In the episode airing at 9 p.m. on May 26, Venerable Pomnyun and his guests — Noh Hong-chul, Lee Sang-yoon, Lee Joo-bin, and Lee Ki-taek — travel to Bodh Gaya, the Indian site where the Buddha attained enlightenment, for a special pilgrimage.
Bodh Gaya is considered one of the world’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, visited by believers from around the globe at least once in their lifetime. In this episode, the guests head to the Mahabodhi Temple, home to the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The cast members were completely overwhelmed by the solemn yet intense religious atmosphere of Bodh Gaya, which contrasted sharply with their previous stop in Kolkata. Actor Lee Sang-yoon remarked, “Bodh Gaya has a much stronger religious presence compared to Kolkata,” adding, “It really feels like an extraordinary place,” heightening anticipation for the broadcast.
Another highlight of the episode is Venerable Venerable Pomnyun’s unexpectedly stylish fashion. Appearing in a noticeably more “hip” outfit than he wore in Kolkata, the monk drew admiration from the guests. Lee Joo-bin commented, “Sunim’s outfit looks really stylish and cool,” while Noh Hong-chul added, “Yesterday it was hiking boots, today it’s sandals,” expressing his amazement.
The episode will also showcase the inside of the Mahabodhi Temple on camera for the first time in a variety show. The process of entering the temple is expected to convey an atmosphere of intense security. Following a series of bomb attacks in 2013, security measures at the temple were significantly tightened, with all electronic devices — including mobile phones — strictly prohibited inside. According to the production team, not only the guests but even Venerable Pomnyun himself had to undergo rigorous X-ray screenings and security inspections before being allowed entry.
Once inside, the temple’s towering main structure immediately captivated the guests with its grandeur. Guided by Venerable Pomnyun, Noh Hong-chul offered a brief meditation and prayer beneath the Bodhi Tree where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Deeply immersed in the moment, he said, “It felt like I was communicating,” and added, “As soon as I made a wish, the wind started blowing,” expressing amazement at the mysterious experience.
In contrast, Lee Joo-bin reportedly reacted in a far more realistic manner during the same moment, raising curiosity about what exactly the group experienced beneath the sacred tree.
Meanwhile, "Sunim & Sonim", which premiered on May 19, got off to a strong start by debuting at No. 7 overall and No. 2 in the variety category on Netflix Korea’s “Top Series Today” rankings immediately after release. Fueled by enthusiastic viewer reviews and word of mouth, the show later climbed to No. 1 in the variety category and rose to No. 4 overall.
Blending laughter, reflection, and meaningful travel experiences, "Sunim & Sonim" continues to captivate viewers with the thoughtful insights and messages shared by Venerable Pomnyun. The program airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. on SBS.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
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