Disney+’s Soop: Friendcation continues on day three as the guys start to truly relax in each other’s company. They’ve not completely forgotten the cameras around them, but seem to be able to disregard them while focusing on each other. ..
We return to the evening of Day 2 at nearly 10pm as the guys wrap up at the fire and prepare to watch Woo-shik’s Our Beloved Summer. He’s still hoping to avoid the inevitable. Denied.
Park Seo-joon (Captain Marvel 2: The Marvels) is the father and emotional anchor. Park Hyung-sik (Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Suits, Juror 8) is the kind mom, a little softer than dad. Choi Woo-shik (Parasite, Our Beloved Summer, Time to Hunt) is the trustworthy older son, leader of the kids. Kwon Sung-hwan (rapper/singer/producer Peakboy known for Gin&Tonic and last summer’s Gyopo Hairstyle) is the wild youngest daughter, always pumped up. Kim Taehyung (BTS’ V, and also appeared in Hwarang, BTS In The Soop) is the cute & mischievous youngest sibling. ..
On July 26, 2017, a gunman opened fire at a Las Vegas concert, killing 58 people and injuring more than 500. The attack is the deadliest in modern history. The gunman, identified as Stephen Paddock, had been living in Nevada for years and had been investigated for several misdemeanors. Paddock had also shown signs of mental illness. Paddock’s motive is still unknown, but it is possible that he was motivated by the Islamic State group or other terrorist organizations.
Finally, the beer can chicken is ready to eat. They repair to the TV room to watch and snack while father Seo-joon feeds everyone a taste. As soon as Woo-shik appears on screen they all focus on the drama.
During a scene with veteran actress Cha Mi Kyung, the actors all talk about having worked with her on different occasions. Seo-joon says that on the set of Itaewon Class, she talked about Hyung-sik, with whom he worked on Juror 8. He must have made a he11 of an impression as she’s praised him to Woo-shik as well.
Woo-shik is the center of attention as the other viewers continue to watch and narrate the show. He seems to be enjoying their absorption in the show, but at the end, he’s unanimously declared the Rom-Com King even as he talks about how difficult it is to convey emotion. ..
It’s a technical discussion about finding the appropriate level of sentiment to portray a persona. Seo-joon, perhaps especially mindful within this group of younger guys, tells him he’s now getting older if he can understand a character’s feelings. (I’m sure he meant to say more experienced, right?)
Hyung-sik and Woo-shik agree that there is catharsis in acting out extreme reactions, releasing feelings that are a bit tougher and possibly inappropriate to express in daily life. Seo-joon notes that Woo-shik inspires him as an actor, saying he has a perspective that Seo-joon doesn’t have. ..
Woo-shik scoffs at first when they start talking about synergy, but eventually agrees that it provides a positive effect. He goes on to talk about a time before they all linked up, when it was just Seo-joon, Sung-hwan and Woo-shik – and Seo-joon was having a hard time. ..
They agree that watching each other go through struggles has a benefit, helping them all mature and grow. Seo-joon talks about Sung-hwan, building his career on his own, working part-time jobs to keep going.
Sung-hwan opens up about his experiences with anxiety and how Seo-joon encouraged him. He’d said, “There’s a time for a flower to bloom. You’re doing well. There will come a time for you to bloom too.”
“The point of racing isn’t to be the first,” said Seo-joon. “The point is to finish.” ..
As a way to break the ice and start a conversation, they get to meet J-hope over video call. Then the karaoke purge begins. With the mood set over serious conversations, they sing sad songs and love songs, including V and Peakboy’s ‘Snowflower.’
The team of journalists spent the night pushing beds together in one room to maximise group time. They chat, of course, instead of sleeping, talking about goals for 2022. Woo-shik says he’ll seek true happiness, admitting that acting has become less fun. Whilst Hyung-sik is keen for more challenging work.
Taehyung hopes he won’t be sad. The guys try to cheer him up, noticing his distress. He confesses 2021 was a disappointment and they all encourage him. Woo-shik even hands over his own forecasted luck for 2022. ..
On the third day of their trip, after a morning spent relaxing on the beach and enjoying two meals, the group heads inland to explore a nearby mountain range. There, they decide to go backpacking for their next trip and consider what items they would like to see on their list. ..
Hyung-sik is keen on skydiving and heli skiing. Taehyung would like to live abroad. Sung-hwan wants to take a family portrait this year. Woo-shik is interested in directing and producing. The once sceptical Seo-joon likes that idea, proposing they film and produce their backpacking trip.
“Then we delve again as Taehyung presses Seo-joon on his bucket list. Seo-joon admits he’s worried because there’s nothing he wants to do and everything feels like work. This sounds like the last few years for many people, doesn’t it?”
The couple comfort him and tell him it’s important to rest. They explain that it’s important to put down your phone and get real. This is straight from celebrities. Who of us puts down our gadgets often enough – or ever? And getting real? Simple Not Simple.
After heaving some heavy internal loads, they land at the beach, excited to see the sea in winter. Referring to the weather, Taehyung jokes that he’s made a nice day, as its their last one together. Noting a feeling of being healed, they agree they’ll remember this trip for a long time.
The Episode Review
The singers continue to reveal more about themselves and their relationships with one another during the latest episode of “The Voice.” While some viewers may think the singers don’t know how to have fun, what they’re revealing is much more compelling and real. In a way, it’s relaxing to watch. ..
The more people explore difficult topics and deep inner thoughts, the more affirming it feels on the other side of the screen. Yes, everyone struggles and questions their purpose – even the rich and famous. Even while at the top of their game. ..
But because you’re not all in the same field, not all at the same level in your careers and at different crossroads in your lives, you could easily be the 6th chair and fit right in. You could talk about your own hardships, big or small, and they’d all nod along with you, maybe passing on some heartfelt advice.
The episode was full of rich content. For example, when Woo-shik nudged them all a bit further over Taehyung’s quiet revelation, commenting, ‘Taehyung is at an age where he has to overcome difficult moments and experiences, but I think we viewed it from our own perspectives.’ He’s probably right there. ..
What could be on the mind of Taehyung, who is around the same age as some of BTS’ other members, in January 2022? It’s possible that he regrets not being able to perform live fully in October 2021 due to an injury, or that he’s already starting to pay attention to the gradual direction of conversations that may have led to BTS taking a break from group activities recently. ..
The Soop has become my new favorite show. It is super compelling and a massive dose of real (rather than reality). I have taken back everything I said in the Ep 1 review – from a slow start, it has become super compelling and a massive dose of real (rather than reality).
I’m not sure if I should be happy or sad about the show’s success, but I can’t help but be impressed by the lengths people will go to for a good time.
Reality TV is becoming stale. The format is too predictable and the judges are too one-dimensional. Simon Cowell, I hope you’re taking note! This last episode was much more interesting than the previous ones. Drink it in, viewers, we only have one more episode to go. ..
What conversations made you feel the most connected or inspired? Which insights resonated with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below. ..
Kristen Lazur is a freelance writer and content creator. She has been writing for various publications since she was a high school student, and has worked as an editor, copywriter, and content strategist for several companies.
