to consider the project more three-dimensionally at the planning stage, and we could naturally organize what makes our program distinctive," explaining the planning intent.
He also added about the filming location, Kolkata, India, "Visually it is striking yet understated, and I wanted to show the cast new places they had not seen before; if we all share the fresh shock, the stories of the monk and the guests that unfold within it will connect organically."
Venerable Beopryun said about his reason for appearing, "These days there seem to be many people in our society who think they are not happy," and "I appeared with the intention of using this opportunity to think together about our 'happiness.'"
Venerable Beopryun shared his impressions of the trip with the five guests, and especially about Ro Hong-chul he recalled, "When we first met he looked at me and called me 'hyungnim.' It did not feel bad at all; it was simply amusing," reminiscing about their first meeting. He added, "He speaks well and led the mood very well. He was like a lead actor."
Ro Hong-chul also conveyed a deep impression of the time spent with Venerable Beopryun. He said, "I remember the kindly image of a true elder, but there were moments when he suddenly showed an extremely innocent and clear expression, and that image is especially memorable." Regarding the members, he said, "They were excellent travel mates because of their curiosity about and consideration for one another."
Ro Hong-chul said, "Smart Sang-yoon, easygoing Joo-been and pure Ki Taek all became a great support and source of fun," and added, "Especially Woo Chan reminded me of myself in my 20s. Watching an evolved Ro Hong-chul, our chemistry was excellent."
Director Ryu Ji-hwan PD also commented on the chemistry between Venerable Beopryun and Ro Hong-chul. He said, "The two are truly opposite in temperament. The monk is calm and rational, whereas Ro Hong-chul is always lively and high-energy, so I had high expectations about what kind of chemistry would unfold even before filming."
He continued, "As the saying that opposites attract suggests, the chemistry and back-and-forth between the two exceeded expectations and was very good," adding, "Viewers will feel freshness and bursts of laughter just by seeing the two in a two-shot. It is really a powerful picture," which aroused curiosity.
[Photo] SBS
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