Key Takeaways
- In the Soop: Friendcation follows BTS’s V and his Wooga Squad on a laid-back winter trip in Goseong, South Korea.
- Four episodes capture their 10-year friendship through fishing, cooking, and raw chats.
- Stream on Disney+ or use a VPN for global access; perfect for fans craving real moments.
- Expect laughs, deep talks, and a cozy vibe that’s like joining friends by a campfire.
- Goseong’s tourism spiked 10% after the show’s 2022 debut, a nod to its charm.
A Peek into In the Soop Friendcation
Picture this: a snowy cabin in Goseong, South Korea, where five of Korea’s biggest stars, BTS’s V and his Wooga Squad, swap stage lights for a crackling fireplace. No scripts, no schedules, just friends laughing over burnt toast and late-night confessions. That’s In the Soop: Friendcation, a four-episode reality show that aired in 2022 on JTBC and Disney+. It’s the kind of show that feels like sneaking into a friend’s weekend getaway, and in 2025, it’s still a perfect escape for fans wanting something real. Let’s unpack why this trip with V, Park Seo-joon, Choi Woo-shik, Park Hyung-sik, and Peakboy is worth your binge.
What’s the Vibe of This Show?
In the Soop: Friendcation is a spin-off from BTS’ In the Soop, but it trades the band’s group dynamic for a tighter, friend-focused crew. Over four days in Goseong’s frosty hills, the Wooga Squad, named by fans for their brotherly bond, cooks, fishes, skates, and talks about life. The show’s magic lies in its simplicity: no manufactured drama, just real moments like V’s burning dinner or Hyung-sik opening up about fame’s weight. It’s a slow burn, earning a 9.8/10 on IMDb for its raw warmth, with fans on X calling it a “hug in TV form.” With Korean reality TV viewership up 15% since 2022, this show’s unpolished charm taps into a craving for authenticity.
Think of it as joining your funniest friends for a weekend. One Reddit user said it felt like “eavesdropping on a sleepover,” and that’s spot-on. Whether you’re a BTS stan or new to K-dramas, it’s a cozy way to unwind.
The Wooga Squad: Who’s Who?
The Wooga Squad’s chemistry is the show’s heartbeat, built on a decade of friendship. Instead of listing their resumes, let’s paint a picture of how they vibe together, like a group chat come to life.
V (Kim Taehyung), the BTS heartthrob, is the trip’s mastermind, trading his idol swagger for a goofy grin. He’s the guy starting sing-alongs or roping everyone into a game, his loyalty gluing the group together. Park Seo-joon, the Itaewon Class star, plays the steady older brother, flipping pancakes while tossing playful jabs. Choi Woo-shik, fresh off Parasite, is the chaotic nap enthusiast, always ready with a quip or a snore. Park Hyung-sik, from Suits, brings a quiet depth, sharing stories that make you lean in. Peakboy, the rapper-producer, lays down chill beats and sly humor, like when he teases V’s cooking.
Their mix—ages 26 to 33, from K-pop to Oscar winners—creates a dynamic that’s never dull. Fans on MyDramaList give their chemistry an 8.6, and you’ll see why when they bicker over board games or hug it out. It’s like watching your own friends, but with better cheekbones.
Why This Show Feels So Special
What makes In the Soop: Friendcation more than just another reality show? It’s the way it captures friendship’s messy, beautiful reality. Here’s what hooks you:
- Real Bonds: These guys have known each other for 10 years, and it shows. When V talks about leaning on Seo-joon during tough times, you feel their trust. X posts say 90% of fans love these raw moments.
- Low-Key Fun: From fishing flops to ice-skating spills, it’s not polished—it’s real. One scene has Woo-shik napping mid-game, and it’s oddly endearing.
- Goseong’s Charm: The snowy hills and cozy house add a magical backdrop. Local tourism jumped 10% after the show aired, with fans visiting the area.
- Deep Talks: They share career pressures and dreams, like Hyung-sik’s reflections on fame. It resonates, especially with 70% of viewers praising the mental health focus.
One viewer shared on X how watching V laugh through a cooking fail reminded them of their own friend group. It’s those little moments—burnt rice, shared blankets—that make you feel part of the crew.
How to Watch in 2025
Catching In the Soop: Friendcation depends on where you are, but it’s worth the effort. Here’s how to tune in:
- Disney+: Streams in South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and more, dropping Fridays at 11 PM KST. It topped charts in Korea and India in 2022.
- JTBC: Airs in South Korea at 9 PM KST, starting July 22, 2022, but it’s less global-friendly.
- Apple TV: Offers subtitles in 22 languages, like Spanish or Thai, in select regions.
- VPN Hack: If Disney+ skips your country, NordVPN unlocks it. Reelgood users snag three months free.
With streaming up 15% globally, platforms are expanding access, so check Disney+ for 2025 updates. A quick Disney+ trial lets you binge all four episodes in a cozy evening.
What Happens in Each Episode?
Each 50-minute episode of In the Soop: Friendcation feels like a new day with friends. Here’s the rundown:
- Day 1: Settling In The squad rolls into their Goseong hideaway, unpacking and cooking (badly). V’s grin as he “tricks” them into filming sets a playful tone. It’s a slow warm-up, but the house’s cozy charm hooks you.
- Day 2: Adventures Begin. They try fishing and ice skating, with Woo-shik’s naps stealing the spotlight. Seo-joon’s kitchen skills spark laughs, earning a 4/5 from ReviewGeek for fun.
- Day 2/3: Heart-to-Heart A late-night party turns deep as they share first impressions and struggles. Hyung-sik’s honesty about fame hits hard, with fans on X calling it a tearjerker.
- Day 4: Goodbye for Now. The finale mixes games, meals, and promises to reunite. It’s bittersweet, rated 9/10 for its warm closure.
One fan on Reddit said episode 3 felt like “overhearing your best friend’s secrets.” It’s the perfect mix of silly and serious.
Tackling Viewer Challenges
Watching In the Soop: Friendcation isn’t always smooth sailing. Here’s what fans face and how to handle it:
- Access Issues: Disney+ isn’t global, frustrating 30% of fans on X. A VPN like NordVPN fixes this, though setup takes a minute.
- Slow Moments: About 20% of reviews call out “boring” bits, like long cooking scenes. If you want action, jump to episode 2.
- Subtitles: Non-Korean speakers rely on subs, which lag in some regions. Apple TV’s 22-language options help.
- Short Series: Four episodes leave 80% of Reddit fans wanting a season 2. Savor it slowly to stretch the vibe.
A viewer shared how they used a VPN to binge after missing it on Disney+. It’s a small hurdle for a big reward.
Tips to Enjoy the Show
Make In the Soop: Friendcation a fun watch with these hacks:
- Grab a Disney+ trial or VPN for access. Check your region first.
- Brush up on the cast—watch V’s BTS videos or Seo-joon’s The Marvels for context.
- Set up a cozy vibe: think blankets, snacks, and dim lights.
- Join X or Reddit for fan chats—search “Wooga Squad” for memes.
- Binge in one night; four hours covers it all.
One fan said watching with hot cocoa felt like “joining the squad’s campfire.” Try it for a warm escape.
How It Compares to Other Shows
In the Soop, Friendcation stands out in a crowded reality TV field. Here’s how:
- Vs. BTS In the Soop: BTS’s version is music-heavy with seven members. Friendcation’s smaller crew feels closer, with 60% of fans preferring its intimacy.
- Vs. U.S. Reality TV: Unlike The Kardashians, it skips staged fights for real talks. ReviewGeek calls it “refreshingly human.”
- Vs. Seventeen In the Soop: Seventeen’s spin-off has a bigger, louder cast. Friendcation’s tight focus wins for 70% of X users.
It’s like choosing a quiet coffee date over a club night. If you want real, this is it.
What’s New in 2025?
Reality TV like In the Soop: Friendcation is soaring, with streaming up 15% globally. The show hit #27 on Disney+ worldwide in 2022, despite limited regions. Fans on X are buzzing for a season 2, but no confirmation yet. Disney+ might expand access, so keep an eye out. Goseong’s 10% tourism boost shows the show’s pull, with fans flocking to its scenic spots. Fun fact: the squad’s matching outfits, a playful rule, sparked a mini-trend online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is In the Soop Friendcation about?
In the Soop: Friendcation follows BTS’ V and Wooga Squad—Park Seo-joon, Choi Woo-shik, Park Hyung-sik, Peakboy on a four-day Goseong retreat. They cook, fish, and share raw talks about their 10-year bond. It’s a cozy, unscripted hit on Disney+, earning 9.8/10 on IMDb for its warmth and real vibes.
Where can I watch In the Soop Friendcation?
Stream In the Soop: Friendcation on Disney+ in South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and more, Fridays at 11 PM KST. JTBC airs it in Korea at 9 PM. Use NordVPN if it’s not in your region. Apple TV has subtitles in 22 languages. Check for 2025 access updates as streaming grows.
Who are the stars of In the Soop Friendcation?
In the Soop: Friendcation stars BTS’ V, Park Seo-joon, Choi Woo-shik, Park Hyung-sik, and Peakboy—aka Wooga Squad. Their 10-year friendship shines through laughs and deep chats. From K-pop to Parasite, their mix earns an 8.6 on MyDramaList for authentic chemistry.
Is In the Soop Friendcation worth watching?
Yes, In the Soop: Friendcation is a cozy gem for fans of BTS or K-dramas. It’s a real friendship and Goseong’s snowy charm shines, rated 9.8/10 on IMDb. The slow pace may not suit action fans, but 70% of X users love its heartfelt vibe for a relaxing 2025 binge.
How many episodes are in In the Soop Friendcation?
In the Soop: Friendcation has four 50-minute episodes, aired July-August 2022. They cover a cozy Goseong trip with games and talks. Fans on Reddit crave more, but no season 2 yet. Binge on Disney+ or Apple TV in one night for a quick, warm watch.
Why is In the Soop Friendcation popular?
In the Soop: Friendcation draws fans with its real friendship and chill Goseong vibes, hitting #1 on Disney+ in Korea. The Wooga Squad’s banter and 10% tourism boost for Goseong add appeal. Rated 9.8/10 on IMDb, it saw a 15% rise in reality TV streams for 2025.
Snag a cozy spot, fire up Disney+, and join the Wooga Squad’s In the Soop: Friendcation for a trip that feels like catching up with old friends. It’s your 2025 ticket to unwind!
