On June 22, 2025, travel YouTuber Pani Bottle made a surprising revelation on the MBC entertainment program Born to be a Kim in the World 4 (commonly known as Taegyeilju 4), confessing for the first time on broadcast that he has a girlfriend. This unexpected disclosure came during the episode where Pani Bottle, along with fellow cast members Kian84 and Lee Si-eon, visited a remote Naxi minority village nestled deep within the ancient Tea Horse Road in China.
The trio's visit to the Naxi village was not just a scenic journey but also a cultural exploration. Introduced by local Naxi sisters, they met a Dongpa, a spiritual leader responsible for preserving Naxi culture and serving as a guide for the community's spiritual well-being. The Dongpa practices a unique form of fortune-telling based on Dongpa characters, an ancient script integral to the Naxi people.
Curious and playful, Pani Bottle engaged with the Dongpa by asking, "When will I get married?"—a question that sparked a moment many viewers found both amusing and revealing. The Dongpa, after consulting a page from a book inscribed with Dongpa characters, responded with startling accuracy: "You already have a girlfriend." This unexpected answer left Pani Bottle visibly flustered, prompting him to turn to the production team and ask, "What do I do about this?" His candid reaction, described by some as a "pupil earthquake" due to his wide-eyed surprise, was a highlight of the episode.
Following the fortune-telling session, Pani Bottle opened up in an interview with the show's production team. He admitted that he had never before spoken publicly about having a girlfriend, saying, "I was very flustered because the Dongpa guessed it all correctly. I looked at the production team and said, 'What do we do about this?' I'm curious about what my expression looked like at that moment." His cool and honest admission surprised both the viewers and his fellow cast members.
MC Han Hye-jin, watching the episode unfold, expressed concern about whether Pani Bottle had checked with his girlfriend about airing this personal information. Pani Bottle reassured her, saying, "I asked if it was okay to go on air, and she said it was fine." This cool acceptance from his girlfriend added a heartwarming layer to the story, emphasizing the openness and trust in their relationship.
Comedian Jang Do-yeon praised Pani Bottle's candidness, commenting, "His cool admission is very admirable. They say Pani Bottle has become more handsome, and it seems like love is the reason." Such remarks reflected the positive impression his relationship revelation made on the show's cast and audience alike.
Pani Bottle, whose real name is Park Jae-han, was born in 1987 and has built a substantial following as a travel YouTuber. Known for his self-sufficient approach to travel content—often producing and editing his videos solo—he has amassed over two million subscribers. His nickname, "self-sufficient traveler," underscores his independent style and dedication to authentic storytelling. Beyond YouTube, he has gained recognition as a fixed cast member on Born to be a Kim in the World, where his genuine and quiet charm has won over viewers alongside popular personalities like Kian84 and Lee Si-eon.
The revelation of his relationship status marks a significant moment in Pani Bottle's public life, as he had previously maintained a relatively private personal life. Fans and viewers responded warmly to his natural and unforced disclosure, appreciating his openness and the positive attitude he displayed in acknowledging his relationship on national television.
The episode also offered a fascinating glimpse into the Naxi culture, with Kian84 noting the importance of the Dongpa's role and expressing a desire to showcase this vital cultural heritage. Pani Bottle's humorous curiosity about whether they were visiting a shaman added lighthearted moments, balancing the cultural depth with entertainment.
This blend of cultural exploration and personal revelation has enriched the narrative of Taegyeilju 4, which continues to air every Sunday at 9:10 PM on MBC. As Pani Bottle's relationship story unfolds naturally on screen, viewers are eager to see how this new facet of his life might be shared in future episodes, potentially deepening the connection between the travel star and his audience.
In a media landscape where public figures often carefully guard their private lives, Pani Bottle's candid admission stands out as a refreshing example of authenticity. His ability to embrace the moment with humor and grace not only endeared him further to fans but also highlighted the evolving nature of celebrity in the digital age—where personal stories and cultural journeys intersect in unexpected and compelling ways.
