'Kkirikkiri' Embarks on Its First Mixed-Gender Adventure

The hit show's groundbreaking co-ed trip has finally aired, marking a new chapter in its history.

KBS Joy's 'Kkirikkiri' episode on the 26th whisked viewers away to the charming Japanese city of Takamatsu, featuring BTOB's Lee Changsub, 2AM's Jung Jinwoon, and Sistar's Soyou.

Lee Changsub was the first to touch down at the airport. His face lit up upon seeing Jung Jinwoon arrive, but he couldn't resist teasing him about his excessive luggage, joking, "Planning to immigrate?" A peek into Jinwoon's bags revealed comfort foods like instant rice and hangover-cure ramen.

During their pre-trip chat, the trio cited their shared industry as the foundation of their friendship. All three debuted as K-pop idols around the same time and were born in 1991. Jinwoon and Soyou go way back as elementary school classmates, while Changsub and Jinwoon bonded during their 18-month military service. This trio has maintained a rock-solid friendship for over a decade.

The trip's co-ed nature was a first for the show. When questioned about potential awkwardness, Changsub quipped, "It'll be totally fine," adding, "We're more like comrades than anything else." He then playfully glanced at Soyou and added, "Of course, you're stunning." Soyou fired back, "Save the flattery," showcasing their comfortable dynamic.

Jinwoon chimed in, "Romantic feelings between us? Unimaginable," further illuminating why their friendship has stood the test of time.

The trio's destination? The picturesque city of Takamatsu, Japan. Armed with a budget of 120,000 JPY (804 USD) for their four-day getaway, they appointed Soyou as the group's treasurer.

As they boarded the plane, Changsub's excitement bubbled over, and he let out an enthusiastic "Yar!"

Touching down in Japan, the group made a beeline for a sunset hotspot near Takamatsu Port, about 40 minutes from the airport. Mesmerized by the golden hour view, they toasted with ice-cold beers.

Soyou reveled in the tranquil atmosphere, remarking, "The absence of music is so refreshing." She then wistfully added, "I'd love to have a picnic here with a boyfriend," to which Jinwoon quietly responded, "Fighting!" much to Soyou's mock annoyance.

Changsub, ever the foodie, led the group to a renowned sukiyaki restaurant. The specialty? Beef from cattle raised on olives. Despite the eye-watering prices, Jinwoon insisted on ordering the works, leaving Soyou, the designated treasurer, in a quandary. They eventually decided to splurge, with Changsub impressing everyone by ordering in flawless Japanese – a skill he'd picked up during his idol days.

The sukiyaki left the trio speechless. Soyou exclaimed, "It melts instantly!" prompting a flurry of additional orders. Ever health-conscious, she urged her friends to try the enoki mushrooms too. Jinwoon declared it one of his top three sukiyaki experiences ever.

Soyou, who had been watching her diet, indulged with gusto, joking, "Now I understand why pigs are so content!"

Noticing Soyou's recent transition from strength training to dieting for their comeback, Changsub complimented her, "You're in your prime right now."

He then shared a humorous anecdote about his own idol days, recalling how he was at his fittest at 57 kg (125.7 lbs), but lamented how quickly his abs would vanish after a single pork belly feast.

At their lodgings, the trio settled room assignments with a game of Go-Stop. In a twist of fate, Jinwoon won the game but ended up with the "penalty" – the tatami room.