SBS is set to break new ground in the world of Korean entertainment with its announcement on April 22, 2026, of a unique road trip variety show, 법륜로드-스님과 손님 (Beopryun Road – The Monk and the Guests). Scheduled to premiere in May, the program will offer viewers an unprecedented look into the 34-year pilgrimage journey of Buddhist monk Beopryun Sunim, revealing moments and insights never before seen on television. This isn’t just another travel show—it’s a journey into the heart of India and, perhaps more importantly, a journey into the heart of its participants.
For decades, Beopryun Sunim has been a fixture in South Korea’s spiritual and mentorship circles, known for his calm, unwavering demeanor and sage advice. But as SBS revealed, this new show promises to peel back the curtain on the monk’s life, offering a side of him that few have witnessed. The production team explained, “Viewers will see a different side of the mentor Beopryun Sunim, showing a more human and candid image.” According to Newsen, even Beopryun Sunim himself confessed, “Entertainment is harder than spiritual practice,” a statement that’s sure to spark curiosity among both his followers and the general public.
The show’s premise is as simple as it is compelling: Beopryun Sunim, accompanied by five well-known guests, embarks on a road trip across India, retracing parts of his sacred pilgrimage. This isn’t just a sightseeing tour. Instead, the group travels by rickshaw—a humble, open-air vehicle that brings them face-to-face with the sights, sounds, and sometimes the chaos of India’s bustling streets. Along the way, they share street food, swap stories, and—perhaps most importantly—find themselves in situations that lead to spontaneous laughter and genuine moments of connection.
The guest list reads like a who’s who of Korean entertainment, each bringing their own flavor to the adventure. There’s Noh Hong-chul, famous for his boundless energy, who reportedly “dominated the site with his unique energy and shared the most honest conversations with the monk.” Then there’s Lee Sang-yoon, known for his polished image, who shed his usual persona to adapt to the raw, unfiltered India. Lee Joo-bin, who went so far as to cancel a planned trip to New York in order to join the show, displayed what producers called a “candid and unrestrained charm.” Lee Ki-taek, dubbed an “entertainment gem” for his quirky and honest personality, promises to keep viewers on their toes. And finally, Woo Chan of the group All Day Project, whose seriousness and friendliness, according to Newsen, “broadened and deepened the journey.”
But what makes this show stand out isn’t just the star power or the exotic setting. It’s the promise of authenticity. The production team emphasized that the audience will see “a more human and candid image” of Beopryun Sunim. This means less of the carefully composed mentor and more of the real person—someone who can be surprised, amused, and even challenged by the unpredictability of both India and variety television. As the team put it, “We’re planning to show a different side of the mentor than what you’re used to.”
For Beopryun Sunim, this journey is both familiar and daunting. Having led pilgrimages to India for 34 years, he’s a veteran of the spiritual path. Yet, stepping into the world of entertainment, he found himself outside his comfort zone. His candid admission that “entertainment is harder than spiritual practice” offers a rare glimpse into the vulnerability of a man so often seen as unflappable. It’s a reminder that, no matter how seasoned the traveler, new experiences can still surprise—and humble—them.
The group’s interactions are already generating buzz, with fans eager to see how these personalities mesh on the road. According to Newsis, viewers can expect the participants to “travel by rickshaw, share street food, and burst into laughter at unexpected moments.” The show’s format, which blends travel, candid conversation, and unscripted humor, seems tailor-made for revealing the true selves of its participants. As the production team noted, “The relationships and interactions among the participants are highly anticipated.”
Each guest brings a distinct energy to the journey. Noh Hong-chul, with his trademark exuberance, is expected to be a catalyst for lively discussion and unforeseen adventures. Lee Sang-yoon’s willingness to break from his usual image and embrace the unpredictability of India signals a readiness to grow and adapt. Lee Joo-bin’s decision to join the show at the expense of a personal vacation underlines a commitment to the experience—and a willingness to be vulnerable on camera. Lee Ki-taek’s honest and quirky nature has already earned him the nickname “entertainment gem,” hinting at standout moments to come. And Woo Chan’s ability to bridge gaps with his warmth and gravity is likely to add depth to both the journey and the on-screen relationships.
For SBS, the launch of 법륜로드-스님과 손님 represents more than just a new program—it’s a bold experiment in genre-blending. By bringing together elements of travel, reality, and spiritual exploration, the network hopes to capture not just the attention but the imagination of viewers. The show’s focus on “finding the true self,” as described in promotional materials, taps into a universal longing for meaning and connection—something that resonates across cultures and generations.
There’s also a broader cultural significance to the show’s format. In a media landscape often dominated by scripted dramas and polished variety acts, the decision to spotlight genuine, unscripted interactions—especially those involving a revered spiritual figure—marks a refreshing shift. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, the most compelling stories are those that unfold naturally, without a script.
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation is running high. Fans of Beopryun Sunim are eager to see a new side of their mentor, while viewers drawn by the star power of the guests are curious about how these diverse personalities will navigate both the literal and metaphorical roads ahead. The promise of “unexpected laughter,” “honest conversations,” and “a more human and candid image” has set expectations sky-high.
In the end, 법륜로드-스님과 손님 is shaping up to be more than just a television show—it’s a meeting of worlds, a blending of the sacred and the everyday, the scripted and the spontaneous. Whether viewers tune in for the celebrity guests, the spiritual insights, or just the joy of seeing a monk ride a rickshaw through the streets of India, one thing’s for sure: they’re in for an adventure unlike any other.