The much-anticipated fifth round of 'Earth Marble World Travel 3' has kicked off with new 'talented' partners joining the adventure.
Chef Papri, known as the 'Language Genius,' dancer Gabi, the 'Radiant Star,' and actor Shin Seung-ho, the 'Soccer Prodigy,' have joined the journey, promising a refreshed travel experience with new team dynamics and destinations.
A particularly humorous moment occurred when Wonji, who drew the 'Golden Key' that allows changing the opposing team's destination, negotiated with the team of Kwak Tube and Gabi, leading to a spike in viewership to 2.5%, marking the highest-rated minute of the broadcast, according to Nielsen Korea.
The episode aired on the 7th of ENA's 'Earth Marble World Travel 3' showcased the final chapter of the fourth round's European adventure, which captivated audiences with its unique personalities and chemistry.
Team 'Last Chance,' consisting of Wonji and Kim Jong-min, wrapped up their 'Petite Madrid' journey with a three-course itinerary, enjoying traditional Spanish cuisine like roast suckling pig and savoring local wines from one of Spain's largest wine-producing regions.
Kim Jong-min, a 'wine lover,' had this on his wishlist. They concluded their trip by crafting fan bracelets with red and yellow beads reminiscent of the Spanish flag, completing the final puzzle of their favorite travel experience.
Wonji expressed, "Traveling with Jong-min oppa was like winning a prize," while Kim Jong-min added, "It was a time that gave me the courage for spontaneous travel. I'll take the lead in Korea," hinting at another adventure.
In the Netherlands, Team '7 Nights 8 Days,' consisting of Pani Bottle and Cha Tae-hyun, filled their trip with dopamine and emotions.
They heightened their heart rates with a dive coaster featuring vertical drops and 360-degree spins at Efteling, the largest theme park in the Netherlands, and spent a day filled with nostalgia by exploring the 'Fairytale Forest' and enjoying a spectacular 'Fountain Show.'
The next day, they recharged their emotions at the iconic windmill village, bought souvenirs, and took memorable photos. Cha Tae-hyun, who matched Pani Bottle's stamina and youthful charm, remarked, "It felt like receiving an unexpected gift. Pani Bottle's travel itinerary deserves an extra star beyond the five-star rating," praising his partner until the end.
Lastly, Team 'Bromance,' consisting of Kwak Tube and Lee Joon, explored Hungary's largest traditional market, the 128-year-old 'Great Market Hall,' indulging in street food like langos and various desserts, showcasing a food relay to the end. Unfortunately, Lee Joon's desired cultural activity experience was unsuccessful.
Kwak Tube searched for iconic activities like cable cars and wooden roller coasters for Lee Joon, but most closed early due to the off-season. Even their tuk-tuk night tour was canceled due to a reservation site error.
To lift Lee Joon's spirits, Kwak Tube proposed a clever plan, and they took a taxi to Fisherman's Bastion, capturing the breathtaking night view of Budapest, one of Europe's top three nightscapes.
Lee Joon, who usually enjoyed travel vicariously, shared, "I used to think traveling was a hassle, but this will be a memorable experience, and I chose my partner well," leaving a meaningful reflection.
With the conclusion of the fourth round, the door to the much-anticipated fifth round of destiny has opened. Before the new travel partners, introduced as 'Language Genius,' 'Radiant Star,' and 'Soccer Prodigy,' chose their partners, a humorous 'former partner introduction' reminiscent of Cha Tae-hyun's iconic film 'My Sassy Girl' brought laughter.
Cha Tae-hyun humorously warned, "Our Pani doesn't watch much TV, so he might not recognize you, but trying to appeal might make you look more pitiful," while Kim Jong-min shared a tip, "Our Wonji needs to use the restroom before getting in the car, so please take her," and Lee Joon introduced, "Our Jun-bin loves trying various dishes at restaurants," showcasing their strong teamwork until the end.
The newly revealed travel partners are true 'talents' with multilingual communication skills, high energy, sociability, courage, and stamina.
The stars are Michelin chef 'Language Genius' Fabri from Italy, power 'Radiant Star' dancer Gabi, and actor Shin Seung-ho, the 'Soccer Prodigy.'
They selected their partners through a dice roll, with Wonji and Fabri heading to the 'dream destination' Bolivia, where the 'Golden Key' on the board game completely overturned the destination selection.
Pani Bottle and Shin Seung-ho drew the 'Invitation from Cloudy' card, heading to 'Crazy World' Brazil, while Kwak Tube and Gabi, influenced by Wonji's 'Travel Voucher' card, made a sudden shift to Chile.
Additionally, Pani Bottle, an activity enthusiast, met Shin Seung-ho, who claimed, "I'm not afraid of any activity," while Wonji teamed up with Fabri, who promised to make her a 'gourmet' with his knowledge of local languages and cuisine. Kwak Tube, with the first appearance of a familiar partner, teased a sibling-like chemistry, opening the door to an exciting global theme park travel story. ENA's Saturday variety show 'Earth Marble World Travel 3' airs every Saturday at 7:50 PM.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr