On August 19, 2024, BTS member Jin was featured in the latest episode of MBC's Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island. The much-anticipated episode was available on Apple TV and the Korean OTT platform Wavve, with MBC's official YouTube channel, @MBCentertainment, sharing several highlight clips from the episode.
This episode stood out to the idol's fans for its entertaining and memorable moments. Jin impressed viewers by catching sea creatures and crafting a bamboo shoe rack from scratch alongside his 92-liner friend Sandeul from B1A4. He also charmed the cast with his singing and cooking talents.
The MBC reality show, also known as I'm Glad You Got a Good Rest, features Ahn Jung-hwan, a former soccer player turned South Korean TV personality. The show follows Ahn as he renovates an abandoned house on a secluded island, offering viewers a unique experience of staying on an uninhabited island.
Key moments from BTS’ Jin's appearance on MBC’s Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island
1) Jin's successful dive for abalone
One of the standout moments in the episode was when the Epiphany singer donned a swimming and diving outfit. Fans took to social media to express their admiration for the idol's visuals in the outfit. However, his ability to catch sea creatures truly captivated viewers.
Jin confidently responded that he could do anything. Despite concerns from Ahn Jung-hwan about the cold, the star was determined to dive into the water in search of abalones. His perseverance paid off as he successfully returned with the abalone, impressing not only the fans but also the entire cast.
2) The struggles with the mackerel bait
In a humorous moment from the show, the Abyss singer faced an unexpected challenge involving stinky mackerel bait. During a game of rock-paper-scissors to determine who would endure the unpleasant task, he suggested the losing participant would smell the fish.
However, his plan changed when he lost in the first round and had to continue to the next round against Kim Nam-il. Despite his nervousness, Nam-il chooses to sacrifice himself, but in a surprising turn, he betrays the BTS idol by switching his choice to "rock" instead of "paper."
As a result, the singer-songwriter had to dab the foul-smelling mackerel juice on his nose, a punishment that the show humorously dubbed the "K diffuser." His reaction was one of shock and discomfort, knowing that the smell would linger for up to two days.
3) An acapella serenade by the BTS idol
During a motorboat ride, the BTS idol captivated both the cast and viewers by performing an acapella rendition of Southbound Train by Kim Bum-soo, a renowned South Korean trot singer.
His heartfelt performance earned high praise from the cast, who jokingly kept him at #1 on the Billboard chart. They also praised his ability to memorize the lyrics of an older song. Ahn Jung-hwan and Chef Lee Yeon-bok said the idol's singing was both beautiful and healing, noting the special atmosphere created by the rain.
4) The 92-liner duo's bamboo shoe rack success
Another key moment of the show highlighted the camaraderie between Jin and Sandeul, both 92-liners. The two worked together to build a bamboo shoe rack from scratch.
Despite facing several challenges and setbacks, their perseverance paid off. Under the watchful eye of Ahn Jung-hwan, the duo eventually succeeded in crafting the shoe rack, showcasing their teamwork and problem-solving skills.
5) The soft side of Ahn Jung-hwan for the BTS idol
In a touching display of affection, Ahn Jung-hwan showed a softer side towards Jin, a gesture that the cast noted was unprecedented. As the idol leaned on Ahn on the boat, he jokingly called himself a "sofa."
Ahn admitted that the Epiphany singer was the first person, apart from his wife, to use him as a pillow. The host also expressed that Jin felt like a younger brother to him and praised the singer's pleasant personality. Cast members highlighted the idol's ability to put others at ease and understand their feelings.
Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island marked Jin's first appearance on a variety show outside his label since completing his 18-month military service in June.