SBS Plus 'Real Men Travel in Kyushu' Gains Massive Popularity with Heartfelt Conversations

'Real Men Travel in Kyushu' stars Choo Sung-hoon, Kim Jong-kook, and Daesung engage in heartfelt conversations after the production crew leaves.

SBS Plus's 'Real Men Travel in Kyushu' has achieved remarkable success, surpassing 10 million views on related SNS reels just after two episodes. It also ranked in the TOP6 of the TV-OTT non-drama news section in the 4th week of April, according to Good Data Corporation's FUNdex. Additionally, it secured the 4th spot on Taiwan's leading OTT platform, friDay Video, and ranked in the TOP5 variety shows on Korea's Wavve, proving its high interest and popularity among domestic and international viewers.

In the upcoming third episode airing on Tuesday, May 5th, Choo Sung-hoon, Kim Jong-kook, and Daesung set aside their lively variety show energy to discuss personal concerns such as marriage and age. Having bonded over Choo Sung-hoon's thunderous snoring the previous night, the trio feels closer than ever. As the production crew departs, they engage in a candid conversation about the realities faced by men in their 30s and 50s.

Youngest member Daesung shares his thoughts on marriage, saying, "When I was younger, I vaguely thought I wanted to get married before 40." Fellow Big Bang member Taeyang, born in 1988, married actress Min Hyo-rin in 2018. Kim Jong-kook empathizes, saying, "I thought the same. I assumed I would get married too." Choo Sung-hoon adds, "But there's definitely a generational gap in thinking," drawing attention to their conversation. Viewers are curious about the topics discussed during their private night chat.

Kim Jong-kook humorously seeks revenge on Choo Sung-hoon, who imposed a 'menu ban' on him. At a traditional udon restaurant in Kagoshima, Choo Sung-hoon insists, "You eat what I eat," prompting Kim Jong-kook to retort with, "Do you wear insoles, hyung?" Additionally, Daesung teases Choo Sung-hoon about his sweet snack purchases, saying, "Your taste is similar to (Choo) Sarang's," leading to a playful warning from Kim Jong-kook. Viewers are eager to see Choo Sung-hoon's reaction to Kim Jong-kook's remarks.

Choo Sung-hoon and Kim Jong-kook, dubbed the 'Tom and Jerry' of real men, engage in a childish yet hilarious argument, perfectly fitting their combined age of 101. While doing laundry, Choo Sung-hoon criticizes Kim Jong-kook's style, saying, "You smell too much like an old man," to which Kim Jong-kook retorts, "You're the one who wears the same thing from head to toe!" Their witty banter continues to entertain viewers in the third episode.

The production team stated, "Through their sincere talks, Choo Sung-hoon, Kim Jong-kook, and Daesung reveal their most natural and human sides, unseen in other variety shows. Please look forward to the precious moments captured in the third episode, like a Children's Day gift."

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