Top Personalities to Swap Lives with Locals in Different Countries

Courtesy of JTBC

"My Name is Gabriel," a new variety show set to premiere on Friday, features prominent celebrities exchanging lives with real individuals living abroad. According to the show's producer, the series aims to provide authentic and compelling storytelling.

The cast includes comedians Park Myung-soo and Hong Jin-kyung, actors Yeom Hye-ran, Park Bo-gum, and Ji Chang-wook, dancer Shin Ga-bee (Gabee), and TV personality Kim Jin-young (Dex). The seven cast members will each assume new identities and occupations in various countries for 72 hours. For example, Park Myung-soo will live as Uti, a Thai citizen selling papaya salad in Chiang Mai City.

The show has generated significant interest, being directed by Kim Tae-ho, known for his previous successes with MBC's "Infinite Challenge" and "Hangout with Yoo."
 

▲ "My name is Gabriel," starring Park Bo-gum / Courtesy of JTBC

Concerns have been raised about the show’s format, which involves celebrities experiencing different lives, similar to other popular programs like ENA's "When I Opened My Eyes," where cast members take on new roles abroad.

In response, director Kim Tae-ho stated that "My Name is Gabriel" focuses on more genuine storytelling. He noted that while current entertainment shows often feature celebrities in fictional roles, his show portrays real people, which brings a more dramatic and emotional depth.

"My Name is Gabriel" will air simultaneously with tvN's popular variety show "Jinny's Kitchen 2," directed by Na Young-seok. Kim Tae-ho addressed potential competition, suggesting that the simultaneous airing offers a broader selection for viewers rather than detracting from ratings. 

▲ "My name is Gabriel," starring Park Myung-soo / Courtesy of JTBC"Even if you combine all the ratings from programs that air in the Friday night time slot, it doesn't exceed 30 percent," Kim said during a press conference in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Thursday. He emphasized that the variety of quality programs provides viewers with numerous options for Friday evening entertainment.

The first episode of "My Name is Gabriel" will air at 8:50 p.m. on JTBC. The show will also be available for streaming on Disney+ and live-streamed exclusively on Tving.

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Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com