[Comprehensive] "The Challenge Has Just Begun"... Variety Show Stars Noh Hong-chul and Kim Tae-ho Reunite in 'Meokbo and Teolbo'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "Hyung. These days, I’ve been riding and camping with Bi (Jung Jihoon), and it’s so much fun. But there’s poverty inside the world star."

Broadcaster Noh Hongcheol’s words sparked curiosity in PD Kim Taeho, leading to the birth of a new Netflix variety show. The two, who worked together for a long time on 'Infinite Challenge,' reunited with Bi, who gained popularity through the 'Kkang' craze and shined as part of SSAK3 on 'Hangout with Yoo.'

On the morning of the 8th, at the online press conference for the Netflix series 'Mukbo and Teolbo,' PD Kim Taeho said, "After resigning, I had an idea I wanted to do with Netflix," adding, "The collaboration is just beginning."

'Mukbo and Teolbo' is a relaxed full-course travel variety show featuring the unexpected close friends 'Mukbo' Bi (Jung Jihoon) and 'Teolbo' Noh Hongcheol as they travel across the country, showcasing various fun travel experiences. The show is a collaboration between PD Kim Taeho, who directed MBC variety shows like 'Infinite Challenge' and 'Hangout with Yoo,' and PDs Jang Woosung and Lee Juwon.

On the day, PD Kim Taeho recalled, "This was a completely unplanned program. When juniors were curious about digital short-form content, Noh Hongcheol contacted me. He said, 'Hyung, these days I’ve been riding and camping with Bi, and it’s so much fun. There’s poverty inside world star Bi,' and 'God gave him a body but not a brain,' which piqued my curiosity."

PD Kim added with a laugh, "I wanted to follow them around to see how top-tier celebrities Bi and Noh Hongcheol are so close." He continued, "While preparing, Netflix gave us the opportunity to introduce this."

Noh Hongcheol and PD Kim Taeho, who have worked closely for a long time on 'Infinite Challenge,' reunited through 'Mukbo and Teolbo.' Noh said, "We kept in touch and met privately to share updates. After Kim PD took a break abroad from his nonstop work and came back, he visited my house. He was interested in documentaries. Through various conversations, the idea naturally came up."

'Mukbo and Teolbo' was originally planned as YouTube content but was completed as an original series after meeting Netflix. Noh Hongcheol said, "I originally suggested to PD Kim Taeho that we share our travel experiences on YouTube, but one day he said, 'Let’s do it with Netflix.' I had a longing for originality, so I was happy."

Bi added, "I never dreamed it would become such a huge program. I participated with the thought of showing myself as I am and just enjoying it."

'Mukbo and Teolbo' captures the duo running, eating, playing, and resting during their friendship trip, along with beautiful scenery from across the country.

PD Kim Taeho emphasized the natural relationship, saying, "When we first met and discussed where to go, Bi and Noh Hongcheol’s characters already showed through. We just observed their journey as it was."

The show will highlight beautiful landscapes and diverse foods from Jeju to Gochang, Busan, Namhae, and more, portraying various scenes of their friendship trip across the country. How was the trip for the two who are genuinely close?

Regarding this, Bi said, "We share a similar individualistic tendency. We try not to bother each other and dislike both asking for and doing favors. When we’re together, it’s fun, comfortable, and we get along well."

Noh Hongcheol said with a laugh, "Among celebrities I’ve known for 20 years in the entertainment industry, Bi is the cleanest. Usually, after grilling meat and sleeping, there’s no way there wouldn’t be a smell, but he actually smells nice."

He continued, "He never puts us in a position to ask for favors. When he cooks, he joyfully handles everything from setting up to cleaning so the other person doesn’t feel burdened. These days, there are many celebrity divorces, but I don’t think Bi will get divorced. If he does, the problem is on the other side. Having experienced it, this guy is the best," causing laughter again.

He proudly added, "We have never fought even once," showcasing their special friendship.

Guitarist-turned-PD Jang Woosung explained choosing Lee Sangsoon as music director, saying, "We first met two years ago during the 'Hangout with Yoo' Whiplash project, and he also worked as a guitar teacher during 'Infinite Challenge.' I thought an acoustic atmosphere would suit Bi and Noh Hongcheol’s surprisingly lyrical vibe."

Lee Sangsoon shared, "I was offered to produce the entire soundtrack. It was meaningful, and I thought it would fit well with a Netflix original, so I naturally participated."

He added, "Singer and wife Lee Hyori also participated in the music. Noh Hongcheol was working on a song to sing, but Lee Hyori said, 'Not that kind of song, shouldn’t it be something like this?' and recorded a song on her phone to show him. After listening, he liked it and chose it."

What are their thoughts on working with Netflix, an online video service (OTT), after leaving terrestrial broadcaster MBC? PD Kim Taeho said, "Until now, we were making fast food, but this felt like making a full-course Korean meal. It was new and fun to carefully consider each ingredient and what kind of music would fit."

Noh Hongcheol added, "There was a style of variety show speech, but Netflix didn’t set a direction. They left it open and said, 'Try it.' It will be content we’ve never experienced before," expressing confidence.

Why did they choose Netflix despite numerous offers? PD Kim Taeho said, "Since this might be the last program collaborating between MBC, where I spent 20 years, and Netflix, we worked with our own sound director, graphic designer, and technical staff as much as possible. Although it’s a Netflix production, it’s a program that left a passionate memory of MBC’s last days."

He continued, "Two companies in different environments met, checked each other’s conditions, and respected each other. It feels like a great achievement to have tasted the global standard."

PD Kim also said, "I thought, ‘Can a meeting room or editing room atmosphere be this good?’ for the first time in 20 years. It was a sight I had never seen before. I’m also planning ideas for projects I want to present on Netflix after resigning," and laughed, saying, "The collaboration is just beginning."

Photo = Netflix