Lee Seo-jin Teams Up with Na Young-seok Again for Netflix's 'Lee Seo-jin's Dallas Adventure'

《Kim Se-ah's Insight》
Reporter Kim Se-ah from TenAsia delves deeply into entertainment industry issues.

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Actor Lee Seo-jin has once again joined forces with producer Na Young-seok. This time, it's for the Netflix variety show 'Lee Seo-jin's Dallas Adventure,' which prominently features Texas. This new release comes amidst Lee's active career, including winning the Best Excellence Award at the SBS Entertainment Awards and his first foray into theater.

Netflix's 'Lee Seo-jin's Dallas Adventure' is an unscripted, plan-free variety show featuring Lee Seo-jin and Na Young-seok's adventures across Texas, a place Lee dreams of as his second home post-retirement. The show will capture the spontaneous road trip of Lee, Na, and their friends, celebrating their 15-year friendship.

The format is expected to be similar to the 2020 tvN show 'Lee Seo-jin's New York, New York,' focusing on Lee's preferences and daily life rather than grand missions. Na Young-seok emphasized, "Following Lee Seo-jin's travel preferences is crucial."

Given their 15-year acquaintance, their chemistry is already proven. Their synergy has been evident in various shows like 'Youn's Kitchen' and 'Three Meals a Day,' where Lee's unique charm blends well with Na's observational directing style. Their long-standing collaboration ensures trust and a strong dynamic on set.

However, some critics argue that their partnership has become somewhat predictable due to its familiarity. While their chemistry and production quality are high, there's a perceived lack of novelty.

Additionally, the travel variety show format, especially those set abroad, is already well-established in the market, making it challenging to stand out. The key question is how this 'Lee Seo-jin x Na Young-seok' combination can offer a fresh perspective. The reliable pairing brings both comfort and a risk of repetitiveness.

Separately, Lee Seo-jin continues to expand his career. Last year, he won the Best Excellence Award at the SBS Entertainment Awards for his role in the variety show 'Secretary Lee,' proving his presence as a variety star. He also took on a new challenge in his acting career by performing in a play for the first time in 27 years.

While opinions on the new show are mixed, Lee Seo-jin's strong presence in the variety market is undeniable. There's keen interest in how this familiar duo will innovate, and what new paths Lee will explore.

Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr