The new variety show The Backpacker Chef: Ulleungdo Edition is creating buzz with its unique setup and star-studded cast. At a press conference on April 15, 2025, actress Ji Ye Eun opened up about her initial fears of working with BTS member Jin. Her candid confession sheds light on the pressures of collaborating with a global superstar and how their bond grew on set. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting show and the heartwarming story behind their friendship.
A Unique Guesthouse Adventure on Ulleungdo Island
The Backpacker Chef: Ulleungdo Edition, also known as Daehwanjang Gihwanjang or Kian’s Bizarre B&B, premiered on Netflix on April 8, 2025. The show features Kian84, Jin, and Ji Ye Eun running a quirky guesthouse on Ulleungdo Island, a remote and scenic location in South Korea. The series blends humor, chaos, and heartfelt moments as the trio navigates the challenges of hosting guests in a one-of-a-kind lodging designed by Kian84, a popular webtoon artist and entertainer.
The guesthouse, called Kianjang, is unlike any other. It floats on the sea and boasts unusual features, such as:
A 3.8-meter rock climbing wall as the main entrance.
A kitchen accessible only by sliding down a pole.
An outdoor bed under the open sky.
A giant slide leading directly into the ocean.
A boat pick-up service piloted by Ji Ye Eun, who earned a watercraft license for the show.
A monorail through a forest to reach the annex building.
The show’s creative setup, directed by Jung Hyo Min (known for Hyori’s Homestay), promises a mix of fun and unpredictable challenges. It consists of nine episodes, released in batches of three on April 8, April 15, and April 22, 2025.
Ji Ye Eun’s Honest Confession About Jin
At the press conference held at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square in Seoul on April 15, 2025, Ji Ye Eun shared her initial hesitation to work closely with Jin. As a rising actress known for her roles on SNL Korea and Running Man, she admitted feeling intimidated by Jin’s global fame as a member of BTS.
“Since Jin is from BTS, it felt hard to approach him. I was worried people might curse at me just for being next to him, so I tried to keep my distance. I really like BTS too, but part of me was like, ‘What should I do?’ So I tried to stay away.”
This fear stemmed from the intense scrutiny that comes with being associated with BTS, whose fans, known as ARMY, are known for their passionate support. Ji Ye Eun was concerned about potential backlash for simply being in Jin’s presence.
However, the unique environment of the guesthouse made it impossible to stay distant. Ji Ye Eun explained:
“But in that space, it wasn’t possible to keep a distance. We got close really fast, and Jin treated me comfortably and openly.”
Her comments highlight the tight-knit dynamic that developed among the cast due to the show’s demanding setup, which included physically and emotionally challenging tasks like sleeping on a hanging bed and managing quirky guest requests.
Jin’s Thoughtful Approach to Breaking the Ice
Jin, who joined the show after his military discharge in June 2024, responded to Ji Ye Eun’s confession with empathy. He acknowledged that many people feel hesitant to approach him because of BTS’s fame.
“A lot of people who meet me for the first time think they’ll get hate if they’re linked with BTS, so it’s hard for them to approach. That’s why I try to go over-the-top and approach them first.”
His proactive efforts to make others feel comfortable helped Ji Ye Eun overcome her initial fears. Fans have praised Jin for his humility and warmth, with posts on X highlighting his down-to-earth nature. One user wrote:
“Ji Ye Eun: ‘I had receio de ficar perto porque ele é um superstar’ and Jin shaking his head with a cute smile, he’s so humble and precious 😭.”
Another post quoted Ji Ye Eun saying:
“Ji Ye Eun: I tried to keep my distance as much as possible, but in that space, it wasn’t possible, and we got close quickly. Jin treated me so comfortably, like casually, so we became close. To me, BTS is only Jin oppa.”
These reactions show how Jin’s approachable personality resonated with both his co-star and fans.
The Cast’s Chemistry and Challenges
The press conference also revealed the emotional and physical demands of filming. Kian84 shared that the intense schedule took a toll on the cast.
“After three days of shooting, Ji Ye Eun cried. She was exhausted, and so was I—there was a lot of pressure, and I ended up crying too. But Jin was different. We really leaned on him.”
Jin, known for his versatility and variety show experience from shows like Run Jin and Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island, took the challenges in stride. He described the show’s chaotic charm:
“Even though it was hard physically, I think that kind of chaotic fun is the heart of this content. I didn’t compromise unless it was about safety. It wasn’t that hard for me personally—I’ve always been busy. But when I saw how tough it was for Ji Ye Eun and Kian84, I thought, ‘Was it really that bad?’”
Kian84 also praised Jin, humorously declaring:
“To me, BTS is only Jin.”
The cast’s dynamic has been a highlight for viewers, with fans particularly loving the playful and sincere interactions between Jin and Ji Ye Eun. A viral fan edit featuring their moments, set to romantic K-drama music, has sparked jokes about them starring in a drama together. One article noted:
“The natural flow of their conversations, teasing, and sincere gestures throughout the episodes have had many joking that they’re being soft-launched for a drama together.”
Why Jin Joined the Show
The show’s producer, Jung Hyo Min, revealed that casting Jin was a deliberate choice, but his participation wasn’t guaranteed.
“We were hoping Jin would choose to join, and it turns out that while he was in the military, he had watched a lot of Kian84’s variety shows and had thought he’d like to meet him. After being discharged, he even adjusted his existing schedule to free up nearly 10 days for filming on Ulleungdo.”
Interestingly, Kian84 and Ji Ye Eun were unaware of Jin’s casting until the first day of filming, leading to genuine reactions. Jung Hyo Min added:
“We didn’t even tell Kian84 or Ji Ye Eun that Jin had been cast. We wanted to capture the moment they met for the first time. You’ll be able to see everything from that awkward first meeting to the process of them becoming close.”
This surprise element added authenticity to their interactions, with Ji Ye Eun jokingly exclaiming in a preview:
“Isn’t he BTS?”
Jin responded playfully:
“How did you know?”
Fan Reactions and Show’s Success
Since its premiere, The Backpacker Chef: Ulleungdo Edition has gained traction for its unique concept and the cast’s chemistry. Fans have flooded X with praise, especially for Jin’s role as the “emotional rock” of the group. The show’s first three episodes, released on April 8, showcased the trio’s struggles with bad weather, forcing them to welcome guests in a separate annex building accessible by a monorail. The next three episodes, released on April 15, continue their chaotic adventures, with the final batch set for April 22.
The show’s innovative design and the cast’s genuine interactions have made it a standout in the guesthouse variety genre. Ji Ye Eun’s dedication, including obtaining a boating license, and Jin’s all-rounder skills have added to the excitement. Kian84’s eccentric vision, brought to life with features like a water park and real-time fishing zones, keeps viewers hooked.
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