Whimsical or Just Weird? 'Adventure World Dice 3' Pushes the Boundaries
ENA’s variety travel show ‘Adventure World Dice 3’ (known as ‘Jigumabul 3’ in Korean) is currently stirring conversations among fans and critics alike. The premise? Send celebrity pairs abroad to discover the world, one dice roll at a time. But their most recent escapades—to a crane-turned-hotel in the Netherlands and a pig-brain tasting session in Romania—are sparking a debate: is this unique take on travel fresh and fun, or veering into shock value?
Oddball Destinations: Novelty or Nausea?
The Case for Fun
At its best, Adventure World Dice 3 offers a refreshing detour from standard travel shows. The Dutch crane hotel? A one-of-a-kind overnight stay you’d never find on Airbnb. The wild menu in Romania—featuring things like pig brains and bear-themed omakase? Definitely not your grandma’s travel channel.
Like fellow Korean programs such as ‘Battle Trip’, which mixed personal storytelling with surprising cuisine, Jigumabul 3 taps into the cultural curiosity of its viewers. It strives not just to entertain but to showcase global diversity, even if that means chewing on jelly-like brains in front of a camera.
When Bold Gets Too Bizarre
But when does "immersive" become "icky"? Some viewers are clearly grossed out by the culinary adventures—particularly the pig brain episode, which triggered a wave of online discomfort. Critics argue that the producers are leaning into shock value, throwing subtlety out the window in favor of “gotcha” moments.
And when every episode tries to out-weird the last, the risk is fatigue. A show that once felt genuinely curious can start feeling like a contest of who can stomach the most unusual dish. While trying to be unique, it may sacrifice the emotional resonance that good travel content often delivers.
The Cast: Real Charm or Ratings Bait?
Why the Mix Works
The show’s magic doesn’t only come from its destinations. Its cast, especially travel YouTubers Pani Bottle and KwakTube, brings a real-world groundedness. They aren’t acting—they’re reacting, genuinely challenged by these experiences. Add to that veteran entertainers like Cha Tae-hyun and Lee Joon, and you’ve got a compelling blend of celebrity sparkle and traveler honesty.
Pani Bottle's wide-eyed wonder and KwakTube’s dry humor add an authenticity that keeps viewers hooked, despite the extreme environments. The show's success leans heavily on this unique chemistry—and on the fan base that follows these internet personalities with cult-like loyalty.
But Not Without Baggage
Still, fame comes with shadows. KwakTube, for example, has faced his share of public scrutiny, and that rubs off on the show. Some fans feel unable to enjoy the content fully because of whom they have to watch delivering it.
These controversies risk tarnishing the program’s image, shifting focus away from the travel experience toward internet drama. When conversations about a celebrity’s past become louder than the laughs or lessons learned on camera, the show falters.
Balancing Wonder and Weird
Adventure World Dice 3 is undeniably inventive. It captures attention by being out there—sometimes way out there. But to stay in the hearts of viewers, it needs more than pig brains and crane cranes. It must recenter emotional connection, everyday joy, and awe for the cultures it visits.
That means careful editing, thoughtful storyline choices, and navigating public sentiment with care. This show walks a tightrope: delight us, but don’t disgust us; surprise us, but still show us the soul of each location. At its best, Adventure World Dice 3 can do just that. At its worst, it becomes a YouTube challenge with a travel budget.
