‘Earth Monopoly’ is returning for Season 3.
On the morning of the 20th, the production presentation for ENA and TEO's entertainment project ‘Earth Monopoly World Travel 3’ (hereafter ‘Earth Monopoly 3’) was held at the Shocking K-Pop Center in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Attendees included Pani Bottle, Won Ji, Kwak Tube, Kim Tae-ho PD, and Kim Hoon-beom PD.
‘Earth Monopoly 3’ is a program where travel creators Pani Bottle, Won Ji, and Kwak Tube participate in a world travel board game designed by Kim Tae-ho PD, relying on dice to determine their fate as they travel around the globe. This season returns with a larger scale and differentiated themes.
The theme for this season is ‘Earth Monopoly Theme Park’. Kim Tae-ho PD expressed, “It’s a series that I look forward to every time as I can greet you like an annual event. Season 3 aims to fill the colors of Seasons 1 and 2 without losing them, striving for a more dynamic and diverse picture. I hope you enjoy watching it,” he said, expressing his expectations.
Recently, the JTBC entertainment program ‘My Name is Gabriel’, produced by Kim Tae-ho PD, received lower ratings than expected. Additionally, the currently airing MBC entertainment program ‘Good Day’ is facing a crisis due to controversies surrounding cast member Kim Soo-hyun. With ‘Earth Monopoly 3’ starting a new season, these issues could be seen as a burden.
In response, Kim Tae-ho PD stated, “I was waiting for this question,” and explained, “‘Gabriel’ was produced with expectations for global format sales while preparing a format-related contract with a company overseas. It generated more revenue than production costs through distribution and advertising, and we are currently in discussions with various places regarding the format.” He added, “I was happy to convey the message I wanted to share.”
Regarding ‘Good Day’, he mentioned, “‘Good Day’ is a music entertainment format. It would be good to have a variety of content, but how the music is formed is important. I regret that the songs came out later than expected, which prevented us from showing diverse aspects.” He continued, “I heard that the ratings for the 2049 demographic are good, and it ranks first in the U.S., Taiwan, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is also performing well in domestic distribution on Disney+. As the results of the cast's interactions will emerge in the latter half, I hope viewers will watch with anticipation.”
Kim Tae-ho PD also shared, “The reason I established the production company TEO three years ago was not just the ambition to direct new content, but to provide opportunities for junior PDs and young creators. The results produced by PDs who have grown from junior to mid-level will continue to emerge. The intention was to cultivate a space where each could derive new programs. I don’t know how Season 4 will turn out, but I hope it will come out in a new form,” expressing his hopes for his juniors.
He added, “Since directing ‘Infinite Challenge’ in 2008, I have heard stories of ‘crisis’ and ‘test’. Now, if that’s not there, I might doubt ‘Am I doing well?’ I feel that once it becomes complete, there’s nothing new to do. The lack and unprofessionalism have been the nutrients that make me think of new things. It has been the driving force that makes me ponder new ideas. My role is to be a windbreak and help the young sprouts grow well.” Kim Tae-ho PD also expressed his affection, stating, “‘Earth Monopoly’ seems to have reached a stage where it can bear good fruit after passing the sprout stage.”
Continuing for a third season is not an easy task. What has been the driving force behind continuing the seasons? Kim Tae-ho PD explained, “It’s the viewers’ comments of ‘When is the next season?’ The common keyword in the comments from viewers is ‘vicarious satisfaction’. While they can’t travel immediately, we select places that can evoke memories by revisiting places they couldn’t see, focusing on vicarious satisfaction. Although the countries and materials are different, the hearts are united, and that’s the driving force.”
He continued, “If Season 1 gathered the travel styles of the three, Season 2 focused on the Jumanji format where new environments unfold in different countries and situations. This time, we added game elements that allow choosing countries in addition to the dice. (Kwak, Pani, and Won Ji) have grown significantly as broadcasters, so even if we add variety elements, the structure holds together. Thanks to that, we could bring about changes.”
Kim Hoon-beom PD remarked, “While progressing through Season 3, I felt that the three could go even higher than I thought. Not only in terms of YouTube sensibility and broadcasting sense but also in how to satisfy viewers based on the experiences from Seasons 1 and 2, their capabilities have increased. I also felt that they are traveling without losing their original intentions.” He added, “The concept based on the theme park is derived from (Kwak, Pani, and Won Ji) enjoying the world like an amusement park. We aimed to create a more enjoyable space by adding special spaces reminiscent of a theme park while maintaining the basic setting.”
As they embark on the third season together, how is the chemistry among the three? Pani Bottle said, “I don’t even use the word chemistry with Kwak Tube; we don’t contact each other much. We only communicate when necessary. That’s the kind of feeling it is. I have that kind of relationship with my younger brother.” He added, “I still have a long way to go with Won Ji. I’ve tried to get closer, but…” which drew laughter.
Won Ji also commented, “It doesn’t seem to work. (With Pani Bottle) I feel exactly the same. We’re like indifferent siblings. That’s our chemistry. It feels burdensome to care for each other. So, I think it’s more comfortable to watch.”
Kwak Tube stated, “Unlike previous seasons, Season 3 confirms the chemistry among the three from the start. Since we are very close, I thought we would match well, but it turned out we didn’t as much as I expected. I realized in Season 3 that there might be things I don’t know.”
Won Ji won in Season 1, and Kwak Tube was the winner of Season 2. Who will win in Season 3? Pani Bottle, who is the only one without a victory, expressed, “I thought, ‘Winning isn’t necessary; the journey is the victory.’ I’m fine, but since the guests love to travel, I think winning and going to good places together will create lasting memories, so I started to want to win.” He continued, “People around me also say it would be good since I haven’t won, and there’s a feeling of being pushed. The poster has me in the center,” adding, “I don’t have a strategy, but I do want to win,” which elicited laughter.
Kwak Tube remarked, “I value the broadcast image. So, I thought it would be good if Pani Bottle won, but while filming, I felt that it wouldn’t be possible for Pani Bottle to win. I tried to relax and go naturally, but since I had something to do, I couldn’t relax. I thought winning for Pani Bottle wouldn’t be easy.” He also mentioned, “The winners from Season 2, Kang Ki-young and Park Jun-hyung, liked it. The partners in Season 3 are also looking forward to it. Winning for Pani Bottle won’t be easy,” expressing his hopes for his own victory.
Won Ji also expressed her desire to win. She said, “I’ve watched the broadcast a few times. I’m not sure about Kwak Tube’s victory. I don’t understand why I’m saying this. I think the personalities of the three are more evident in Season 3, so (the winner) might depend on viewers’ preferences. Personally, I found the chemistry with the guests very enjoyable. The chemistry with everyone was unexpected. Since our personalities are so different, I think that adds to the fun of watching.”
Finally, Kim Tae-ho PD stated, “What we strengthened in Season 3 is the chemistry with the companions we traveled with,” and added, “Whether it’s awkward or friendly, I think we’ll see a lot of that chemistry,” urging viewers to watch.
‘Earth Monopoly 3’ will premiere on the 22nd at 7:50 PM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
