Lee Gyu-lee is a business writer at The Korea Times, focusing primarily on IT & telecommunications, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA. Prior to this, she has covered a wide range of cultural news, from film, television and K-pop to lifestyle and fashion.
Kim Nam-gil, Lee Sang-yoon find answers to life in new MBC docuseries
From left, actor Kim Nam-gil, producer Kim Jong-woo, and actor Lee Sang-yoon pose during a press conference for the new MBC docuseries, "Leave Something," held at the broadcaster's premises in Mapo District, Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of MBC
By Lee Gyu-lee
By Lee Gyu-lee
Actors Kim Nam-gil and Lee Sang-yoon have joined hands to explore questions about life and find their answers on the road in the new MBC documentary “Leave Something,” which is set air Friday evening.
A poster for the docuseries, "Leave Something" / Courtesy of MBC
The four-part show will follow two actors embarking on a road trip across Korea on motorcycles, discovering different corners of the country. Along the journey, they meet different people as mentors who share their stories and insights to help the duo find answers to challenges in life.
The docuseries' producer Kim Jong-woo shared he wanted to capture the meaning of life through the show.
“The series follows a very pleasant trip of friends traveling on bikes, enjoying delicious food, and staying at local guesthouses. We tried to convey the idea of a life's journey, where you learn something along the way,” the producer said during the press conference for the show held at the broadcaster in Mapo District, Seoul, Thursday.
“The show is about two actors asking questions that we have as we live our lives as two adults who have taken a slightly unusual path. This will be like a short, road trip documentary.”
Kim Nam-gil, who got involved since the development of the show, said he hoped to find answers to life-challenging questions that he has sought for a long time.
“I didn't hesitate to get on the road, thinking I would be able to find solutions. Like any trip, Lee and I engage and share conversations with a lot of people as our natural selves. I've wondered 'What makes a good person?' and I wanted to meet someone who can give me the answer to that. And I thought we could make a show out of it,” he said.
“I started this (show) with the idea that I might find answers to the questions that I've asked myself endlessly.”
Scenes from the docuseries "Leave Something" / Courtesy of MBC
Kim Nam-gill and Lee shared they found uniqueness in ordinary people through their journey.
“I've found it's not just the people in historical biographies who change the world. Those who live their everyday lives diligently and earnestly, and give it their fullest come together to change the world. I came to realize that nothing can beat consistent effort,” he said. “I've finished the trip with resolutions on how I should live my life moving forward.”
Lee added he learned to know himself better and seek answers within him.
“We've met people who had significant experiences or breakthroughs in life. I thought they had a different starting point than I did. But I've learned that they all had very ordinary beginnings and then reached that height. So I realized they were also 'ordinary and common' rather than being different,” he said.
“I came to have confidence. The mentors were true to themselves and found answers within themselves. So I thought I should try to get to know myself better.”
Kim Nam-gil shared he hopes the series can resonate with viewers across all generations.
“It's not that you simply have concerns because you've lived a long life, nor that you lack wisdom because you are young. I hope that people across all ages can realize that life is the same for everyone from watching our show.”
“Leave Something” airs Friday and Saturday at 8:40 p.m.