Many of you have probably played the Monopoly board game but have you ever wondered what the real-life version would be like? Well, “Bro & Marble in Dubai” (브로앤마블) is a real-life version of the board game at different landmarks in Dubai. In this reality series, 7 South Korean celebrities will compete in teams of 3 to win real prize money.
With Lee Seung Gi as the host aka banker, the 7 stars competing are Yoo Yeon-seok, Super Junior’s Kyuhyun, Ji Seok-jin, Lee Dong-hwi, Jo Se-ho, SEVENTEEN’s Joshua and Hoshi. In this interview, the men talk about the highlights of filming “Bro & Marble in Dubai” and what viewers can expect from watching them go up against each other for some ka-ching!
Tell us about your new show “Bro & Marble in Dubai”.
Lee Seung Gi: Our new variety show ‘Bro Marble’ is a real-life version of the monopoly game. And it’s a Monopoly game for adults where we use real money to play exciting games. All the games take place in Dubai so depending on the outcome of each game, some of us get to experience the most luxurious places while some will end up going to remote areas; it all depends on our own capability to win the games.
What was your first thought when you heard about this variety show?
Seok-Jin: When I first heard about the show, I thought “oh my, this would cost a lot of money”. I felt we would need lots of resources and I had my doubts. But we eventually made it so I thought, “wow, this is really a large-scale production”. This is really the first and only variety show that is going to be an unrivaled one. So l was looking forward to it very much.
What would get fans excited for this show?
Joshua: The chemistry among the team members is a key factor. And also how we overindulge ourselves will be worthwhile watching.
Kyuhyun: We develop our bromance like curling together on the bed. There are many embarrassing scenes that you can’t even look at us.
Seok-Jin: And you’ll get to see some silliness from Seung Gi too.
Se-Ho: You’ll be able to feel as if you’re a part of our games, immersing in the fun and enjoying together with us.
Yeon-Seok: You’ll also get to experience Dubai – the nature, deserts and great outdoors activities.
What are the strengths of each of your team?
Kyuhyun: We always have each other’s back. We always think of each other and give moral support.
Yeon-Seok: Meanwhile, we’re like the unlikely combination. I wouldn’t have imagined you and me as a team, continuously working together to accomplish things.
Kyuhyun: I still can’t believe how we ended up in a team.
Seok-Jin: Whereas for our team, we travelled together while whining and complaining.
Se-Ho: Along the way there were many laughter too. Those whining and complaints are our way of encouraging one another to keep going. So I hope you’ll find it interesting to watch us.
Who surprised you the most from your initial impression?
Joshua: For me, I felt Yeon-Seok looks nonchalant when I first saw him. In actual, he’s very good at entertaining and talks very well. He’s a funny bro and is a very interesting person.
Yeon-Seok: So it means that I’m very suited for variety shows.
Se-Ho: As for me, I’m used to seeing Joshua and Hoshi on stage. But when I see them on this variety show, I find them interesting and energetic. So you can definitely look forward to seeing them play in the show.
Seok-Jin: I want to mention Seung Gi particularly. I have watched him since his debut days. I was very surprised when I saw how well he hosted the show.
Kyuhyun: Whereas for me, I want to talk about Seok-Jin. He leads by example and tells us what not to do.
Se-Ho: Can anyone help to talk about me too?
Yeon-Seok: When I saw you (Se-Ho) on the desert, my first thought was like, you must be a local in Dubai.
Which location in Dubai left a lasting impression?
Hoshi: One location I remember the most is the desert. I thought deserts are supposed to be very dry but it was so refreshing there. The sand is actually fluffy and soft, so I want to go to the deserts again.
Yeon-Seok: There are many stars at night as well.
Se-Ho: For me, it’s the landmark at Burj Khalifa. The view was so spectacular.
Seung-Gi: Yea, it was impressive.
What will the audience get out of this show?
Seok-Jin: We are very confident it’s going to be very entertaining.
Seung-Gi: Every one of us is interesting in our own ways. I hope that you will watch us and laugh together.
Yeon-Seok: You might see new sides of us which you may not be too familiar with.
Hoshi: We had lots of fun filming this variety show so we hope you feel the same.
“Bro & Marble in Dubai” airs every Friday on tvN Asia at 10:30pm.
