Choo Sung-hoon is back—not in the ring, but on a brutal journey across the globe in his name-sake variety show. This time, the former judo gold medalist and MMA fighter trades punches for paychecks in a reality series like no other.
💪 Real Work, Real Sweat: Extreme Labor Meets Travel
Choo Sung-hoon's Gotta Earn His Meal is not your typical celebrity travel show. Instead of sightseeing, the cast dives headfirst into some of the world's toughest jobs—from gathering herbs near Mount Paektu to selling goods on Egypt's Nile River, and even brewing traditional liquor in rural China.
Producer An Je-min explained, "Most travel shows look the same these days. Our concept is simple: celebrities work hard, earn money, and survive without any freebies—not even a sip of water."
🎥 No Help, No Script—Only Real Struggles
"Seriously, the staff didn't help at all," Choo laughed at the press conference held at IFC Seoul on July 23. "But it gave me a chance to really show what I'm capable of."
Joining Choo are YouTuber Kwak Joon-bin and comedian Lee Eun-ji. Together, they form the 'Meal Money Crew,' a trio tasked with surviving off their own sweat. They endure real labor, earn wages, and use that money to eat, sleep, and get through the day—completely unassisted.
🌏 Three Strangers, One Global Mission
Though they had never met before, the trio grew close while working, struggling, and even getting scolded together. "We became like family," they said unanimously.
Each member brings a distinct role:
- Choo: the muscular site foreman who tackles physical labor
- Kwak: the team's budget-conscious accountant
- Lee: the slightly clumsy 'search manager' trying to bridge communication gaps
😅 Behind-the-Scenes Chaos and Comedy
The cast recalled language barriers in China, working under extreme conditions, and even buying pricey Evian water on a tight local salary. "It made us appreciate the value of money all over again," said Kwak.
Choo added, "We even struggled to buy water. No English, no Google Maps. It was brutal—but that's why the show turned out so raw and real."
🎬 Documentary Meets Variety Show—With Heart
Lee Eun-ji praised the show's blend of humor and authenticity. "It's fun, but there are touching moments too. I think it captures the sincerity that viewers crave nowadays."
The show's unique selling point? Watching three strangers slowly form a bond—not overnight, but naturally, just like in real life.
📺 Premiere Info & What to Expect
Choo Sung-hoon's Gotta Earn His Meal premieres July 26 at 7:50 PM on ENA and EBS. Producer Song Jun-seop teased, "We're planning to visit one more country. Think 'Restaurant on Wheels', but 100 times more intense. Don't miss it!"
