Renowned producer Na Young Seok addressed fans regarding the upcoming season of the popular TV show, ‘New Journey to the West’ during a live broadcast on the afternoon of October 24 KST.  Attending the broadcast alongside Na PD were writer Choi Jae Young and P.O.

Recently discharged from the Marine Corps, P.O greeted viewers with a radiant smile and shared his current status as well as anecdotes from his military life. Observing the multitude of comments from the audience, P.O unveiled some that asked, “When are you doing New Journey to the West?”

In response, Na PD expressed, "I understand that many of you have been eagerly awaiting 'New Journey to the West'. However, due to a mix of reasons, we were unable to proceed." He added that some of the complications included the cast members’ military enlistments, instances of COVID-19, and schedule clashes, among other undisclosed issues.

Nonetheless, he assured viewers of the strong bonds between the cast members. Members including P.O, Kang Ho Dong, Lee Soo Geun, Eun Ji Won, Kyuhyun, and Ahn Jae Hyun remain closely knit, he stated, adding that they still consider each other as family.

Producer Na concluded by stating, "There's no conflict among us. We all get along well and are considering the program as a possibility open for further discussion."

The eighth season of tvN's 'New Journey to the West’, which aired from October to December 2020, concluded with a teaser for the ninth season, heightening fan anticipation for a 2021 release. However, a live session held in October 2021, communicated that filming had been postponed due to COVID-19 and scheduled for 2022 instead.

However, the subsequent military enlistment of P.O, service commitment of Song Min Ho as a social worker, and other scheduling conflicts intensified the uncertainty around the production of 'New Journey to the West 9'. 

Despite these hurdles, Na PD reassured fans that there was no internal discord among the cast and hinted that 'New Journey to the West 9' may resume production in the future.