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| Singer-actor Jung Ji-hoon, left, and TV personality Ro Hong-chul pose during an online press conference for Netflix's variety show, "The Hungry and The Hairy," Wednesday. Courtesy of Netflix |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Singer-actor Jung Ji-hoon, better known by his stage name Rain, and TV personality Ro Hong-chul hinted that their new reality show "The Hungry and the Hairy" explores some of the most beautiful places and best food in Korea as they head out on a road trip across the country.
Netflix's upcoming variety show centers on two celebrities taking a motorcycle road trip to uncover hidden gems of Korea, exploring some tourist destinations and local food specialties. It offers beautiful views of the countryside with music by veteran guitarist and singer-songwriter Lee Sang-soon.
Star TV director Kim Tae-ho, who produced the show, said he never planned on doing a show featuring Rain and Ro. Kim was behind several hit variety shows such as "Infinite Challenge" and "Hangout with You."
"After the success of SSAK3, a project group from MBC's Hangout with Yoo, I got a text message from Ro who told me he had been going on motorcycle camping trips with Rain. I thought it was an odd combination because they have opposing personalities," Kim said during an online press conference for the show, Wednesday.
"I remember a time when Ro said, 'God gave him (Rain) the body but not the brain.' I wanted to find out what he meant by that," he added.
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| Singer-actor Jung Ji-hoon in a scene from Netflix's variety show, "The Hungry and The Hairy / Courtesy of Netflix |
Ro expressed his fondness for Rain. "He is the best travel mate. Based on my experience of traveling around with him, I don't think he is ever going to get divorced. If he gets divorced, I can confidently say that it's his spouse's problem, not his," he said.
Jung also expressed satisfaction about their on- and off-camera chemistry. "I want to give Ro 100 percent as my travel buddy. He gives such good reactions that made me want to cook more for him. We both have good hygiene and eating habits, which made the trip so much easier," he said.
The actor-singer revealed how "The Hungry and the Hairy" became a huge project with Kim and Netflix getting involved.
"At first, I didn't expect it to be such a huge show. Director Kim told me to display different personality traits for each of the episodes, which was surprising. It was as if he was structuring the narrative to create this massive story," Jung said.
The variety show boasts star-studded guests, including Lee Hyo-ri and Lee Ha-nee. "Lee Hyo-ri appeared in the show because her husband Lee Sang-soon is our music director. Lee Ha-nee is a close friend of Rain, so it was quite natural for them to make guest appearances," Kim explained.
"The Hungry and the Hairy" will premiere Dec. 11.
