ENA's 'Earth Explorers: World Travel 3' Episode 9 Recap

In the latest episode of ENA's 'Earth Explorers: World Travel 3' (지구마불 세계여행3), legendary members from the long-running travel variety show '1 Night 2 Days'—Cha Tae-hyun (차태현), Kim Jong-min (김종민), and Lee Joon (이준)—teamed up with popular YouTubers Pani Bottle (빠니보틀), Won Ji (원지), and Kwak Tube (곽튜브), creating a delightful chemistry that captivated viewers.

The ninth episode marked the beginning of the fourth round of their journey, with anticipation at an all-time high following the pre-release of the trio's participation. The legendary members paired with their respective partners and rolled the dice to determine their travel destinations, which included the Netherlands, Spain, and Romania. The episode saw a peak viewership rating of 2.5%, with fans reacting enthusiastically to the unique combinations.

A standout moment featured the 'Bromance' team of Kwak Tube and Lee Joon visiting a Romanian restaurant known for its unusual dish, pig brain. Their contrasting reactions—Kwak Tube's seasoned eating skills versus Lee Joon's cultural respect—provided plenty of laughs for the audience.

Cha Tae-hyun, known for his romantic persona, chose Pani Bottle as his partner based on his wife's advice. Their team was humorously named '7 Nights 8 Days'. In a historic moment, Pani Bottle recognized Cha Tae-hyun immediately upon his arrival, marking the first time in the show's history that he identified his travel partner.

Before heading to the Netherlands, the duo made a stop in Zermatt, Switzerland, at 'Chalet Hong-chul', a guesthouse run by MC Noh Hong-chul. Cha Tae-hyun expressed his amazement at the picturesque Swiss scenery, stating it was his first time enjoying such beautiful sights while working in entertainment.

The next day, they visited a viewpoint where they could see the Matterhorn up close, enjoying coffee and sharing a piece of chocolate, further building excitement for their upcoming adventures in the Netherlands.

Lee Joon made a memorable entrance, humorously addressing his hunger with a bread-eating segment and showcasing his 'natural man' charm by traveling without a phone roaming plan. The duo formed a team called 'Bromance', focusing on local food exploration in Romania.

While strolling through the iconic People's Palace, Lee Joon suggested trying the local delicacy of pig brain, which he ultimately found difficult to swallow, humorously apologizing to the Romanian people. In contrast, Kwak Tube handled the dish with ease, showcasing his expertise in food challenges.

The episode's highlight was undoubtedly the meeting between Won Ji and Kim Jong-min. Won Ji, a long-time fan of Kim Jong-min, was so shocked to see him that she momentarily fled in surprise, leading to a hilarious reaction that even veteran Cha Tae-hyun predicted would go viral.

Their shared quirks, such as their unique speech patterns and humorous misunderstandings, added to the entertainment. Upon arriving in Barcelona, they struggled with the electronic key at their accommodation, prompting Kwak Tube to joke about their comedic chemistry.

Won Ji introduced traditional Spanish dishes like calçots and jamón, while also studying the Sagrada Familia to impress her favorite star. Their interactions, including Won Ji calling Kim Jong-min 'oppa' and him offering sincere advice, fostered a warm connection between fan and star.

Reflecting on the experience, Won Ji stated, 'Every moment felt like a dream,' and the studio audience echoed her sentiments, expressing excitement for the remaining journey in Spain. 'Earth Explorers: World Travel 3' airs every Saturday at 7:50 PM on ENA.