Kim Jong-kook Apologizes for Daesung's Popularity in Japan on 'Real Men Travel in Kyushu'

Kim Jong-kook (50) apologized for the overwhelming popularity of Big Bang's Daesung (36) in Japan.

On the October 28th episode of SBS Plus's 'Real Men Travel in Kyushu', Choo Sung-hoon, Kim Jong-kook, and Daesung arrived at a share house converted from a karate dojo run by a martial artist for their first night. After experiencing the karate dojo behind the accommodation, the three prepared for bed. Kim Jong-kook, considering the noise at the door, offered his spot to Daesung. However, just five minutes after everyone fell asleep, Choo Sung-hoon's thunderous snoring marked the beginning of an eventful journey. The next morning, Kim Jong-kook apologized to Daesung and jokingly asked Choo Sung-hoon, "Do you turn back into a human when the sun rises?" Choo Sung-hoon, with an embarrassed smile, replied, "I should have used a different room, sorry."

The trio enjoyed a warm convenience store breakfast thanks to the wild Choo Sung-hoon, who fearlessly put his hand into a hot oven. They then headed to the 'Real Men's Dream Course'. In the car, Kim Jong-kook was moved by the quaint charm of the small town, prompting Choo Sung-hoon to tease him about only visiting expensive hotels in LA. Kim Jong-kook defended himself, saying he spends the most on food for value and prioritizes buying day passes for gyms, causing laughter. Daesung, who humorously mediated between the differing preferences of Choo Sung-hoon and Kim Jong-kook, arrived at Kyushu's largest health club. Kim Jong-kook, who usually doesn't take selfies, couldn't hide his excitement as he snapped away with a big smile.

Before working out, Daesung appeared with a towel around his neck, reminiscent of a sauna, and received advice from Kim Jong-kook. However, he impressed everyone with his world-class idol abs sculpted by Pilates. Kim Jong-kook, eagerly waiting for Choo Sung-hoon to finish showering before exercising, humorously remarked, "You can shower after working out," highlighting their contrasting personalities. As they began their workout, Choo Sung-hoon amazed onlookers by lifting a 100kg dumbbell with one hand and engaging in high-intensity circuits that drew cheers from female fans. Kim Jong-kook, thrilled by the sound of weights clanking, expressed his joy in the ultimate 'gym experience'.

Daesung, casually using the stepper, humorously revealed his anxiety about being on camera, a trait from his 'Family Outing' days, and joked about not knowing the taste of food since starting at YG at 18. After finishing his ab workout, he appeared exhausted, drawing laughter. The trio completed their 200% gym tour with tanning and oxygen therapy, leaving the gym with relaxed expressions.

They then visited a sushi restaurant holding the Guinness World Record for the most locations. Upon arrival, Choo Sung-hoon impressed Kim Jong-kook and Daesung by stirring matcha in hot water with his finger. The three continued their protein intake with a relentless sushi feast. A 'cola war' erupted between Kim Jong-kook, who wanted cola, and Choo Sung-hoon, who opposed it. Choo Sung-hoon jokingly suggested thinking of matcha as cola, prompting Kim Jong-kook to humorously protest, "Is this gaslighting?" while playfully clenching his fist. Ultimately, the trio astonished everyone by consuming 73 plates of sushi, equivalent to 13 bowls of rice.

After overeating, the three men took a leisurely stroll, playfully debating blood types AB and O in front of a blood donation sign. Kim Jong-kook, feeling left out as only Daesung and Choo Sung-hoon received photo requests, was amused when a Korean they met in Kumamoto recognized him as a 'Gym Jong-kook' subscriber, leading to a playful selfie session.

In the izakaya street filled with food stalls, the trio was intrigued by the Japanese MZ generation's cost-effective drinking culture, 'Senbero' (enjoying 1-2 snacks and 3 drinks for 1000 yen). They discovered a vending machine offering 27 types of Kumamoto local sake for 100 yen and began tasting.

Daesung's popularity was evident here. A Japanese fan had Daesung's merchandise hanging at the restaurant entrance and burst into tears upon seeing him. Daesung graciously signed an autograph, and Kim Jong-kook, witnessing this, humorously admitted, "Daesung, I'm sorry. I think I've underestimated you."

The trio then headed to the Shinkansen station to travel to Kagoshima, the city of men. Kim Jong-kook, experiencing his first Shinkansen ride, displayed his frugal side by ensuring he had Wi-Fi. The 'Real Men' surprised the production team with their spontaneous decision to explore Kagoshima, known for its value and rural vibe, and immediately arranged a food tour at a local horumon restaurant. Choo Sung-hoon, unfazed by the hot grill, picked up sizzling pork ribs, prompting reactions like "Are your fingers numb?" Despite Choo Sung-hoon's insistence that "sides are sides," Kim Jong-kook humorously remarked, "Eating too much meat makes you cranky. Maybe that's why you turn into a beast when you sleep," causing laughter.

The 'Real Men' continued their unrestrained eating spree, and when the production team expressed concern, asking if they were eating out of obligation, they replied, "We're still hungry," and told the team to "leave, we'll eat more." After the production team left two cameras and departed, the trio was shocked to learn they had consumed 20 servings of meat, marveling at the incredible value. As Choo Sung-hoon and Kim Jong-kook expressed their desire to work out again the next day, Daesung remained silent, leaving viewers curious about what 'Real Men antics' they will display next in the city of men, Kagoshima.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr