“Choe Usu San” is taking its ambitious first step!
MBC’s new variety program “Choe Usu San” will premiere on May 3 at 6 PM. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of Yoo Se-yoon, Jang Dong-min, Heo Kyung-hwan, Boom, and Yang Se-hyung, “Choe Usu San” is ready for a head-on battle against Yoo Jae-suk’s SBS “Running Man” and KBS 2TV “2 Days & 1 Night.”
“Choe Usu San” is Korea’s first “suffering mountain variety” show, where members engage in a desperate race to the top through various missions in the mountains. From the entrance to the summit, Yoo Se-yoon, Jang Dong-min, Heo Kyung-hwan, Boom, and Yang Se-hyung will perform missions to collect acorns, which serve as the show’s currency. The member with the most acorns will be crowned the “Top Performer” of the episode.
Since the Top Performer receives massive benefits, every single acorn is precious. Acorns become the catalyst for orders, trades, and betrayals, with members even resorting to one-on-one showdowns to get their hands on them.
The cast chemistry is already sparking interest. The group consists of “1.5-tier” entertainers, including Yoo Se-yoon, Jang Dong-min, Boom, and Yang Se-hyung, who all vied for the Top Excellence Award at the “2025 MBC Entertainment Awards,” along with the currently trending Heo Kyung-hwan. Expect a fresh dynamic with Yoo Se-yoon showing the confidence of a Top Excellence award winner, the brainy Jang Dong-min reading the game and psychology, Heo Kyung-hwan competing with pure physical strength, Boom bringing tireless energy, and Yang Se-hyung armed with wit and quick reflexes.
With mountains making up about 70% of Korea’s land, “Choe Usu San” will deliver a feast of dopamine-filled competitions and stunning landscapes. The first destination is the summit of Yongmasan, where viewers can enjoy the harmony of trees, rocks, and birdsong alongside a panoramic view of downtown Seoul.
The production team explained, “Actually, mountains aren’t always seen as the best material for broadcasting. They can seem boring, and the filming environment is challenging. However, we chose the mountains because they are a trend.” They added, “We wanted to capture the beauty of Korea’s mountains, which are gaining international attention, and showcase the charm of ‘K-mountain’ in the most entertaining way possible. We hope viewers enjoy the desperate competition between top entertainers and discover a new side of hiking.”
