The debut episode pairs "living legend" Lim Young-woong with science content creator Orbit and chef Im Tae-hoon as they ditch the city, go off the grid, and try a no-plan island life as bona fide bachelors.
The trio sets sail for a tiny islet off Wando, roughly a seven-hour trek from Seoul, buzzing about a "healing" getaway―until they learn there are no convenience stores or restaurants in sight. Once ashore, reality hits hard with a string of unexpected curveballs. "I'm going to be sweating bullets from the start," Lim cracks, as their supposed chill retreat quickly turns into a survival challenge. How they pull off a self-sufficient island stay is the big question driving the premiere.
Viewers will also see a side of Lim they rarely get onstage. Dressed in floral work pants and a straw hat, he leans into island life, tackling farm chores and casting fish traps like a natural―earning the unofficial title of "crew captain." And in a twist from the balladeer who usually makes fans cry, Lim ends up getting emotional himself―thanks to a run-in with firewood that leaves him in tears. The full story behind his teary moment, and his unexpectedly adorable island persona, lands tonight.
Actor Lee Yi-kyung drops in as a surprise guest to turn up the fun. He proves a sweet, supportive hyung to Lim, a clutch kitchen wingman to chef Im, and comic chaos incarnate alongside Orbit―who even grills pork belly with scientific precision. Their high-energy bromance is set to be a highlight of the show.
Music fans get a treat, too: "IM HERO," a track from Lims second full-length album, premieres as the shows main theme. A special-cut music video, filmed against sweeping island vistas, will debut during the broadcast, along with Lim's personal "Hero Playlist" (aka "Woong-Playlist").
Catch the laid-back, feel-good island routine of Lim Young-woong, Orbit, Im Tae-hoon, and Lee Yi-kyung when "Island Hero" premieres tonight at 9 p.m. on SBS.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)