Kim Won-hee felt a special connection: "Destined meeting" with adopted person on 'Puzzle Trip'

Kim Won-hee, a beloved television personality, revealed the unique story behind her participation in the MBN special program 'Puzzle Trip' through a written interview.

'Puzzle Trip', a three-part special series celebrating MBN's 30th anniversary, is a reality observational travel show that follows the authentic Korean journeys of overseas adoptees searching for their roots and families in Korea, trying to find a lost piece of their puzzle. The program, which received production support from the Korea Creative Content Agency's 2025 Public Documentary Division, promises to move viewers to tears by showcasing the emotional rollercoaster of life through the journeys of overseas adoptees and their star puzzle guides.

Ahead of its premiere, Kim Won-hee shared her reasons for joining 'Puzzle Trip'. "I've always been interested in programs related to adoption," she stated. "So, I chose 'Puzzle Trip' without hesitation. I believe my meeting with Carrie was fated."'s expressed her special affection for the show and Carrie, an overseas adoptee of the same age.

Upon meeting Carrie, Kim Won-hee confessed, "It broke my heart to think about how Carrie, adopted overseas at a young age, must have coped alone." She highlighted their meeting in Bukchon as the most memorable moment. "The comfortable atmosphere unique to Bukchon contrasted with Carrie's past experiences, making it even more unforgettable," she shared honestly. Kim Won-hee also prepared a home-cooked meal of Doenjang-jjigae for Carrie, saying, "I prepared a meal with the care one would give to their own family. Although I'm not a skilled cook, I wanted Carrie to taste a variety of Korean foods from her birth country." Despite being the same age, she acted like a "mother-in-law" in that moment.

Furthermore, Kim Won-hee spoke about the inspiration she received from meeting Carrie. "Carrie, who is a police officer in the US, has a positive attitude towards life and is grateful for everything. I truly respect her," she revealed, adding, "We clicked well, and I think we'll become good friends." In fact, Kim Won-hee has maintained contact with Carrie even after filming concluded. "I still use a translator to check in on her sometimes," Kim Won-hee shared about their unique friendship, and expressed her hope for their next meeting: "When Carrie visits Korea again, I want to have a deep conversation."

When asked who she would recommend as a puzzle guide, Kim Won-hee chose singer Ivy. "Ivy is a warm-hearted and kind person," she explained. "I think she would do a great job as a guide, just as if she were searching for her own family."

Finally, looking ahead to the premiere of 'Puzzle Trip', Kim Won-hee described the show as "a story of finding pieces of a lost time by retracing memories." "It's painful to confront a disconnected past, but it was a time that greatly helped in understanding oneself. Please watch it with your families," she urged viewers.

MBN's 30th-anniversary special three-part series 'Puzzle Trip' will premiere on the 27th at 10:20 PM.

Korean netizens reacted positively to Kim Won-hee's heartfelt participation. Many commented, "It's touching to see her take on such a meaningful program" and "I hope Carrie finds peace and connection through this journey. Kim Won-hee seems like the perfect guide."