BTS’ Jin, Kian84 and Ji Ye-eun (from L to R) pose for photos during a press conference for Netflix’s Korean original variety program, “Kian’s Bizarre B&B,” in Seoul on April 15, 2025. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 15 (Korea Bizwire) — Jin of the K-pop boy group BTS stressed his effort to keep the unique, sometimes inconvenient, aspects of the bed and breakfast in the Netflix variety program “Kian’s Bizarre B&B” intact, as he considered this essential to the show’s identity.
“When suggestions for changes came up, I argued against them because they weren’t in line with the program’s original direction,” the artist said during a press event in Seoul on Tuesday.
“Regarding the show’s concept, we should keep the original direction,” he said, although he agreed with modifications necessary to enhance the safety of crew members and guests.
The travel reality show “Kian’s Bizarre B&B,” featuring TV personality and artist Kim Hee-min, better known as Kian84, running a quirky guesthouse on the southeastern island of Ulleung, and joined by Jin and actress Ji Ye-eun as staff members.
Netflix faithfully brings Kian84′s imaginative and absurd B&B concept to life, staying true to his ideas with features like outdoor beds and a fire pole connecting the first and second floors.
When asked about creating the deliberately inconvenient environment, Kian84 simply said he thought it would make a stay more memorable.
“If you stay in a conventionally good place, you will, of course, like it but later you might not have strong memories,” he said. “I wanted to create a space that encourages more interaction among guests, leading to fond memories.”
He noted the fire pole being the sole link between the first and second floors was intended to foster cooperation, making guests and staff rely on each other for help climbing up and down.
“I imagined the B&B as somewhere between a lodge and a military barracks,” he said.
Kian84 confessed, however, that managing and staying at the B&B for 10 consecutive days to film the show was so mentally and physically demanding that it reduced him to tears at one point.
“I broke down under the heavy responsibility of managing the house after only two days,” he admitted frankly. He credited Jin, however, with helping him pull himself together again.
“Having done many shows, I knew the concept for this show would be physically challenging, yet interesting and chaotic,” Jin said.
He also said his pure curiosity for Kian84 led him to accept the cast offer.
“At some point, my YouTube algorithm started showing content related to Kian a lot. I naturally became intrigued by him and wanted to get to know him.
“I was curious whether he really carries his spoon or toothbrush in his pocket, or whether he really just lies down as soon as he finishes his meal,” he said, with a laugh. “And yes, he was indeed like that.”
The show is produced by the team behind the hit reality travel show “Hyori’s Homestay” in 2017-2018.
Explaining why it took seven years to produce a similar reality program, producer Jung Hyo-min noted the critical role of the host in a lodge-based show, adding the host’s charm and intrigue take center stage and are crucial for the show’s success.
“We needed to be confident in the host and certain that viewers would share a similar level of interest in him or her before attempting this format again.”
The first three episodes of “Kian’s Bizarre B&B” premiered April 8. Three more are set to release later in the day, with the final three scheduled for April 22.
(Yonhap)
