‘Grandpas’ back, but as abuelos
Now, Korea’s most famous seniors are heading out on their third trip, this time to Spain, one of the sunniest and most exotic European countries. The program’s producer, Na Young-suk, sat down with local media to talk about their trip, which was filmed from Feb. 1 to Feb. 10, and about his expectations.
Q. What’s the difference between this trip to Spain and the previous ones?
A. This time, we pinned down the concept, deciding to make it an intermediate-leveled backpacking trip - to make it more resemble a real backpacking trip that young people take. For example, we only provided the starting city [Barcelona] and the finishing city [Madrid], so the grandpas had to fill in the blanks themselves. Also, on the prior trips we provided each of them with 100,000 won [$94] each day for housing, food and fees. But this time we lessened the allowance, too. The grandpas will reveal some previously unseen sides of their personalities.
What does the “bag carrier” Lee Seo-jin have to offer this trip?
As you can see in our teaser video, while the grandpas are excited, Lee says “Is it just me that’s nervous?” Until now, Lee led the grandpas based on his experience in foreign countries and his English skill. He seemed like a “genius” type who could do well without trying much. But, in Spain, most people don’t speak English and he has never been there before. Viewers will see Lee struggling, being clumsy and floundering in front of the grandpas.
Why did you pick Spain as the third destination?
Before, it was kind of hard to distinguish whether the trips were about sightseeing or traveling. What about Spain?
In the third season, we definitely wanted to emphasize the travel aspect rather than sightseeing. We wanted the grandpas to feel as much as possible like people who go on trips for real. For example, what it’s like getting into a fight with a friend and then make up, and feeling exhausted after a tight schedule.
What does travel mean to you?
It’s simple - it stands for the opposite of our daily lives. When we are there, it brings back our childish side, making mistakes and being frank about our emotions.
What are your future plans?
I have some more stories to offer using the theme of traveling. I think it’s time for me to offer something new [other than the “Flowers” series]. I am planning on creating a totally different project this year.
The third trip of “Grandpas Over Flowers” begins tonight at 9:50 p.m.
BY JIN EUN-SOO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER [estyle@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)