Kim Jun-hyun Returns to 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' with New Format and Co-host DinDin

On the 19th, broadcaster Kim Jun-hyun announced his return to the show 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' (hereafter 'Welcome') during an online press conference, emphasizing, "Having been part of it for nearly 10 years, I can't let go."

The online press conference for 'Welcome' held on the afternoon of the 19th was attended by PD Jeon Min-kyung, Kim Jun-hyun, and DinDin. 'Welcome' is a variety show that captures the travel stories of foreigners visiting Korea. After a reorganization last October, the show returns after about five months.

What's new this season?

This season, the show shifts from a host-centric format to a direction where 'anyone can be a traveler in Korea, even without friends.' Kim Jun-hyun and DinDin will host the show. Kim Jun-hyun, who has been with the program since its pilot, expressed, "Even if they tell me to leave, I can't let go of this program. Having been part of it for nearly 10 years, I've developed immense affection. I can't even imagine someone else sitting in my place. Fortunately, I get to be part of it again this time."

How is the chemistry with DinDin?

Kim Jun-hyun also commented on reuniting with DinDin, saying, "It's been a long time since I entered this studio, but it felt as comfortable as home. Hosting together again felt like we recorded just last week." He praised DinDin, saying, "He's fun. Even though he's not a comedian, he responds well to skits." He added, "When we did the pilot 10 years ago, we didn't have a studio and filmed at a cafe in Paju. We had to stop recording if it rained, but now we can do it in a proper studio, which is touching. Having shared that time, there's a sense of camaraderie."

DinDin 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 it was necessary to have a relationship where we could accept each other in any situation." He added, "Even though five years have passed, it feels as natural as it did back then." He joked, "It felt like we recorded last week, but I was a bit sad to see that hyung's gray hair had increased." DinDin also mentioned, "I'm generally small in stature, so I like having people with bigger builds like Moon Se-yoon or Kim Jun-hyun next to me," to which Kim Jun-hyun responded, "He likes to tease about being chubby. We enjoy it and have fun. We are happy and it's great."

Kim Jun-hyun explained the program's revamped direction, saying, "(While preparing for the renewal) after six months of meetings, we realized that the 'invited' aspect of the program's nature didn't need to be emphasized. We became confident that foreigners could enjoy traveling in Korea even without an invitation, which led us to attempt this change."

What special changes have the producers prepared?

PD Jeon Min-kyung, after a six-month hiatus, revealed the changes in the program, saying, "From this season, the system where friends living in Korea invite others has been somewhat weakened, and the biggest feature is that various foreigners visit Korea to travel."

He explained the background of the revamp, saying, "'Welcome' has reached its 10th year. Just as love in your 20s differs from love in your 30s, I thought change was necessary as the show has been loved for a long time. During the six-month break, I pondered what the essence of the program was. If the core is foreigners traveling in Korea, then the 'invited' setting could be omitted." He added, "There were people whose names you would recognize who wanted to come to Korea and even sent application emails themselves. We became confident that they could enjoy traveling without an invitation and that viewers would find it entertaining."

PD Jeon laughed, saying, "We focused on casting for six months. I'm confident," and added, "Jokingly, we formed about 300 teams just for the preparation team. We met many people, focusing on those who could actively participate rather than those unprepared for Korea. The cast will feature individuals with distinct nationalities and characters from each country, so we expect them to highlight those characteristics well."

Meanwhile, 'Welcome' has changed its format this season to allow anyone to travel in Korea, and it premiered at 8:30 PM on the 19th.

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