The buzz is real! ‘Monk and Guest,’ featuring Venerable Pomnyun’s first-ever road variety show, has finally premiered, and PD Ryu Ji-hwan is sharing his excitement for what’s to come.
On May 20, PD Ryu Ji-hwan, the director of SBS’s ‘Pomnyun Road – Monk and Guest,’ sat down for an interview with OSEN to reflect on the first episode.
Talking about the premiere, PD Ryu shared, “Since we launched amidst several successful dramas, I was a bit worried if we’d reach enough people. However, I’m so grateful for the positive reviews, and I really hope more people join us on this journey.”
When asked if the reactions were what he expected, PD Ryu replied, “I hope even more people tune in.” He added, “I’ve seen comments about the stunning scenery of India and how we balanced entertainment with educational meaning. There are even more exciting and meaningful moments for Korean viewers coming after episode 1, so please stay tuned!”
‘Monk and Guest’ has already sparked curiosity as it marks Venerable Pomnyun’s first foray into road variety. Explaining the casting, PD Ryu said, “Venerable Pomnyun is the heart and soul of this project. His 35 years of activity in India, his personal realizations, the hidden gems of India only he knows, and the thought-provoking landscapes are the very foundation of this show.”
This is why Noh Hong-chul’s presence was so brilliant. PD Ryu added, “Noh Hong-chul is like the navigator, handling all the entertainment elements. I was curious to see the synergy between his high energy and the monk’s calm presence, as well as how Noh’s matured thoughts and words would blend with the monk’s wisdom.”
When asked what kind of legacy he wants ‘Monk and Guest’ to leave, PD Ryu reflected on the editing process: “Personally, I watched the same footage dozens of times while editing. But strangely, every time I watched, I felt something different and had new thoughts, especially regarding the monk’s words.”
He continued, “I hope viewers can find courage through the monk’s words when they’re struggling, take a break from their worries while watching the exotic scenery, and let the show quietly seep into their hearts. I want this to be a work that people can keep coming back to even after the journey ends.”
PD Ryu concluded with a heartfelt wish, “Many people have said they’re spreading the word that it’s fun. I hope that word-of-mouth brings even more viewers to ‘Monk and Guest’.”
