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Na PD launches new travel variety show on tvN

My favorite variety PD (that’d be ex-1 Night 2 Days PD Na Young-seok, or Na PD) is back with a brand new show for cable. Woot. It’s called, hilariously, Grandpas Over Flowers, and it even has a “flower grandpa F4” cast, because as we know, good things always come in fours. It’s admittedly stretching the flower-boy concept a little far, but the title did get a laugh out of me.

After closing out the first season of 1 Night 2 Days, Na PD developed The Human Condition for KBS, and then left the network to join fellow ex-1N2D writers and PDs over at CJ E&M. He’s finally launching his first show for tvN, which is getting ready to premiere in July. I can’t say that tvN’s other forays into variety have been worth writing home about, but maybe there’s hope yet.

Grandpas Over Flowers will be a travel variety show with cast members (from left to right in the picture above): Lee Soon-jae (Childless Good Fortune, The King 2 Hearts), Park Geun-hyung (The Chaser, King of Dramas), Baek Il-sub (Be Strong Mr. Kim, Ojakkyo Brothers), and Shin Gu (Hundred Year Inheritance, Feast of the Gods). The average age among the cast is 74, but wouldn’t you know it — 74 is also the average number of dramas on their resumes. Wut.

The show’s concept will be “backpacking in the twilight years,” and will take the foursome all over Europe on backpacking trips. The backbone is a familiar “real road variety” setup a la 1N2D, led by mat-hyung Lee Soon-jae (it cracks me up that even though everyone else would call these men “Teacher” out of respect, they’ll probably call each other hyung/dongseng, which will be adorable). I do wish these travel variety shows would stop going abroad, but I guess traveling in Korea kind of encroaches on 1N2D turf? I don’t know, the way that show’s going lately, maybe I’d rather they let the Gramps F4 take it for a spin. Hell, in dramaland, these guys practically run the country.

The cast and crew will head to France for their first trip in June, and the show will premiere in early July on tvN.

Via Osen

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Ohmagad! They come to France in June? I need to know when! I hope they will be warmly welcomed: It's true that they are national treasures. ;)
Concept is funny so even if I'm not a variety lover, I will surely check it out.

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Myst...on behalf of all of us, you must find them...take a picture, get autographs and show them to us. :D

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Me too! I need to know what are the dates in June that they'll be coming. Whee! Yay can't wait!

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Damn that's one of those times I wish I had a "Western" face so I'd stalk them in hopes of making an appearance on the show :D

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Ok..kinda intresting, but dunno if there would be any sub in any time soon..
On the side note..The current 1n2d direction is really getting on my nerves..the next guest would be yoona..it would be the last straw if they act like they call on her to be guest impromptu-like when the news came out already..and more and more guest are coming out...if it is like that, we better off watching rm..sheesh...I'm glad that the old cast withdrew with the show going to be like this..they should've put more faith in the cast and the pd's rather than relying on the guest..they are turning a very good show to crap-like show-like I never seen before..end

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Eep! Are you serious? (Sorry I know 1N2D is off-topic...) Don't they know they 1N2D doesn't rely on guests, and if any, need to be of Park Chan Ho standard???1!! Sigh. We want Na PD back on 1N2D.

This sounds good, though, would gladly watch if any subs become available.

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I share the same sentiment with u, haizz, i'm glad that i decided not to watch ss2, i know the original concept will be ruined sooner or later. Now they even bring idols to the show for rating, what a disgrace. They should have ended it last year. :(

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Right!, now I am starting to blame suguen for being the most senior and kind of a leader of the show for not contesting to this and stayed on the show in spite of the teams wishes to end on the shows's peak..when I shouldn't have to..but it must've been by pressure from the top wig-boss..hmphh..

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ummm...for sugeun its a job. Also, he doesnt have control over the network, and the PDs who are ultimately funding and directing 1N2D (massive eye roll)

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The premise sounds adorably interesting. I can't wait to check this one out! HEH Na PD makes variety shows seem so much more interesting. :3

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I second this opinion. The premise does sound interesting.
Question, when GF says this, "Hell, in dramaland, these guys practically run the country." Does she mean to say that in dramas their characters run the country, or that these gentlemen have a lot of power and say in the Korean entertainment industry? (I am just curious, because I read on another site that it was not the case, that they have a lot of power in the Korean entertainment industry).

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What site did u read that on? About that they have a lot power in the Korean entertainment industry

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Hello Ashnia,

I read on a site that was referred to me on OT (Open Thread) that most veteran actors in the Korean entertainment industry do not make as much money as the younger ones, and as such, they do not have as much power as the younger actors, like LMH, BYJ, LBJ, etc... It would take me a while to find that site, so I can't post it now.

I had also read articles online about older actors going/being on strike, fighting for their wages and the overall conditions of how they work, and fighting for their compensations (medical, etc...) as well.

You wrote the opposite of what I said.

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I think she might just mean that since they are older and have done lots of movies and dramas, everyone in the Korean entertainment industry respects them a lot :)

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i think it's because some of these halabeoji's role in many dramas are become someone who has a superpower influence in SK, like become king, minister, eunuch, party leader (first four oftenly in sageuk dramas), CEO, president, chaebol family first generation, etc.
but yeah, many people (esp. junior actors) respect them

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Thank you guys for your responses. I think I know what GF meant. She was referring to the characters they have played in Kdramas (I am pretty certain of it). So, in an alternate universe (being dramaland), they practically rule the country. At least, that is how I understand it now.

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So, now we have our G74 to look forward too. I'm gonna check this out, seems pretty interesting.

On a different note, it seems as if 1n2d is really undergoing a major haul ala RM, most episodes with "special" guests. Seems as if Yoona of SNSD would join the guys on the Nation's Little Sister episode. When was Yoona considered a Nation's Little Sister?

I really starting to check out of 1n2d, so it's good that we have new variety shows in the line.

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No, No, No! No more guests! This so sad--Haejin is great, and if they add guests all the time, it will be like any other variety show!!

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i think the national little sister is IU, Moon Geun Young, Kim Yuna, or Son Yeon Jae.
think 1n2d need na pd back to the show, or, at least bird pd and don't think something like changing the current members. they did excellent job for this show. as a new in kvariety world, 1n2d is the first varshow that can grab my attention (my first k-varshow is RM but i think that show isn't as interesting as many people said coz they watch it for the idol guest.

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So glad to have a variety show with wonderfully talented & seasoned actors :D Its gonna be a hell of a ride if Na PD is behind this. I would love to see him interact with these men xD

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Its rare to see a show set around people over the age of 40 or so - just for that alone it is interesting, then they throw in Europe and fish-out-of-water and backpacking by the Grand Old Men of kdrama? Sounds epic, really.

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Oh I say, I don't even KNOW what to expect. They are so experienced. And successful.

They are not expecting them to rough it are they? Even non Korean variety show watchers, or anyone else, would respect them based on their age.

I mean, does Na PD expect them do do anything they don't want to do? I mean they would know audiences way more than him right?

Then last note... are the grandpas feeling alright?

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Of the 5 gramps, I really like their 'mat-hyung' Lee Soon Jae, who must have played everybody's grandpa, and Baek Il-sub, who looks like he can't play a bad-guy believably even if he tries. I hope they have a good time on their trip to France, n that it won't be too hard on them!

Re-watching Season 1 of 1N2D. Much more fun than recent eps.

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Average no. of dramas on their resume is 74!!!
And now they want to try their hand at variety!
Way to go, Flower Grandpas! :D

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FG4 could be fun.
I'm just watching (on and off) Family's Honor with Shin Gu. His relationship with the great-grandson is so grumpily sweet... I also liked him in Thank You.

Are they visiting Brussels as well?
Could do some fangirling... and feel young again :--)

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OOOOH MY GOOOOD ! This variety show has two of my most favorite veteran actors : Lee Soon Jae and Park Geun Hyung ! Both of them worked together in Daemul so I guess, they must be at least acquainted with each other. Anyway, I will watch for them.

I don't know much about the producers or 1N2D but reading what the show is about "Grandpa over Flowers" I am all in :D
Oh gosh', 2013 is such an exciting year ! I can't wait for it to be subbed but I do hope it will be LMAO.

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As one of the older readers on this site, this means there is finally a show where I can have an ajusshi crush. Or maybe not. But Shin Gu has always been one of my favorites.

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For many, it would be an arabuji crush ha ha

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They're coming to France for their first trip?!? I'd like to know where exactly *excited*...I so love Lee Soon Jae, he's my fav grandpa figure in Korean dramas <3

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The title is so funny and cute....

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I hope Na PD will not starve them. That's all. They sure need medical team follow them too

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Aww. This is gonna be good. Hopefully.

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Oh yay! I am so going to watch this. Thanks for the update!

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Arabuji have a soft spot in my heart so I will check it out with or without subs, hopefully with. I can't wait till they make fun with each other.

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*Tears* My Grandpas crushes are finally getting their own drama!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!

Hope every will be safe on their trip to France!!!

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I love these men. I hope there will be subs for this one. I would definitely atch. It is time that people recognize that the international fandom for Korean drama does not consist only of 14-25 year olds.

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I would absolutely watch this and coo over the grandpas, yes! They're all old enough to be my dad, not a grandpa...and I miss my dad. So I'd like to see some out there doing stuffs.

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Ditto. These Korean character actors are really the treasures of their industry.

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I'm really excited for this. Na PD did not disappoint with 1n2d or Human Condition and now he has flower grandpas. Squeeeee!

Hope a regular sub group will pick it up.

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"Grandpas over flowers" ???
The title had me ROTFL :))))))
They are cute grandpas, I hope they will be healthy & strong enough to travel here and there, kind of worry for their old ages :(. I wish Seung Gi will join as guess sometimes, can't get over Seung Gi & PD Na love :D, and SG'll have a fun time bowing until his back hurt, lol :)).
( Since you guys mentioned, the current 1n2d is haizzz, can't believe how they ruin my most fav. variety ever like that, the Idol guesses idea is totally a a rating strategy, which is more despicable & a disgrace for a show like that, now i'm back to watching 1n2d ss1, some eps I can watch over & over again & still find them interesting & addicting)

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oh this looks promising!! i love lee soon-jae and baek il-sub grandpas especially, would love to see them in a "normal" setting and see their non-kdrama personalities.

i do wish they weren't going abroad though. it's distracting. i think from the first episode, there should be more focus on the actors and the tone of the show. in france, there might be too much attention on the surroundings. i'd prefer them to keep it in korea, but i don't watch 1n2d, so this could be the smarter move and i just don't realize it :)

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Na PD... isn't going to torture these Grandpas... Right? He... wouldn't? Right?

I'm not so sure. :O

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Fwah. This immediately gets into my must watch list. Everything else doesn't matter heh.

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Oh, I hope there are subs for this and I can watch it somewhere. Shin Gu was so great in Family's Honour. And Park Geun-hyung does the scary rich and powerful man so well. Would love to watch these halabeoji in action! Rock on!

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That is one hell of a gathering of the acting arabuji great of Korea, Na PD must be one of the main reason they signed on to do a variety show. Gonna catch it for sure.

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but...but ..they ARE flower grandpas!
Oh, I love 4 of them, must check this show when it airs.

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I love Human Condition, so I imagine this will be well done, too. But since Na PD specializes in torture, what will he do? Maybe it will be about how difficult it is to communicate in different languages?

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Last a week without Aspercreme?

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OT, but I used to get Park Geun Hyung and Lee Soon Jae mixed up ALL THE TIME. Which is weird, because they don't even look alike.

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Oh love these awesome grandpas!

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Nothing but love and respect for these awesome grandpas. Been watching them in dramas and movies for years, I feel like I know them lol.

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I am really looking forward to watching those sweet grampas on the road. What is going to be really interesting is how NaPD relates to them - how can he respect them and be mean at the same time?
And if they need their token female member for 'eye candy' will they bring on Kim Sumi?
;)

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or maybe Na Moon Hee or Kim Hye Ja?
Loool

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Hahaha~!!! I'd love Na Moon-hee the best, haven't seen her for a while.

Or maybe Yoon Yeo-jeong (TK2H, Unexpected You), Lee Bo-hee (Iris 2, Three Brothers), or Kim Hae-suk (First Wives Club, The Thieves)...? XD

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I am very excited for this variety show! I can't wait to see Na PD try to torture these dae~~~sunbaenims lolol Flower Grandpas FTW!

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I saw "Grandpas Over Flowers" and was instantly reminded of this:

http://www.dramabeans.com/2009/02/boys-before-parodies/

Hehehehehe it even has Lee Soon-jae in it! xD Although the closest I've gotten to watching variety is reading the 1N2D recaps here, I'd watch him and Kim Young-chul read the phone book. Preferably sitting opposite each other in hanbok, after the epic love of my life that was The Princess' Man. Oh, and I liked Shin Gu in Family's Honour too! It's one of the few family dramas worth watching for its warmth and fuzzies.

-off to loop the entire TPM soundtrack for days again-

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Wait, so...so Baek San...Baek San was Suyang Daegun/Sejo...all along???

|||O~o

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i would totally watch this. lee soonjae harabuji<3

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OMG!!! i can't wait for this!!! I love lee soon jae. he is such a brilliant actor and such an intelligent person! can't wait to see him being himself on this show!

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Hahaha. GOF! XD This ought to be fun to check out, for the concept alone! Plus Na PD is brilliant, and these grandpas look like they wouldn't hesitate to have fun with this. Go, gramps, gooo! XD

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Na PD will be the first reason why I want to check this one out. The second reason is the grandpa concept. What a nice change to see the elderly given some limelight. Human Condition leaves me crawling the wall waiting for the next episode to air. 1N2D? Watching old episodes.

New PD needs to study old episodes to find out what works for 1N2D. Na PD balances the heart, humor, human interactions and dynamics without introducing "frills". Maybe only once in a blue moon.

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"New PD needs to study old episodes to find out what works for 1N2D. Na PD balances the heart, humor, human interactions and dynamics without introducing “frills”. Maybe only once in a blue moon."

I am in total agreement.
I can rave about 1n2d SS1 for hours... don't worry, not gonna do it now. But what I love about the show was its blend and balance of heart, humour, human interations and dynamics...may I also add, tension, anticipation and spontaneity, WITHOUT the frills of weekly invited guests.

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Woah, go big or go home, right? Backpacking all over Europe is going to be interesting. And my favourite grandpa Lee Soon-jae is there. Yeay

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this sounds good :)

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it sounds awesome.

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This is awesome...love all four of the cast members... i am sure it will be a riot...can't wait...hope dramafever will pick up the variety show

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Oh my these is interesting whew Europe that would be Awezome!!! Gosh I always wondered what happened to him maybe KangHodong and kids would do a variety show again after these

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1n2d orig members are already done with 1n2d they already tour Korea upside down so its time to move along. A a new fresh concept for variety shows is much needed now I feel 1n2d concept shd rest in peace. Seriously we want a fresh new funny enjoyable variety show

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I'm sure these men would be awesome in variety, but I'm worried that they'll be backpacking and abroad so often - wouldn't it strain their health (jet lag, filming schedules, backpacking, etc)? Just worried for them .

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wah..this is unique! Average age of 74 =) I definitely recognise all these veteran actors. If someone subs this in English, I will give it a try. It can't be worse than Barefoot...

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Now that is an impressive group of veteran talent! These guys have have exasperated, enlightened, frustrated and entertained us for as long as anyone has been viewing dramas. A big salute to each of them!

P.S. Shin Goo's reference should have included 'Thank You' where he gave one of the most impressive performances of anyone in that stellar drama. Choco-pie, hyung? ;) :)

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Awww, it would've been awesome if "National Father" Choi Bul-am were here too...

...but then, he's already doing "Korean Cuisine" in KBS...

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I read today that Lee Seo Jin will travel with the Grampas Over Flowers this month. If they are going to France (where???), that more than halves the physical distance between us. Can the Grampas please bring LSJ to the Caribbean so he can be proparly adored?

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