In the era of content overload, TenAsia's reporter Taeyuna becomes your 'entertainment guide,' unraveling the hottest issues, key points, main characters, and behind-the-scenes stories to enhance your viewing experience.
Kian84's 'Around the World' connections have once again captivated viewers. Following the Porfi family from Season 1, Sherpa youths Tamang and Rai from Season 4 have also become a ratings booster. This is evident in the show 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' which is nearing its season finale.
'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' is a variety show that documents the travel experiences of foreign friends visiting Korea. Since its pilot in 2017, the show has showcased various participants experiencing Korean culture and cuisine over the past eight years.
The most talked-about guests are those who appeared on 'Around the World' and were later invited to Korea through 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?'. The Porfi family, whom Kian84 met in Bolivia during Season 1, visited Korea 10 months after the broadcast. They reunited with Kian84, who treated them to Korean BBQ and gifts, bringing Porfi to tears.
This episode recorded a 3.5% viewership rating, more than doubling the previous week's numbers, marking the highest rating for the show in 2023.
Kian84's influence continued in 'Around the World' Season 4. In May, Kian84 joined Sherpa youths Tamang and Rai on a trekking journey in the Nepal Himalayas. The trio bonded while carrying loads in the highlands, promising to meet again, which moved viewers.
Following the broadcast, the 'Welcome' production board was flooded with requests to invite Tamang and Rai to Korea. The production team obliged, inviting them in August. Kian84 personally met them after filming, which became a hot topic.
Tamang and Rai's Korean adventure was unveiled in the broadcast on the 25th. The episode revealed that they now reside in Kathmandu, not the highlands, due to the off-season in Nepal's tourism. Tamang started working at a Korean restaurant, while Rai focused on learning Korean. Nepali broadcaster Gambhir, who was involved in 'Around the World 4', guided their Korean journey.
In Korea, Tamang and Rai enjoyed Korean BBQ and pork cutlets, visited Gwanghwamun, Namsan Tower, and took a city tour bus. Their awe at the unfamiliar cityscape and enthusiastic eating brought smiles to viewers. The episode's ratings responded, climbing to 2.2%, a 1.0% increase from before, marking the highest rating of the year. With their Korean journey just beginning, further rating increases are anticipated.
'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' will conclude its season with the Nepal episode featuring Tamang and Rai. The production team announced plans to return with a new season after a revamp. Anticipation builds for the remaining episodes of the Nepal segment as the show aims to end on a high note.
Taeyuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr