Exciting New Season of ‘어서와 한국은 처음이지’: Who Will Join the Celebrity Lineup?

Welcome — Is This Your First Time in Korea? press conference / Photo: MBC Every1

[Sports Today reporter Song O-jeong] The hosts of MBC Every1’s Welcome — Is This Your First Time in Korea? have begun rolling out invitations to international celebrities for the show’s new season.

On the afternoon of the 19th, MBC Every1 released an online press conference for Welcome — Is This Your First Time in Korea?. The pre-recorded presentation featured hosts Kim Jun-hyun and DinDin alongside producer Jeon Min-kyung, who introduced the program’s refreshed format.

The season’s first traveler will be Paco, a well-known Parisian personality, and the lineup also includes Chris Appelhans, co-director of the globally popular K-Pop Demon Hunters — both confirmed to appear.

With such a high-profile slate already generating buzz, attention has turned to who else the show might invite.

Kim Jun-hyun singled out celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, saying, “He’s been to Korea before, but I’d love to see him really explore — visit long-standing local eateries and try street food in the markets. I’m curious to see his reactions. Having a famous chef like him on the show would be a lot of fun.”

DinDin said he hopes guests bring genuine curiosity and sincerity. “I recently interviewed members of the Avatar 3 cast, and off camera one of the former child actors, Jack Champion, told me he wanted to visit Korea. He even follows Korean accounts on social media and said he’d reach out if he came. I think someone who’s genuinely curious about Korea would make an excellent guest,” he said.

Producer Jeon Min-kyung mentioned Cardi B. “I remember seeing her eat tuna with gochujang and seaweed as a set — it felt very authentic. If she came, the trip could be unexpected and delightfully entertaining,” she said.

At that moment, DinDin proposed that artists touring Korea could make an appearance on Welcome as part of a broader itinerary. “We know from attending overseas concerts that it’s a shame when artists only do a single show and leave. It would be great if they planned a course-like schedule that included our program,” he suggested, earning enthusiastic responses.

Meanwhile, the revamped MBC Every1 series Welcome — Is This Your First Time in Korea? returns tonight (the 19th) at 8:30 PM.

[Sports Today reporter Song O-jeong ent@stoo.com]
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