The event was scheduled to take place on the afternoon of the 5th at VisionQ Production's headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Attendees included mountaineers Lee Jun-hoon and Um Hong-gil, actors Ye Ji-won, Jung Yu-mi, Lee Tae-hwan, Park Hae-rin, comedian Kim Byung-man, former soccer player Lee Dong-gook, broadcaster Ahn Hyun-mo, and singer Yubin.
'Himalayan Expedition' is a reality show featuring celebrities and athletes embarking on a journey to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp (BC) to gather the hopes and wishes of the nation for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals.
The event was initially set for 3 PM but had not commenced by 3:30 PM. Except for Kim Byung-man, who arrived 15 minutes late, the cast had a photo session and then retreated to the waiting room, not reappearing. As journalists' frustrations grew, expedition leader Lee Jun-hoon emerged to announce the cancellation, apologizing for the inconvenience.
Lee explained, "In 2009, I climbed the Himalayas, but a colleague tragically fell to his death. Since then, I decided to stop climbing the Himalayas."
He continued, "The production company approached us, saying it was a good project and they would schedule it. After three weeks, they informed us they couldn't proceed with the scheduling."
Lee stated, "Due to the World Cup connection, we can't schedule it with any broadcaster other than JTBC. Even if we produce it, it can't be aired, which is why the cast is currently discussing the issue."
Regarding the scheduling issue, Lee revealed, "The broadcaster demanded a complete cast change, claiming the current lineup was too weak for sponsorship and advertising."
However, Lee insisted, "This project was planned with determination over several months, and I have no intention of changing the cast. I will go alone if necessary, as all flight tickets are booked."
The 'Himalayan Expedition' project began planning in August last year and involved six months of preparation, including on-site visits for filming arrangements.
This is not the first time a Himalayan expedition has been organized to support a World Cup. In 2002, during the Korea-Japan World Cup, Um Hong-gil and actors Lee Jong-won and Kim Hyung-il climbed Everest for the cause. In 2006, actors Jung Joon-ho, Park Joon-kyu, and Jung Woong-in ascended Island Peak in the Himalayas to support the German World Cup.
Led by Lee Jun-hoon, the Himalayan Expedition plans to embark on their journey in April. Unlike previous expeditions through Nepal, this one will take a route through India, climbing to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp at approximately 4,600 meters above sea level, where they will hold a ceremony wishing for the World Cup quarterfinals before descending.
Reporter: Da-yeon Jeong, TenAsia light@tenasia.co.kr