‘Queen of Tears’ Actress Lee Joo Bin Visits India, Soaks in Kolkata’s Charm As She Explores Iconic New Market and College Street (Watch Video)
South Korean actress Lee Joo-bin, widely known for her breakout role in the hit K-drama 'Queen of Tears', visited India to film the new SBS road trip documentary 'Beopryun Road: Monk and Guest', canceling a planned trip to New York to join the project.
South Korean actress Lee Joo Bin, widely recognised for her breakout role in the hit K-drama Queen of Tears, has visited India to film her latest variety show. Produced by SBS, the new road trip documentary variously translated as Beopryun Road: Monk and Guest or Sunim Sonim Soul Trip in India follows a star-studded celebrity cast travelling alongside the revered Korean Buddhist monk, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim. During her time filming in Kolkata, Lee was spotted immersing herself in local culture, exploring landmark locations including the historic New Market and the famous literary hub of College Street. American Music Awards 2026 Winners: BTS Sweeps 3 Major Honours, ‘Golden’ Wins Song of the Year at AMAs – Full List Inside.
K-Drama Star Lee Joo Bin in India
Lee's journey through India marks a significant change of pace for the actress, who reportedly cancelled a planned trip to New York to participate in the program. Her agency, KeyEast Entertainment, released a series of promotional and behind-the-scenes images showing Lee navigating the bustling landscapes of Kolkata with her co-stars.
KeyEast Entertainment Shares Glimpses of Lee Joo Bi's India Visit With Lee Ki Taek
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Among the highlights of her travel itinerary was a visit to Kolkata's iconic, century-old New Market (formerly known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market), where she interacted with local vendors. Photographed alongside the city's distinctive yellow Ambassador taxis and sipping traditional tea, Lee’s journey was framed by her production team as an exploration of deep healing and cultural immersion.
Exploring Cultural and Spiritual Landmarks
Beyond the commercial hubs, the production moved toward the cultural and spiritual sectors of Kolkata. Lee and her co-star, actor Lee Ki Taek, spent time at the historic ghats overlooking the Hooghly River, capturing a promotional poster shoot during sunset. The cast also visited College Street, renowned globally as a historic centre for book publishing and academic institutions. While there, the team filmed segments at the Mahabodhi Society of India, a prominent Buddhist cultural and welfare organisation.
Lee Soo Bin’s Kolkata Diaries
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Subsequent episodes of the series document the cast moving further into India's sacred geographies, including a spiritual pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya, the location where Buddha attained enlightenment.
Dialogue and Personal Reflection on the Road
The core premise of Monk and Guest pairs unpredictable travel challenges with intimate conversations. Lee, who spent a decade working as an independent theatre and short-film actor before achieving widespread mainstream success, shared open dialogues with Venerable Pomnyun Sunim during a train journey through the country. In broadcasts aired by SBS, Lee candidly discussed the internal pressure she faced after transitioning out of career obscurity.
She noted that despite reaching her professional goals, she struggled with a lingering internal void and continuous anxieties about happiness. The variety show aims to showcase unique elements of India’s remote landscapes, local transit systems, and street food vendors. Alongside Lee, the program features television personality Noh Hong-chul, actor Lee Sang-yoon, and rapper Woochan, highlighting their adaptation to an unfamiliar environment while engaging in philosophy and mindfulness practices. Kim Soo Hyun-Kim Sae Ron Dating Scandal: YouTuber Kim Se Ui Arrested for Spreading Fabricated Claims; K-Drama Star’s Agency Says ‘Truth Has Been Proven’.
The initial teaser highlights Lee Joo-bin's adaptation to the local environment and provides context on the tone of the road trip documentary in this character teaser overview from SBS Entertainment.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2026 12:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
