October 28, 2025
THIMPHU – In a country where most youth programmes are built around lectures and formality, “Going Bhutan” is striking a very different chord.
Bhutan’s first-ever K-pop–inspired youth reality show has done more than entertain, it has created a space for young Bhutanese to rediscover themselves, their culture and their community, all while finding joy in collaboration and creativity.
Developed by the Global Shapers Thimphu Hub, a youth network supported by the World Economic Forum, Going Bhutan was the only Bhutanese project chosen for the UNESCO Global Youth Grant, an international initiative backed by the K-pop group SEVENTEEN.
The project gathered 13 young participants for a two-day retreat in a 300-year-old traditional homestay in Paro, blending games, cultural activities and team challenges. It also mentored five aspiring filmmakers, ran a month-long social media campaign on youth and mental health, and culminated in a community event and screening on October 25.
For Regita Gurung, the Hub’s lead, the project was born from both inspiration and purpose.
“Global Shapers Thimphu Hub began in 2020, when our founder Thinley Choden saw how stagnant young people felt during Covid-19. She wanted to give them a platform to act, not just wait,” she said.
The hub, which began with ten young leaders, has since grown into a diverse network of professionals and students, from lawyers and counsellors to IT specialists, all driven by the desire to contribute meaningfully to society.
When UNESCO and SEVENTEEN announced a global grant for youth networks, Regita Gurung saw the perfect opportunity.
“I’ve always admired SEVENTEEN for their teamwork and synergy,” she said. “Their series Going Seventeen inspired us to create something that captured that spirit, but in a Bhutanese way, something rooted in culture, community and purpose.”
That idea became Going Bhutan. The team chose a heritage homestay in Paro and designed every detail of the retreat to help participants connect with one another, their culture and themselves.
“Many youth gatherings end up revolving around nightlife and parties,” Regita Gurung said. “We wanted something different, a space that was fun but meaningful, something that helped them feel grounded and happy.”
One of the core organisers, Sonam Yugeayong Choden, said that she was drawn in by the project’s uniqueness.
“I didn’t even know SEVENTEEN had thirteen members,” she laughed. “But the idea was exciting. Everyone on our team had a role, no one was redundant. We’ve all grown so much, learning things as simple as logistics and media coordination to understand how to deal with people.”
Pyelma Syeldon, also an organiser, agreed. “Going Bhutan” didn’t just empower the participants but it empowered us too,” she said. “From project management to advocacy, we gained confidence and practical skills we’ll carry forward.”
Inclusivity was at the heart of the project from the start. “We wanted youth from all parts of the country, not just Thimphu,” Regita Gurung said. “The application process was open to everyone, regardless of background or qualifications. That diversity is what made it special.”
But funding constraints meant the first season had to remain in Thimphu and Paro. The team hopes future editions will reach the east and south.
As Pyelma Syeldon said, “young people have so much talent but so few opportunities.”
For the participants, Going Bhutan was an experience unlike anything they had seen before.
Sangay Loday described it as something entirely new for Bhutan. “Nothing was scripted, just genuine moments. It helped me open up and be myself.”
A nineteen-year-old Kinzang G Yeshey said that the show brought him friendships and confidence. “It was exciting and fun. We met people from different walks of life, doctors, engineers, law students, and connected instantly.”
Khando Zeeyang called the bond they formed “magical”. “It’s rare to meet people you click with so quickly. We were together for just two days, but the connection has lasted months.”
For Samten Yosel Choden, the experience pushed her beyond her comfort zone. “I’m quite introverted, but this gave me space to speak, to share and to connect,” she said.
Thinley Zamtsho, another participant, shared that it was fulfilling to be part of a show that promotes mental health and community. “We learnt that life can be fun and purposeful without stress, alcohol or pressure.”
Beyond the show’s entertainment value, the retreat’s culmination on October 25 carried deeper lessons. One activity that stood out was the ikigai exercise, inspired by the Japanese concept of finding purpose.
“It really made participants reflect on what they love, what they’re good at, and what the world needs,” Sonam Yugeayong Choden said. “Even in half an hour, it could shift how someone sees their life.”
The focus on mental health ran throughout. Sangay Loday shared that every activity included a grounding or meditative session. “It reminded us that being young isn’t just about being loud, it’s also about being still and connecting with ourselves.”
The show also offered a playful yet powerful approach to cultural education.
“We didn’t want to force culture onto the youth,” Regita Gurung said. “Instead, we used fun and games to help them rediscover it naturally.” From traditional meals served in dappa bowls to games inspired by Bhutanese childhoods, every element was designed to bring culture alive in a modern format.
Khando Zeeyang said that this struck a chord with both participants and viewers. “When the show aired, people commented that it reminded them of their childhood of a time before screens. It made them want to reconnect with their roots.”
Sangay Loday agreed, recalling how the traditional homestay itself became a lesson. “It was a 300-year-old house with steep ladders and wooden floors. It wasn’t easy, but it reminded us of how Bhutan grew into what it is today.”
The organisers hope the project can become an annual event, with plans to seek support from local agencies other than UNESCO.
“We want it to stay simple but sustainable,” Regita Gurung said. “Our volunteers work tirelessly out of passion, but in future we hope to secure funding that values their time and effort.”
For now, Going Bhutan remains a symbol of what happens when young people are trusted with creative freedom and purpose.
“Everything we used, from skipping ropes to snacks, was bought from local shops. We want “Going Bhutan” to represent Bhutan,” Sonam Yugeayong Choden said.
At its core, this youth-led initiative has proven that empowerment doesn’t need grandeur or hierarchy but just authenticity, collaboration and heart.
“Going Bhutan” is a reminder that the next generation can shape the future by staying rooted in who they are.