JTBC's new variety show to offer authentic side of Mongolia

From left, actors Kang Hoon, Hong Kyung-in, singer Hong Kyung-min, actors Cha Tae-hyun and Jang Hyuk, and singer Kim Jong-kook pose during the press conference for the new JTBC variety show, “Couriers in Mongolia,” held in Gangnam District, Wednesday. Courtesy of JTBC

By Lee Gyu-lee

JTBC is rolling out a new travel reality show titled “Couriers in Mongolia,” spotlighting the authentic sights of Mongolia, a country known for vast expanses of nature.

The new show, set to kick off on Aug. 18, follows a group of long-time celebrity friends ― singers Kim Jong-kook and Hong Kyung-min, actors Jang Hyuk, Cha Tae-hyun, Hong Kyung-in ― and actor Kang Hoon, traveling across Mongolia for 10 days. The cast members get on horses to deliver mail to the residents in the country's remote areas.

“The show started off with the cast members talking about delivering packages on horses,” the show's co-producer, Kim Min-seok, said during the press conference held in Gangnam District, Wednesday. “We've tried hard to make it possible. So the cast members travel 2,000 kilometers across Mongolia to deliver not just parcels but colorful sceneries to the viewers.”

The producer said the show will offer scenes that have not been highlighted in previous shows filmed in Mongolia.

“We went to Mongolia first for the research with zero information about the country,” Kim said. “Because it all started with what the cast members said, I was determined to persuade them to give up (going to the country) if I see it wouldn't work out. But when I visited, it was completely different from what has been shown on other reality shows.”

Scenes from the show, “Couriers in Mongolia” / Courtesy of JTBC

“Mongolia has all four seasons, even in one day. You can experience so many weather conditions, seasons, scenery and vast nature … (The viewers) will be able to resonate deeply with local experience not only from its scenery but with the cast members interacting with nomads and their lifestyle,” he added.

The cast members expressed satisfaction in reuniting for a reality show for the first time in about six years, since “Dragon's Club: Overgrown Bromance” (2017).

“We wish we could get together to do this kind of show often. But since we work in different fields (of entertainment), it's hard to manage the schedule. It took us about five years to meet this reality show. I personally wish we could get together more often,” Cha said.

Kim Jong-kook said he didn't take the idea seriously at first, but he came to really enjoy the experience.

“At first, it was just a joke. But, we've experienced so many different incidents and nature that we didn't expect. And I felt that things will really work out. In the end, I really liked the trip,” he said.

“Couriers in Mongolia” airs every Friday at 11 p.m.