'Sunim & Sonim' Conquers Both TV and OTT, Ranking No. 1 on Netflix and Topping Tuesday Ratings

SBS's variety show ''Sunim & Sonim' has captured both the TV and OTT markets, delivering deep messages and breathtaking scenery.

'Sunim & Sonim' is a road trip variety show featuring "instant Q&A" (Jukmun Jukseol), where "national mentor" Venerable Pomnyun and five guests—Noh Hong-chul, Lee Sang-yoon, Lee Joo-bin, Lee Ki-taek, and WOOCHAN of ALLDAY PROJECT—travel through India in search of their "true selves." The show is garnering rave reviews from viewers for delivering both lighthearted laughter and deep contemplation.

This critical acclaim is also reflected in the numbers. Immediately after its first broadcast, the show ranked No. 1 in the variety show category (No. 4 overall) on Netflix's "Top 10 Series in South Korea Today." Furthermore, the episode broadcast on May 26 soared to a peak rating of 3.9%. In particular, it ranked No. 1 among all variety shows aired on Tuesday in the 20-49 demographic, solidifying its position as a "well-made road variety show."

In this episode, Venerable Pomnyun and the cast members were shown journeying to Bodh Gaya, the sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment.

During their journey, the cast's candid conversations caught the viewers' attention. When Lee Sang-yoon asked, "Do you ever get angry, Sunim?" Venerable Pomnyun showed his honest side, replying, "I think I get a little annoyed with myself when I don't do what I ought to do."

The highlight of the episode was the one-on-one Q&A session between Venerable Pomnyun and actress Lee Joo-bin. Lee Joo-bin, who landed her first lead role after 10 years of obscurity, opened up about her inner thoughts: "I've always dreamed of [this moment], but I don't feel completely satisfied, nor do I feel like my anxiety has disappeared or that I've been fulfilled. I keep wondering what it is that I truly want, and what I need to do to be happy."

In response, Venerable Pomnyun suggested a shift in perspective, saying, "You are trying to find what you want because you assume that what you want is fixed. What we want actually changes from moment to moment. But because you keep trying to find a permanent desire regardless of the moment, you can't find an answer."

To Lee Joo-bin, who felt she was pushing herself too hard, Venerable Pomnyun offered clear and warm advice: "That is an obsession and self-abuse. Loving yourself means not tormenting yourself. Don't try to become something. If you feel anxious, just let it be, acknowledging, 'Ah, I am anxious.'" Comforted by his words, Lee Joo-bin looked much more relieved, saying, "My thoughts cleared up quickly. Now that I think about it, it wasn't a very serious problem."

At the end of the broadcast, the interior of the Mahabodhi Temple, the most sacred site in Buddhism, was revealed on a variety show for the first time, adding to the emotional impact. The cast entered the temple after undergoing strict security procedures, including surrendering their mobile phones and passing through X-ray scans. Facing the majestic grandeur of the Great Stupa, Noh Hong-chul expressed his overwhelming emotions, saying, "It's beyond majestic; I can feel the energy surging through me." 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)