Hong Seok-cheon Flees Hong Kong with Married Singer — My First Time: Love in Top-Down Art

Hong Seok-cheon and Choi Chang-min are set to enroll as architectural students in Hong Kong.

The MBC liberal arts show “Architecture-Space Traveler” (also referred to as “Architecture for a Reason”), set to air on the 26th, features host Hong Seok-cheon and TVXQ member Choi Kangchang as they head to Hong Kong to explore architectural design. Known for its food and retail scene, Hong Kong will now be viewed through an entirely different lens—this time focusing on its identity as an “Architectural City,” generating anticipation among viewers.

Hong Seok-cheon and Choi Kang-min, who reached Hong Kong prior to architect Yoo Hyun-jun, set out to tackle the mysterious challenges posed by Yoo Hyun-jun with great scholarly passion. Choi Chang-min, who typically moved between the concert venue, hotel, and airport during his travels overseas, shows an interest in learning about architecture, stating, “I have only ever come to Hong Kong for work; this is my first real experience here.” He explores the city’s narrow streets and alleyways.

The pair visit an iconic location featuring Hong Kong’s geographical elements to complete Yoo Hyun-jun’s challenge titled “Taking an Open Run at 10 a.m.” Situated between the central district, known for its concentration of financial buildings, and the mid-level area, home to high-end residential areas, this first spot is renowned as the longest ‘this’ globally. Hong Seok-cheon is pleased to recognize it from the Hong Kong movie *Junggyeong Forest*, yet feels awkward due to a contrasting scene compared to the one shown in the film. At 10 a.m., Choi Chang-min observes the crowd moving around, commenting, “It’s unusual.” This sparks interest in what he witnessed.

Furthermore, Kang Chang-min discovers environmentally sustainable construction materials widely used across Hong Kong’s urban areas. This type of material, available in multiple forms and dimensions, reflects Hong Kong’s climatic conditions. Out of interest, they call out “Professor!” and urgently search for architect Yoo Hyun-jun. Emphasis is placed on features specific to Hong Kong that had gone unnoticed until now.

The two individuals, appreciating the skyline of towering buildings, traveled to the Western Dragon Peninsula across the water and encountered an entirely distinct architectural style compared to Hong Kong Island. They were amazed by the mystery surrounding the building, now transformed into a special exhibition area. Specifically, Hong Seok-cheon appears to offer Hong Kong residents, used to limited spaces, a sense of openness. He added his personal take on “a spot for Hong Kong people to relax,” saying he noticed runners here and found the scene impressive: “Running shirtless—great photo.” This comment brought about some amusement through playful eye contact. What exactly is this location that Hong Seok-cheon enjoys both architecturally and personally?

MBC’s “Architecture – Space Traveler” is an innovative architectural discussion program that explores narratives spanning multiple domains including history, culture, economics, arts, and technology via architecture. Renowned architects Yoo Hyun-joon, Jeon Hyun-moo, Hong Jin-kyung, and Park Sun-yong will be featured guests. The show premieres on Tuesday, August 26, at 9 PM.