Actor Goo Seung-hwan broke down in tears during a grueling 446 km cross-country trek he began out of longing for his late dog, Kkotbooni.
The April 24 episode of MBC variety show I Live Alone will air the final chapter of Goo Seung-hwan’s 16-night, 17-day walk from Cheonho-dong in Seoul to Gwangalli Beach in Busan. He reportedly embarked on the nationwide journey to overcome the deep sense of loss after saying goodbye to Kkotbooni.
Goo Seung-hwan took Kkotbooni with him in spirit. He carried a Kkotbooni keyring on his backpack and wore a bracelet made from Kkotbooni’s old harness, taking one determined step after another toward his goal. In tough moments, he kissed the bracelet to steady himself.
The final stretch, however, was brutal. He battled fierce rain and wind, steep uphill climbs, and mounting fatigue that triggered pain in his back and legs, pushing him to his limit. Even the usually bright and energetic Goo Seung-hwan couldn’t hide his exhaustion.
Standing on a rain-soaked road, watching fallen petals scatter, Goo Seung-hwan said, "Kkotbooni, see you later," and burst into tears. In a follow-up interview, he admitted, "Losing the one who was like a daughter to me for 11 years was unbearably hard," candidly sharing his grief.
During the trek, Goo Seung-hwan said he lost nearly 12 kg. Despite a health scare that required help from emergency services (119), he refused to give up. Before his final arrival, he even stopped by a barbershop to reset his mindset with a fresh look.
All eyes are on how Goo Seung-hwan will take his last steps in Busan’s Gwangalli, a place filled with memories of Kkotbooni.
The broadcast airs on the 24th at 11:10 p.m.