One thing about webtoon artist Kian84 (Kian) is that he always stays true to himself.
Known for his appearances on I Live Alone, Kian stands out as a refreshingly unfiltered and unique character. Much to the dismay of his cast and viewers there, he freezes unfinished food only to defrost it months later and often disregards expiry dates. Unlike his fashionable castmates Park Nara and Key, Kian shrugs off trends, often wearing the same shirt on TV, ironically, despite being the creator of Fashion King. Simply put, Kian is unapologetically himself.
This plays out well as Kian builds a B&B from his imagination. There are no limits to his creativity. As an artist, he proposes the most outrageous ideas, which come to life on Kian’s Bizarre B&B.
Directed by the same team behind Hyori’s Homestay, viewers may expect to see the same level of comfort, cleanliness, and hospitality. But Kian’s Bizarre B&B lives up to its name, from its location and food, to Kian’s unconventional business philosophy.
Perched on a floating platform off the coast of Ulleungdo, Kian’s B&B is less of a cosy getaway and more of a surreal, colourful, and oddly uncomfortable B&B. Accessible only by boat, the location quickly signals that guests are in for anything but a conventional stay.
Kian’s B&B defies all logic. The first floor has no doors, meaning guests must scale a rock wall to reach the second floor. Navigating the B&B is a physical challenge. Access to the kitchen and indoor sleeping quarters requires sliding down a pole, and the only exit from the building is, quite literally, a slide. If you’re expecting comfort, think again. Most guests sleep outdoors on suspended beds with minimal cover, fully exposed to the summer heat or rainy weather.
As much as Kian’s creativity knows no bounds in building his B&B, his unconventional lifestyle is just as limitless. When it comes to dinner, Kian and BTS’ Jin serve guests a simple meal of Korean instant curry. Shaped by his travels to India on Adventure by Accident, Kian insists on eating curry with his bare hands, believing that it creates a deeper connection with the food. Though initially surprised, everyone joins in, quickly embracing Kian’s unique way of life. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the show is how open and easygoing the guests and employees are, fully embracing Kian’s quirks.
The casting of Kian’s Bizarre B&B is spot on with its three members who bring a natural, easygoing energy. Despite his global status as a BTS member, Jin is polite and down-to-earth, always striking the perfect balance between being friendly and playful. Jin lets macho guests playfully put him in a chokehold, plays badminton with the young guests, but also steps up when Kian is briefly out with an injury. He takes on each task with sincerity and patience, whether he’s cleaning the floor and dishes, or prepping meals in the kitchen. His grounded and dependable attitude reinforces his role as a humble team player rather than a ‘star.’
SNL Korea comedienne and Running Man member, Ji Ye-eun, on the other hand, adds a touch of lighthearted charm. Given her background on SNL, she often (unintentionally) makes a fool of herself for laughs. In the background, she’s also usually seen chatting with the guests when not working. Her hardworking and friendly demeanour helps guests open up. Together, Jin and Ye-eun complement Kian’s eccentricity, always accepting him as he is while helping ground the show with their sincerity and warmth.
With over 3,000 applicants, the guest casting on Kian’s Bizarre B&B is just as impressive. It’s clear why these individuals were chosen as they bring their unique personalities and purposes to the show. The KAIST students, for example, spend their time searching for bugs on Ulleungdo, an unusual yet fascinating pursuit that reflects the intellectual curiosity behind their prestigious background. Meanwhile, the rock climbers naturally went rock climbing and even helped rework the B&B’s rock wall.
Among the many memorable guests, two stand out: the Ha family and Park Chung-il, a North Korean defector and MMA athlete. During a heartfelt one-on-one conversation with the father of the Ha family, Kian learns of his battle with cancer. Deeply moved, Kian decides to draw a portrait of the family and personally delivers it to them even after they’ve checked out. In another episode, after learning that Chung-il is a North Korean defector, Kian prepares a special North Korean meal of tofu rice, which deeply touches him. While Kian may sometimes come off as awkward or distant, moments like these highlight his quiet thoughtfulness, loyalty, and sincerity.
There’s something wonderfully human about Kian’s Bizarre B&B. While its concept is undeniably eccentric, it is a bold reflection of individuality and staying true to oneself. It’s not about a perfect B&B, but about creating a space that feels personal and sincere. As time goes by, it slowly becomes a show about connection, creativity, and the quiet beauty of embracing difference.
Kian’s unorthodox nature is apparent from the start. He’s unlike anyone else on television. In a world that often encourages conformity, Kian reminds us that being different isn’t something to hide but to celebrate. When you stay true to yourself, others might just follow suit.
In a sea of picture-perfect shows, Kian’s Bizarre B&B stands out by doing what Kian himself does best: being yourself. It’s strange, hilarious, touching, and refreshingly authentic. And that’s what makes it unforgettable.
(YouTube. Images via Netflix.)
