Na PD's 1N2D reunion journeys to the west » Dramabeans Korean drama recaps

50 August 6, 2015September 16, 2015

Na PD’s 1N2D reunion journeys to the west

by girlfriday

Well technically they’re journeying to China, which is west… of Korea. The cast and crew of Na PD’s new experimental variety show New Journey to the West took off on August 6 for their 5-day, 4-night trip to China, which reunites original members from the first season of KBS’s travel variety program 1 Night 2 Days. After four years apart, Kang Ho-dong, Lee Su-geun, Eun Ji-won, and Lee Seung-gi got back together with star PD Na Young-seok for what’s sure to be a nostalgia-filled reunion for all of them.

The show is apparently named after the ancient Chinese novel Journey to the West and borrows its framework as a metaphor (in it, four characters sin and journey westward to seek enlightenment). The metaphor doesn’t really apply to Seung-gi, but for the others who have experienced more than their fair share of scandals and setbacks as public figures, this might be the trip to redeem their public images.

That’s how the media seems to be looking at it anyway, because the pressure is on for Na PD to produce something that lives up to national-variety-program expectations, while simultaneously reviving Kang Ho-dong and Lee Su-geun’s careers. I can’t imagine all of that can be done on a five-day trip, but then again, Na PD made a cooking show starring Lee Seo-jin in which he does no cooking and everybody watches that, so yeah.

Interestingly, the series is being planned for an internet broadcast, and tvN is still undecided about whether or not it’ll air the show on its network. I can see that if CJ E&M is making a big push for direct-to-internet new media, a Na PD show is a way to get as many eyeballs as possible. Still, I’d rather see it on TV, and I wonder if it’ll get a second run on tvN anyway. The varying platforms and format should make for an interesting experiment. Though really I’m going to be there for the bromantic chemistry.

New Journey to the West will be released online in late August or early September.

Via TV Daily, MBN, Osen

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1 Richelle

August 6, 2015 at 8:09 AM

Kang Ho Dong is over now, all his shows get cancelled.
I've never seen a MC more annoying than him, well Jo Se Ho is the same style.

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Oh Really?

August 6, 2015 at 8:36 AM

Well good for you. Although sorry to break this to you, his career is far from over. No need to be bitter, just stay away from anything to do with him. Chop chop.

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Richelle

August 6, 2015 at 8:57 AM

Star King the last cancelled show

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namedx

August 6, 2015 at 8:46 AM

I guess he can fall into two camps - people either hate him, or love him. I think he's brilliant, despite his former scandal, and somewhat loud and abrasive persona. His style may not be to everybody's taste, but I think the guy's got great hosting skills.

I enjoy his presence on New Kiz on the Block, and I can only wish him the very best with this new show. Bring back the glory days!!

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Exactly!

August 6, 2015 at 8:53 AM

He's got superb hosting skills. He can make those ordinary people he meets on the way shine so much just with the simple way he connects with them. Never seen anything like it on korean variety truth be told.

He's under a rough patch right now, and everybody experiences slumps in their lives.. but he's got good MC-ing talent. It's just that those shows he's working on right now really aren't working, and I don't think it's his hosting skills at fault.

If they don't like him, just don't watch his shows. Why act like some bitter hag and be so angry and make other people feel miserable?

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soracantabile

August 6, 2015 at 7:11 PM

Actually, I don't fall into that two groups.
I don't like his style, but I really agree that he is a brilliant MC. It just that he should work with a show that fits him. I liked him in the past but I started to annoyed by his hosting style after his comeback so I don't really follow any of his shows after his comeback. But I really want to see him doing well like in the past so I hope this reunion can give us something great.

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natalie

August 6, 2015 at 8:52 AM

BUT I LOVE HIM! he should not quit... he just need to act natural ... I think he is still scared about the public hopefully with his old friends they can bring out his old humor and energy back :-)

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babyviolets

August 10, 2015 at 8:07 PM

i'm getting that vibe from him too. It seems he's trying too hard to please the audience, when he should just be himself. I really wish this series would be a hit, as I really like KHD. He may be a bit on the loud side, but he is literally one of the sweetest TV personalities I know. Plus, he didn't deserve the negative publicity that was brought on by his tax evasion scandal because it turned out to be a mere miscalculation by his accountant. If that didn't happen, I think he'd still be one of the more sought after comedian/host in SK.

In any case, really wish him and the rest of the cast and crew luck on this project.

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HopesDD

August 6, 2015 at 9:23 AM

One thing I admire about KHD is that he makes himself look bad to make his subordinate shine, SeungGi talked about it in that radio/letter contest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfzfOWHdBI8

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changhyun

August 6, 2015 at 3:29 PM

Sad such a bitter, negative comment is #1. Cool Kiz On The Block is doing better than ever.

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gala

August 6, 2015 at 4:47 PM

his recent shows didn't do as well as hoped because of the casts with him (SM usually packages their idols with him, ugh!).

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momo cut

September 6, 2015 at 12:07 AM

well i i feel the same for seho he is really annoying and he is really not funny and i don't even know how people watch him but for hodong he isn't that far from seho but you can see his charisma even tho he is loud he can make a funny atmosphere on the other side seho is just talking and interviewing people and acting as if he was talented or entertaning

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2 Caryn Lum

August 6, 2015 at 8:24 AM

Hi there! I've been a silent lurker on Dramabeans I guess for almost 4 years now and have been a follower of 1D2N for all their 3 seasons...proud to say that I am still a die hard fan of them.
As much as I love Na PD (again, a follower of his GOF/YOF/TMAD/TMAD(FV)), I am skeptical on how this new concept will re-ignite the brotherhood they had back in season 1 but will definitely look forward to DB's review on this.

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3 Annie-chan

August 6, 2015 at 8:30 AM

Seung-gi can be Tang Sanzang, the monk who saves them all.... :))) I hope they can bring the old magic and recover their images. All I need now is for the people to forgive Mong...

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A.T.

August 6, 2015 at 7:14 PM

Kang Ho Dong - Tax Scandal (Haha, taxes...)
Lee Su Geun - Gambling Scandal (Raised in the U.S., Las Vegas, Indian Casinos, etc. with influences from Hong Kong/East Asia, mentioning Macau, known also for gambling, gambling doesn't bother me.)
Eun Ji Won - Divorce Scandal (... failed relationship)

MC Mong - Military Evasion Scandal (Excuse: Missing teeth, unable to get enough nutrients through eating habits.)

MC Mong hurt me the most. From my point of view, why didn't you get implants? He missed just the right amount of teeth to disqualify him from military service, and he kept saying he wanted to go and serve his country... but to this day, he hasn't done shit to earn my respect, and then he comes out with new songs? Damn Mong... just... damn...

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Gg

August 7, 2015 at 9:08 AM

Lol thats what came to my mind too! Seunggi with the pristine image, as the monk who guides them (altho in this metaphor, Yoona would have to be the evil spider demon lol)

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4 Jam

August 6, 2015 at 8:33 AM

Oooo I wonder how it'll turn out. Personally, I already feel like KHD lost his touch w Korean broadcast. So this show will either make or break it once again for him. Looking forward to it!

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namedx

August 6, 2015 at 8:55 AM

I'm hoping that this ensemble cast who are so familiar with each other will lessen Kang Ho Dong's current awkward streak. I trust the cast to make it work, because they're just so damn comfortable with each other. It's the way they bounce off each other and their grounded humour which made the first season of 1n2d such a winner - not mentioning Na PD's special touch. And whilst it may be difficult to replicate that original synergy, I hope, they can strike up a new tandem which will be an equal hit.

So good to see Lee Se-geun back, too!!

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HopesDD

August 6, 2015 at 9:21 AM

I used to dislike his style untill I watch him on 1N2D (with those guys) and Strong Heart (with SeungGi), don't know how his shouting makes me excited instead of cringing. He makes things more alive and he's also the first one to laugh at some jokes from his "lil' bros" tho some jokes aren't funny, his laugh makes me laugh as well <3

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namedx

August 6, 2015 at 12:47 PM

"He makes things more alive and he’s also the first one to laugh at some jokes from his “lil’ bros” tho some jokes aren’t funny, his laugh makes me laugh as well <3"

Ditto!

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Gidget

August 6, 2015 at 1:39 PM

You may be right about Korean broadcasts. But by giving the show a distinctively Chinese theme and releasing direct to the internet I wonder if they're not aiming at that market.

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5 craptelly

August 6, 2015 at 8:41 AM

Been seeing so many fan pictures during filming and it looks so much fun! I really miss their brotherly love for each other and I'm just really glad for the chance to see it all over again. Based on the pics, it looks like Sugeun has taken the role of Sun Wukong, the monkey king. ^_^

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6 kororo

August 6, 2015 at 8:54 AM

Lee Su-geun is back, I'm so happy !! I watched a few episodes of his pool game show out of support but that wasn't really my thing. I hope Na PD can work is magic and get something great out of this reunion !!!

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7 Lsgapprentice

August 6, 2015 at 8:57 AM

All i can say is "in Na pd we trust" :)

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mary

August 6, 2015 at 10:44 AM

LOL Amen.

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kiongna

August 8, 2015 at 9:12 AM

Ditto *high five*!

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8 whatis

August 6, 2015 at 8:57 AM

SO FRIGGIN' PUMPED about this! But gotta say, it still doesn't feel the same without Kim C and MC Mong. :(

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casey

August 6, 2015 at 10:56 PM

I agree. Its not complete without the two.
This is definitely a big challenge for PD Na. but lets not judge on the person and their scandals but on what they can offer.
Who does not have a scandal nowadays anyway?

These guys are given another chance, so if they want redemption, now is an opportunity. Lets not close our doors to what they are good at. They have a knack for comedy esp as a group. I hope their "formula" before will come out naturally again.

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9 TrinPie

August 6, 2015 at 9:00 AM

I find it odd how any type of 'scandal' in Korea can be a career breaker. Coming from a Hollywood mentality where actors here can cheat, steal, go to rehab, divorce and so on without any pause in their careers, it confuses me. I was expecting these huge scandals for both Kang Ho-dong and Lee Su-geun but when I looked them up it seemed like their scandals were barely anything.

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choppy

August 7, 2015 at 12:55 AM

Me too! They are really unnaturally strict on celebrities. For me, nothing was as crazy and baffling as Jay Park and Tablo's scandal. lol.

Jay Park - got sent death threats and had to leave the country! all over something he wrote online (Korea is gay) years back when he was a trainee. He was just frustrated about the hardship he was facing at the time. He is only now making appearances again on tv variety shows.

Tablo - someone made up a rumour that he never studied at stanford and it got to the point where he was let go of the company he signed with and had to have the prof or dean of stanford send him his diploma again. even then there were still doubts. so a korean film crew actually flew to stanford and filmed the prof or dean faxing the diploma again. insane and not even relevant to tablo's career. like why do they even care? lol

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10 ajewell

August 6, 2015 at 9:11 AM

Though I'm enjoying Season 3, Season 1 of 1N2D has my heart and soul, and I am soooo excited to watch this!! The only thing that would make me happier, is if MC Mong, Kim C, and Jongmin could've gone along as well. Either way, can't wait!!

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11 natalie

August 6, 2015 at 9:12 AM

please please recap this show :p I think they'll be fine They have chemistry haha they're not lovers but more lol they're family sooooo I think they'll be fine :) lee seunggi and ji -won is there haha theyll teach them the right path LOL I just cannot see this ensemble be awkward in anyway hahahaha

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12 HopesDD

August 6, 2015 at 9:18 AM

"The metaphor doesn’t really apply to Seung-gi" man, sometimes I wonder if he's human or not!

I'm so looking forword to this, SeungGi puppy réunited with Ho Dong, Ji Wonnie and Su Geunnie <3 I'm having high expectations for this show. Already **spoilers alert** from fanpics, it seems we'll have Old Boy (aka stupid party) vs Young Boy (aka scary party)

Ji Won street smart and SeungGi's book smart never fail to entertain me, I'm so excited for it.

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13 Twocents

August 6, 2015 at 9:21 AM

Wow hopefully this show will have a great start and a great journey as well. I'm not a big fan of KHD but I'm glad to see that he's venturing into new program with his old comrades. I'm actually kinda enjoying CKOTB (depends on the casts and type of sports) and I think he needs people that he has chemistry with so that his MC skills shine. Hopefully he can revive himself with magic moments again. Also hoping that no one starts to compare this new program with the current 2D1N S3 bcs they are all friends in real life and I believe they want to support each other to do well in their life.

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14 Mieosa

August 6, 2015 at 10:25 AM

YYYYYYEEESSSSSS! BEST NEWS FOR VARIETY YET!
I am so happy that I literally screamed after the first few sentences. As some of you might know by now.. I AM FAN OF NA PD. Basically, only ever comment on articles about him on here hehe. I am pretty pumped with seeing Seung gi on variety again - so much to tease now that new dating. Kang ho dong needs a good comeback and i hope Na PD can help him. I think he also needs to tone down a bit...less shouting and fewer long-winded explanations.

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15 mggmmggm

August 6, 2015 at 10:38 AM

"Na PD made a cooking show starring Lee Seo-jin in which he does no cooking and everybody watches that, so yeah."

I was totally hyped when I first read this news! About time! I mean seriously! These guys had amazing chemistry in 1N2D. I'm one fan who is super excited - its not about "reviving" the career though, its about seeing them again especially Su-geun 'cos you have to agree with me that he is good at what he does despite the mistake.

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16 Arhazivory

August 6, 2015 at 11:13 AM

Su-Geun's not smiling in any of those stills. I really hope this will be a healing trip for him.

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doroomi

August 7, 2015 at 5:10 AM

Don't worry that much, he also enjoyed with the members a lot.
Here's the fancam, Lee Seung Gi (as Xuanzang?) patting Lee Soo Geun's head (as Sun Wukong?) lol. They're so cute!
https://instagram.com/p/6DMa-iFLcB/

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17 lemondoodle

August 6, 2015 at 11:37 AM

I have faith in Na PD. He's revived many careers recently. Most not from scandal, but... I also want some nostalgic elements form S1 of 1n2d, but I'm sure it'll be a show that stands on its own.

People are hard on KHD for having canceled shows, but it has to be hard to leave everything that made you popular and then try to come back with something new. The best/most popular shows nowadays aren't new ones, but the ones that have been on a while. Breaking back into the business is difficult for anyone.

I really want this to air on TV as well. They were sure it wasn't at first, but now seems undecided so I hope they are moving in that direction.

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18 An

August 6, 2015 at 12:13 PM

I'm kind of scared of this happening (or rather watching since it already happened by now) because 1N2D was my favorite show out there and I feel if it doesn't turn out good... Ahh... Idk.. I hope it's good even if we don't necessarily have subsequent seasons..

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19 Requiem

August 6, 2015 at 3:02 PM

"(in it, four characters sin and journey westward to seek enlightenment). The metaphor doesn’t really apply to Seung-gi, but for the others who have experienced more than their fair share of scandals and setbacks as public figures, this might be the trip to redeem their public images."

Actually, from the wikipedia page:

"that is, that the Buddha gave this task to the monk and provided him with three protectors who agree to help him as an atonement for their sins."

So, it actually fits to a T since SeungGi would be the monk, and the 3 others are atoning for their sins (though, I'm not sure what sin Eun Ji-Won is atoning for.... Sucking at acting?)

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20 k_chiki

August 6, 2015 at 4:41 PM

Looking forward to this! :D Love love love how they look so happy in the pictures especially Seung Giiiii :D

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21 Alyssa

August 6, 2015 at 5:10 PM

YAYY!!! The BAND is back!!! I just wished MC Mong and KIM C are here. OMG the feels! Just seeing sugeun back in entertainment is just....ahhh!!! I missed him so much. Such a waste of talent for him to be out so long. I can't wait to see this. Definitely tuning in!!!

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22 hanie

August 6, 2015 at 5:48 PM

awww.... no Kim C?
I miss seeing Kim C in anything tbh.
Speaking of Na PD, I dunno what it is actually, but I called it 'actor greeting' when in between show, some 'it' actor/actress/idols will say 'hello, this is (name), you are watching channel M~ NA PD has his own greeting at channel M. I'm guessing because he is popular nowadays.

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23 Uudonn

August 6, 2015 at 7:51 PM

Bring back the good old days! So happy and touched to see them gathering together once again. I've always liked kang hodong. He's a really admirable man and he's so talented and humble at the same time. Na PD has a book called '어차피 레이스는 길다' in which he talked about his journey to iceland in finding the aurora and about his life after leaving 1n2d. It's a pretty good read if you want to know about some 'insider information. All i can say is kang hodong is a Big man with a Big heart. Fighting!!! :)

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24 annflln

August 6, 2015 at 9:20 PM

Things we didn't consider a 'scandals' apparently something big in SK. Its sad to find those things could be a career breaker.
I really hope this show can bring the best from them. But, when it come to Na PD's show...i'll take whatever he offers.

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25 kiongna

August 8, 2015 at 9:24 AM

I am such a huge Kpop and Kdrama fan... and would shout TAEHAN MINGGU any day haha but Korean Netizens are mind boggling to me regardless of how many years I have been exposed to their sentiments, likes & dislikes...... and how passionate and critical they can be of anyone especially celebrities...when they truly get upset.. omo.. and they can forgive celebrities who have made bigger mistakes and still attack some with smaller mistakes...*shakes head* I think male celebs get away easier then female ones...

Enuf said, can't wait to watch this new show or read your wonderful recaps GF & JB - Saranghe! Wish this show great success! Na PD Bido, Na PD Jjang!

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26 Patty Gorman Hahn

August 9, 2015 at 5:28 AM

I loved this show especially with these guys, I no longer get KBS, due to dish network, but will look for this on line when the time comes.

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27 theo

October 14, 2015 at 1:55 AM

sorry to be rude. KHD is one of the best MC in SK. No one can top him. His personality suits him, being loud and aggressive.If you take a good look at him, that is how people drawn attention towards the show, his loudness can bring fun to people who watched the show. Like in 2D1N, all the youngsters were afraid of his madness, since that s how you bring out the personality of others. Suguen the traitor, Suenggi the brain, Jiwon the mastermind, KHD the leader. I just love him!

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28 Kay

October 14, 2015 at 10:46 PM

KHD is the best MC in SK and no one can top him so agree with u. I'm so happy to see 4 of them together again they have the best chemistry ever in Korean variety show. Love them in 2D1N and now WOW!!! To see them again with PD Na is pure happiness and pleasures for me!!!

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