Park Myeong-soo, Kim Dae-ho, Choi Daniel, and Lee Moo-jin emotionally concluded their Ethiopian expedition.
On the broadcast of MBC Every One's "The Great Guide 3" on the 28th, the final episode of Park Myeong-soo, Kim Dae-ho, Choi Daniel, and Lee Moo-jin's Ethiopian trip was featured. The four, who visited the active volcano Erta Ale together with Kim Dae-ho after his recovery, put on a grand finale without losing their smiles even in extreme conditions. Additionally, the broadcast achieved the top viewership rating in the 40s demographic across all channels, including terrestrial networks, proving its popularity.
Kim Dae-ho, who had previously suffered severe physical condition issues and was hospitalized, rejoined the journey looking much recovered. As he looked forward to meeting the active volcano, one of his wishes, he expressed his determination saying, "Since this might be the last moment in my lifetime, I will remember it deeply in my heart," and the members set out for the final course of the Danakil.
As they approached Erta Ale, the vast black basalt fields and desolate landscape that unfolded drew gasps of amazement. Lee Moo-jin was captivated, saying, "There's only black sand without any grass. Is this what the underworld looks like?" while Kim Dae-ho was moved, saying, "It feels like the Fellowship of the Ring and like entering Mars." In particular, Lee Moo-jin drew inspiration from the atmosphere of the location and hummed a melody on the spot, recording it and raising expectations for a new song.
During the full-scale active volcano climb that began after passing the base camp, strong sulfuric gas blocked their way. As they approached the summit, the air became increasingly suffocating, and Choi Daniel conveyed the tension, saying, "I thought I could die if I breathed it in too long, and my eyes were burning so much." Kim Dae-ho also shared the vividness of the moment, saying, "The sensation of something piercing the back of my throat made me cough immediately, and I truly felt that it was an active volcano."
Finally, the four were moved as they encountered the living active volcano Erta Ale. The smoke covering the crater and the enormous volcanic terrain overwhelmed them. Kim Dae-ho was captivated by the surreal landscape, saying, "It felt like I was entering a fantasy world, and it seemed like elves and golems would appear."
The red boiling lava that they most anticipated was difficult to capture in their view due to thick smoke. However, by walking through the traces of lava that had cooled as it flowed, the heat rising from various spots, and recently cooled areas, they experienced the living volcano with their whole bodies. Though they did not directly see the lava, Choi Daniel reflected on the meaning, saying, "Even if we don't see it, there exists a living truth beneath our feet," and Park Myeong-soo shared his impressions, saying, "It's such a huge memory that it's hard to express in words. It was worth the long journey."
The four, who returned to the base camp under moonlight, savored their final night outdoors. Park Myeong-soo and Lee Moo-jin lifted the atmosphere by singing, and they cooked and shared ramen that Park Myeong-soo had prepared, concluding their journey with a special meal below the volcano.
At the end of the broadcast, the second destination, Morocco, was announced. Upon hearing about the plan to climb Toubkal (4,167m), the highest peak of the Atlas Mountains in North Africa, Park Myeong-soo worried, saying, "Should I not go rather than be carried down?" but was encouraged by Kim Dae-ho's support and decided on a new challenge. The new adventure that will unfold in the mysterious country of Morocco will air every Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. on MBC Every One's "The Great Guide 3."
