김준현·딘딘이 5년 만에 MC 재결합 발표
어서와 한국은 개편 후 5개월 만에 복귀
전우애 같은 마음으로 자연스러운 진행 기대
Dean Dean and Kim Jun-hyun Reunite as Hosts After 5 Years on 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?'
Dean Dean expressed his thoughts on reuniting with Kim Jun-hyun as a host after five years.

On the afternoon of the 19th, an online production presentation for 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' (hereafter referred to as 'Welcome') was held. The event was attended by PD Jeon Min-kyung, Kim Jun-hyun, and Dean Dean. About four weeks ago, Kim Jun-hyun was embroiled in controversy for allegedly ignoring fans. A video showing him passing by fans without much reaction while bowing deeply to a staff member spread online, sparking a debate about his attitude.

'Welcome' is a domestic travel reality program that conveys the charm of Korea and the fun that comes from cultural differences. After undergoing a revamp last October, the program is returning to viewers after about five months. Previously, the format involved a host inviting foreign friends, but after the revamp, the concept has changed to 'any foreigner can become a traveler in Korea even without friends here.'

Dean Dean and Kim Jun-hyun Reunite as Hosts After 5 Years on 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?'
Kim Jun-hyun commented on reuniting with Dean Dean, saying, "It's been a long time since I entered this studio, but it felt as comfortable as my own home. Hosting together again felt like we recorded just last week." He praised Dean Dean, saying, "He's fun. Even though he's not a comedian, he responds well to skits." He added, "Ten years ago, when we did a pilot, we didn't have a studio like this, so we filmed at a cafe in Paju. If it rained, we had to suddenly stop recording, so being able to do it in a proper studio now is moving. We have a camaraderie because we went through that time together."

Dean Dean shared, "We've known each other for a long time, so it's comfortable. I thought comfort was the most important thing for this program. I believed a relationship where we could accept each other in any situation was necessary." He continued, "Even though five years have passed, it feels as natural as it did back then." He jokingly added, "It feels like we recorded last week, but seeing how much gray hair he has now made me a bit sad."

Dean Dean also mentioned, "I'm generally small in stature, so I like having people with larger builds like Moon Se-yoon or Kim Jun-hyun next to me." To this, Kim Jun-hyun responded, "He likes to tease chubby people. We enjoy it together. We have fun and it's great."

'Welcome' airs on the 19th at 8:30 PM.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
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