The Rural Challenge: Jeong Dong-won vs. Seok Matthew in ‘City Z in the Countryside’

Korean entertainment continues to surprise and delight with its innovative reality shows, and one of the most unique programs currently airing is ‘City Z in the Countryside’ on ENA. The show takes a group of Gen-Z celebrities from the city and throws them into the rustic, challenging world of rural life. Among the notable participants are Jeong Dong-won and Seok Matthew, whose playful rivalry has captivated audiences. Their most recent confrontation—a core strength competition—sparked interest as it became a battle of pride and strength.

 

Let’s dive into the key aspects of this show, the dynamics between Jeong Dong-won and Seok Matthew, and why ‘City Z in the Countryside’ has become a hit among K-content fans.

What is ‘City Z in the Countryside’?

‘City Z in the Countryside’ is a reality-variety show that highlights the contrast between modern urban life and the simplicity of rural living. Featuring some of the biggest names in Korea’s entertainment industry, the show tasks its Gen-Z stars with adapting to the challenges of rural life, from physical tasks to farming duties, all while learning about a simpler way of living.

 

The show airs every Sunday at 8:30 PM on ENA, and its cast includes familiar faces such as:

• Yang Se-chan
• Lee Eun-ji
• Lee Yi-kyung
• Song Geon-hee
• Miyeon
• Jeong Dong-won
• Seok Matthew

Each episode offers a blend of humor, heartwarming moments, and competitive tension, especially as celebrities face off in different rural challenges.

The Core Strength Showdown: Jeong Dong-won vs. Seok Matthew

One of the recent episodes saw a highlight showdown between Jeong Dong-won and Seok Matthew, members of the new-generation idol groups who were eager to prove their strength. The challenge? A core strength test designed to assess the flexibility and power of their abdominal muscles.

Why This Challenge Was Important for Jeong Dong-won

For Jeong Dong-won, this competition was more than just a friendly rivalry—it was a matter of redemption. Previously, he had experienced the humiliation of being called out for his weak lower body strength. During an earlier episode, Dong-won had lost a core strength battle and was labeled “skinny” and lacking in muscle, something that clearly weighed on him.

 

This rematch, in which he hoped to showcase his improved strength, became a symbolic moment for Dong-won. He knew that winning this would restore his confidence and allow him to shake off the “weakling” image from earlier challenges.

The Challenge Setup

The rules were simple: the contestants had to use their core muscles and flexibility to leap up from a seated position. This seemingly simple test required a strong core and balance, proving difficult even for the most athletic participants.

Jeong Dong-won’s determination was evident, but as the challenge began, it quickly became clear that the road to redemption would not be easy.

Jeong Dong-won’s Struggle

Despite his earlier confidence, Jeong Dong-won found himself struggling during the challenge:

• He failed to maintain the correct posture and appeared visibly frustrated.
• At one point, he lamented, “I can’t do it,” while his teammates urged him on.
• Co-host Yang Se-chan playfully scolded him, asking, “What do you think the problem is?”

Though he attempted to justify his failure, claiming that men and women might perform differently in such tasks, the excuses didn’t hold up. Jeong Dong-won was visibly disheartened but determined to try again.

Enter Seok Matthew: The Rivalry Heats Up

With Jeong Dong-won faltering, Seok Matthew entered the scene. His calm confidence set the stage for a head-to-head clash, and Yang Se-chan further stirred the pot by asking, “What will you do if Matthew succeeds? Will you say he’s a woman, too?”

 

The playful yet competitive energy between Dong-won and Matthew kept the audience entertained, as the two young stars faced off in this physical test.

 

Though details on the final outcome of their challenge were not provided, the tension leading up to their faceoff was enough to hook viewers. Would Jeong Dong-won reclaim his pride, or would Seok Matthew demonstrate his superior strength?

Why This Show Resonates with Gen-Z Viewers

‘City Z in the Countryside’ doesn’t just entertain—it serves as a meaningful commentary on the intersection between urban and rural lifestyles, especially for a generation more accustomed to smartphones than shovels. The show taps into:

1. Generational Understanding: As young celebrities adapt to a rural lifestyle, they’re forced to confront challenges that feel distant from their usual experiences. This sparks conversations about simplicity, nature, and the value of hard work—topics that resonate with viewers who may feel disconnected from such realities.
2. Growth and Development: The trials each cast member faces represent their personal growth, both physically and mentally. For Jeong Dong-won, overcoming his perceived physical limitations is a metaphor for the personal and professional growth young stars face in the entertainment industry.
3. Heartfelt Humor and Teamwork: The banter, light-hearted rivalry, and close-knit bonds between the cast members make for a show that feels genuine. Despite their differences, the celebrities form a team and tackle each challenge together, showing the power of teamwork.

What’s Next for Jeong Dong-won and Seok Matthew?

The rivalry between Jeong Dong-won and Seok Matthew adds a fun, competitive edge to the show, and viewers are eagerly anticipating future episodes to see how their dynamic evolves. Dong-won’s quest to overcome his previous defeat and prove his strength adds an emotional layer to the lighthearted entertainment, while Seok Matthew’s confidence and charm keep the stakes high.

 

As ‘City Z in the Countryside’ continues to air, it promises even more memorable moments, playful rivalries, and hilarious rural misadventures that K-content fans can’t get enough of.

---

Conclusion

The rural lifestyle may seem far removed from the fast-paced lives of K-pop idols and young celebrities, but ‘City Z in the Countryside’ bridges this gap in an entertaining and meaningful way. With Jeong Dong-won and Seok Matthew leading the way in challenges, the show offers a perfect mix of competition, growth, and comedy. As we wait to see who truly has the upper hand in their strength rivalry, one thing is certain: this show is another win for K-content fans.

Be sure to tune in and watch how these urban stars transform into rural pros, one challenge at a time!