There is a specific, chaotic energy that emerges when three men who define “masculinity” in vastly different ways are dropped into a foreign city with nothing but their personalities to lean on. In the first season of Real Men’s Way of Traveling, that energy manifested as a volatile yet endearing chemistry between MMA legend Choo Sung-hoon, the disciplined fitness icon Kim Jong-kook, and the perpetually upbeat Daesung of BIGBANG.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Kyushu, Japan, the series bypassed the polished tropes of typical celebrity travelogues. Instead, it leaned into the friction of its cast: the raw, instinctive nature of Choo, the meticulous and famously frugal habits of Kim, and the bewildered middle-ground occupied by Daesung. The result was less of a tourism guide and more of a character study on friendship, ego, and the surprising vulnerability of “strong men.”
As the first season draws to a close, the production has left viewers with a tantalizing hint of what comes next. While the Kyushu trip focused on luxury and leisure, early discussions suggest a pivot toward the rugged landscapes of Mongolia for Season 2—a shift that would test the trio’s chemistry in a far more demanding environment.
The Clash of Alphas: Instinct vs. Discipline
The heart of the show’s appeal lay in the ideological divide between Choo Sung-hoon and Kim Jong-kook. For years, both have been regarded as the “strongest men” in their respective entertainment circles, but Real Men’s Way of Traveling revealed that their definitions of strength are worlds apart.
Kim Jong-kook, known for his rigid adherence to routine and a legendary reputation for frugality, found himself frequently at odds with Choo’s more primal approach to travel. In one notable exchange, Kim expressed genuine bewilderment at Choo’s unfiltered habits, remarking that traveling with the fighter felt less like a trip with a peer and more like “bringing a beast along.” This dynamic provided a comedic tension that grounded the show, transforming a simple vacation into a battle of lifestyles.
Adding a layer of levity was Daesung, who often served as the emotional glue and the voice of the audience. His reactions to the production’s choices—specifically the opulent accommodations provided in Kyushu—offered a grounded contrast to the alpha posturing of his companions. At one point, Daesung was seen questioning the production budget, visibly suspicious of the ultra-luxury hotels they were occupying, wondering aloud if the production team could actually afford such extravagance.
Breaking the ‘Stingy’ Persona
One of the season’s most humanizing arcs involved Kim Jong-kook’s relationship with money. Long branded as the “stingy” member of his social circles, Kim used the trip to reveal a softer, more generous side reserved for his family. In a departure from his usual budget-conscious demeanor, Kim opened his wallet for those closest to him, signaling that his frugality is a discipline of choice rather than a lack of generosity.
This internal conflict—the man who counts every penny but will spend lavishly on his mother and loved ones—added a necessary dimension to his character. It moved him beyond the “gym-obsessed” caricature, presenting a portrait of a man whose discipline is fueled by a desire to provide for his family.
Season 1 Highlights at a Glance
| Cast Member | Primary Role/Archetype | Defining Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Choo Sung-hoon | The Instinctive “Beast” | Clashing with Kim Jong-kook over raw living habits. |
| Kim Jong-kook | The Disciplined Planner | Balancing his frugal reputation with family generosity. |
| Daesung | The Relatable Mediator | Questioning the luxury of the Kyushu accommodations. |
From Kyushu Luxury to Mongolian Wilderness
The conclusion of Season 1 was marked by the same unpredictability that defined the trip, ending with a series of comedic mishaps that left the cast exhausted but bonded. However, the conversation has already shifted toward the future. The prospect of a second season in Mongolia represents a significant tonal shift.
Where Kyushu offered high-end ryokans and manicured streets, Mongolia offers the vast, unforgiving steppe. For a show titled Real Men’s Way of Traveling, this transition is a logical progression. The “beast” in Choo Sung-hoon will likely find his element in the wilderness, while Kim Jong-kook’s need for order will be put to the ultimate test. For Daesung, the shift from luxury hotels to traditional gers (Mongolian yurts) will likely provide a new source of comedic disbelief.
While the production has not yet released a formal filming schedule or a confirmed premiere date for the next installment, the narrative trajectory is clear: the trio is moving from the comfort of the city to the challenge of the wild.
Updates regarding the official confirmation of the Mongolia trip and the casting for Season 2 are expected to be released via the network’s official press channels and the cast’s social media profiles in the coming months.
Do you think the trio’s chemistry will survive the ruggedness of Mongolia, or was the luxury of Kyushu the secret ingredient? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
