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| Singer Kim Jae-joong's Argentina travelogue "Travel Buddies" will premiere on Feb. 8. Courtesy of Lifetime |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Celebrities' travelogues are nothing new. Countless stars have already explored every nook and corner of the world and opened up their experience through various platforms.
But the journey of Kim Jae-joong, a member of singing duo JYJ, is somewhat distinctive. The high-profile singer, 34, heads to distant Argentina alone and befriends strangers there on Lifetime's upcoming travel show "Travel Buddies."
Despite being a celebrity, Kim revealed he could easily find common ground with ordinary people he met in the South American country.
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| Kim Jae-joong befriended strangers in Argentina. Courtesy of Lifetime |
"We all shared similar worries. We mostly talked about the ways to unfold our life and attain goals," Kim said during a press conference at Four Seasons Seoul, Monday. "I believe many viewers would empathize with us. Through the conversations, I reflected upon my bygone days and deeply thought about my future. Thus, the trip was not merely about playing and entertaining to me."
He added, "In fact, I was the oldest among all people I met. But surprisingly, the travelers in their 20s were more mature, courageous and discreet than I was. They were not like younger brothers and sisters."
For Kim, the most memorable friend was Lee Chuk-gu.
"Lee was initially a school teacher, but came to Argentina to realize his long-time dream ― to play football," the singer said. "He even changed his name to Chuk-gu (meaning 'football' in Korean) out of his affection for the sport. I was truly impressed by his liveliness. I am still in touch with Lee and even invited him to my recent concert."
Kim also disclosed that he chose Argentina because of its proximity to the Antarctic, where he has long wanted to go.
"I actually planned to travel the Antarctic in the past, but gave up in the end because I had too many obligations to follow," he said. "It required much time as well. So this time I headed to South America, the closest continent to the Antarctic, to watch icebergs with my naked eyes."
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| Kim speaks during a press event at Four Seasons Seoul on Monday. Courtesy of Lifetime |
For Kim, Iguazu Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls ― on the border of Argentina and Brazil ― was the best tourist attraction. He said he felt the smallness of humans compared to nature.
But the singer regretted his stay was so short. He was on the plane for four days, and therefore had only about five days to look around the country, which he said was a fabulous blend of nature and city.
"I think I needed about 20 days," Kim said. "If I had been given more time, I could have visited more fascinating places and shared a deeper friendship with my new buddies."
The singer wrapped up the event by revealing other countries where he wants to travel.
"I am thinking about the Antarctic, Africa and Mongolia. In Mongolia, I would like to experience the local life," he said.
"Travel Buddies" will premiere on Feb. 8.
