Choi Ji-woo is real gem in ‘Grandpas over Flowers’

Four grandpas from “Grandpas over Flowers” are set to captivate viewers as the tvN’s hit reality show returns with mesmerizing Greek scenery and entertaining travel episodes.

In the new season, which premieres Friday, their grumpy, young top actor-turned-travel guide Lee Seo-jin gets a helping hand from first-generation hallyu goddess Choi Ji-woo.

“Choi has two strengths. One is superb cooking skills. The other is her affability,” Lee said at a press conference held in Seoul on Tuesday. 

“Throughout the trip, she has been a life of the party. She knows how to please senior cast members.”

Directed by Na Young-seok of such megahits as “2 Days & 1 Night” and “Three Meals a Day,” “Grandpas over Flowers” is a reality travel program featuring four Korean actors in their 70s: Lee Soon-jae, Shin Gu, Park Geun-hyung and Baek Il-Seop. Accompanied by Lee Seo-jin as their travel guide, driver, cook and personal assistant, the four go on a backpacking trip around the world.

For the upcoming third season, in which they travel to Greece, actress Choi has joined the all-male cast.

“I chose Choi because I think she is a very hard-working individual. Her job on the show was to take care of senior actors. If the viewer checks out the show, they will find that she nailed her job,” said director Na.

Choi has appeared in Na’s previous shows, most recently on “Three Meals a Day,” which also stars Lee Seo-jin.

The “Grandpas over Flowers” franchise has been a smash hit in Korea. The previous season featuring Spain racked up the highest viewership ratings for the time slot among shows on both terrestrial and cable TV networks, according to media research firm Nielsen Korea.

The first episode of “Grandpas over Flowers in Greece” will hit airwaves at 9:45 p.m. on Friday.

By Yeo Jun-suk (jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)