Kim Jong-kook Joins 'The Manly Way to Travel' on SBS Plus: A New Era of AI-Enhanced Reality Shows

Kim Jong-kook, who tied the knot with a non-celebrity last September, is set to appear on SBS Plus's 'The Manly Way to Travel.'

Premiering on April 21 at 8:40 PM, 'The Manly Way to Travel' is a raw travelogue featuring Korea's quintessential manly men, Choo Sung-hoon, Kim Jong-kook, and the younger Daesung. The show promises an adrenaline-fueled bromance journey filled with unnecessary competitiveness, endless bravado, and childlike antics.

In two promotional posters, the trio—Choo Sung-hoon, Kim Jong-kook, and Daesung—are seen donning traditional yukata attire, roaring as they take on their first travel destination, Kyushu, Japan. The images capture their energetic poses against the backdrop of Japan's sea and gardens, hinting at the dynamic synergy they will bring to the show.

Moreover, 'The Manly Way to Travel' is collaborating with Studio Meta-K, an AI-based IP content production company, to usher in a new era of advanced reality shows. This partnership aims to differentiate the show from traditional travel entertainment by offering an immersive reality experience.

Studio Meta-K, known for integrating AI technology into various programs like MBC's 'Rookie Director Kim Yeon-kyung,' MBN's 'Divorced Singles 7,' KBS's 'History Special - Time Traveler,' and ENA's 'My Precious Star,' will enhance 'The Manly Way to Travel' with AI-driven pre-visualization, wide shots replacing drones, and AI-specialized subtitles and graphic design systems. These elements will amplify the show's dynamic appeal.

Additionally, Kim Jong-kook, the show's MC, was recently appointed as the official ambassador for the 'National AI Competition' hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT, showcasing his commitment to AI popularization in the 'AI meets physicality' era. With Kim Jong-kook leading a team of veteran entertainers and the production crew's exceptional planning, the collaboration with Studio Meta-K promises to deliver a groundbreaking 'AI-enhanced travel reality' show.

The production team expressed their excitement, stating, "This aligns with SBS's 'AI First' management strategy and presents a golden opportunity to evolve content production. We're thrilled to offer a richer travel experience using AI technology. Expect the 'adrenaline' glimpsed in the posters to explode in the actual broadcast."

SBS Plus's 'The Manly Way to Travel' premieres on April 21 at 8:40 PM.

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