‘Welcome, First Time in Korea?’ to Feature Eiffel Tower Icon Paco
MBC Every1’s upcoming reality show, “Welcome, First Time in Korea?” is set to premiere on March 19th, featuring Paco, a Frenchman widely known for his presence near the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The show, which expands on its previous format, now welcomes any foreigner to experience Korea, even without pre-existing connections in the country.
A Misunderstanding Cleared Up
Director Jeon Min-kyung shared a humorous anecdote about recruiting Paco, revealing that the initial offer was almost mistaken for a scam. “Mr. Paco misunderstood the call from Korea as a voice phishing scam,” Jeon explained. “There was a laughable incident where I had to make a video call directly at the broadcasting station to clear up the misunderstanding and prove that it was not a scam.”
Paco’s Preparation and Enthusiasm
Despite the initial confusion, Paco’s enthusiasm for experiencing Korea is evident. Jeon Min-kyung recounted finding Paco practicing Korean phrases, diligently preparing for his trip. “During the interview, Paco took out a crumpled Hangul notebook from his coat pocket and showed it to me, which was really touching. He was practicing given that he wanted to read the numerous Hangul words he would encounter during his trip to Korea.” He added that Paco approached unfamiliar situations as learning opportunities, actively asking Koreans for help and writing down new words.
A Special Moment at Namsan Tower
The production team highlighted a particularly touching moment during filming at Namsan Tower. Jeon Min-kyung described Paco’s reaction to seeing the Korean landscape for the first time after years of interacting with Korean tourists at the Eiffel Tower. “I can’t forget Paco’s expression the moment he saw the scenery of Korea in person for the first time,” Jeon said.
Paco also prepared a special event at Namsan Tower, bringing gifts from Paris to share with the Korean people who have shown him support.
Hosts Return for New Season
Kim Jun-hyun and DinDin will reprise their roles as hosts for this season of “Welcome, First Time in Korea?” Kim Jun-hyun is known for his respectful approach to different cultures and ability to highlight interesting aspects for viewers, while DinDin brings candid reactions and wit to the show. They replace the previous hosts, Lee Hyun-yi and Alberto.
Paco’s arrival in Korea has already generated significant buzz, with many recognizing him upon his arrival at the airport.