SBS is bringing a fresh concept to Korean variety television. A new road travel show called Sunim Sonim Soul Trip in India will feature a Buddhist monk traveling with K-pop idols and famous actors across India. The show confirms its cast for a May 2026 premiere on SBS.
The program’s name combines two Korean words. “Sunim” means Buddhist monk, and “Sonim” means guest. This title perfectly sets up the show’s unique idea of spiritual travel mixed with fun entertainment.
A Respected Monk Takes on His First Variety Show
Venerable Pomnyun Sunim leads this unusual trip. People in Korea call him “the nation’s mentor.” He stands as one of the country’s most respected Buddhist figures. For 34 years, he has made pilgrimages to sacred sites across India. This marks his first time appearing on a road variety show.
The production team convinced him to join after he turned down many TV offers over the years. During filming, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim made a funny confession:
“Variety shows are harder than spiritual practice.”
This honest remark shows a different side of the monk. Viewers will see him laugh freely, ride rickshaws, and share street food with his travel partners. The show captures his human side, quite different from his calm public image.
Star-Studded Travel Group Joins the Journey
Several entertainers will join Venerable Pomnyun Sunim on this India trip. The cast includes:
Noh Hong Chul brings his high energy to the group. He leads the mood and also talks deeply with the monk about life topics.
Lee Sang Yoon drops his usual clean-cut image. He fully dives into the local Indian setting with enthusiasm.
Lee Joo Bin made a big choice to be part of this show. She canceled a planned trip to New York just to join the cast. Her easygoing charm adds warmth to the team.
Lee Ki Taek serves as the group’s mood maker. His honest and quirky personality keeps the atmosphere light.
Woochan from ALLDAY PROJECT joins as the youngest member. His sincere approach and serious nature balance the group’s dynamic.
India Locations Rarely Seen on Television
The show will not visit typical tourist spots. Instead, the group explores real parts of India that rarely appear on TV. The itinerary includes tributaries of the Ganges River, where life and death exist side by side. The cast walks through busy market alleys filled with local energy.
One special location holds deep meaning for Venerable Pomnyun Sunim. The group visits a remote school that he personally helped build 34 years ago. This school shows his long-standing connection to India and its people.
The show captures India’s raw, unfiltered energy. Viewers will see crowded streets, taste local street food, and watch the cast adapt to unexpected situations.
What Makes This Show Different from Other Travel Programs
Regular travel variety shows focus on famous landmarks and luxury experiences. Sunim Sonim Soul Trip in India takes a different path. The show blends spiritual reflection with everyday travel moments.
The cast rides rickshaws through busy streets. They eat simple local food. They meet ordinary people in remote villages. The show documents real reactions, not scripted scenes.
Venerable Pomnyun Sunim shares his wisdom throughout the trip. But he also shows his funny side. His playful comment about variety shows being harder than meditation surprised many viewers.
The show also reveals how the cast members change during the journey. They clash at times, empathize with each other, and eventually grow closer through shared experiences.
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Behind the Scenes Details from SBS
SBS announced the show on April 22, 2026. The network confirmed that all cast members agreed to join without hesitation. Lee Joo Bin’s decision to skip New York for this project impressed the production team.
The show’s title went through careful thought. SBS wanted something that captured the spiritual and travel elements together. The final title “Sunim Sonim Soul Trip in India” clearly explains the show’s core concept.
This marks Venerable Pomnyun Sunim’s only planned variety appearance for now. He turned down many offers over 34 years. The production team worked hard to convince him this project would show a meaningful side of India.
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