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Why Koen Kardashian is our favorite Expedition participant ever

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expedition robinson 2025 Aftertalk

After four weeks of Expedition Robinson, we can no longer hide it: we clearly have one favorite participant. Sorry not sorry, but Koen Pieter van Dijk, also known as Koen Kardashian, not only flew up the slope in episode 1 but also straight into our hearts. He may have started as the underdog, but immediately showed: he is here to win. If it were up to us, he would sprint through to the final. Isn't he just the most fun Robinson ever?

But who is Koen Kardashian actually?

For those who didn't know Koen before his Expedition adventure, here's a brief introduction: meet Koen Pieter van Dijk. In 2015, he made his TV debut in the reality show ‘Niet lullen maar poetsen’. In this show, various Rotterdam ‘rich kids’ are followed who want to break free from their image. With his openness about botox and love for champagne and shopping, Koen quickly became a favorite there as well. His nickname ‘Koen Kardashian’ was born. In 2018, he made his debut as a TV presenter with the show ‘Meekijken met...’ in which he watches episodes back with contestants from ‘Ex on the Beach: Double Dutch’.

That this life in the spotlight also has a downside is evident from Koen's autobiography ‘Gelukkig verloren’ from 2020. In it, he is candid about his addiction to alcohol and drugs, among other things. Two years later, he announced that he had kicked it and said goodbye to his alter ego. From that moment on, it's just Koen Pieter van Dijk again: time for a fresh start. With his participation in ‘Special Forces VIPS’, he already shows that he can really go to the limit. To prove with ‘Stars on Stage’ that he dares to step out of that comfort zone as well. From the musical stage, he was allowed to go straight onto the plane. In pursuit of that title of Robinson 2025.

A flying start of Expedition Robinson

As a candidate of Expedition Robinson, that first real test is the moment to prove yourself. How indispensable are you for your team? That message was loud and clear for Koen. With his height, he immediately sacrificed himself to get his team up the slope. But then he also had to go up himself; and that without help. Opponent Nordin didn't have much faith in that, and he didn't seem to be the only one. We couldn't read Koen's thoughts at that moment, but he must have thought something like: then you don't know me yet. Very calmly, he took a run-up and then flew up the slope. We really can't describe it any other way. The win was in, and Koen immediately became the hero of his camp. He definitely deserved that bounty island South. On social media, the Koen fan club was immediately founded: “By far the new Robinson!! Amazing!”. We also signed up.

Everything for the team

With the winning streak of Camp South, we actually see very little of them. During the tests, they can go full throttle for a while, only to chill again afterwards. They deserve it, that's for sure. But a little more excitement and especially a little more Koen? We really wouldn't complain about that. When we do see him, it immediately becomes clear: Koen is a team player. Putting aside his own worries and going for that win. With his full-time ADHD, there's not much sleep to be had, especially with those Spartan beds. Yet he is the one who creates the atmosphere on the island. You either participated in ‘Stars on Stage’ or you didn't. With a performance during breakfast, South really feels like a luxury resort. The team can at least head towards the test with good spirits. Even from the couch, you spontaneously feel like joining in, it's that contagious.

Expedition or not: skincare is a must

That struggle to get your overly stuffed suitcase closed, we all know. But at Expedition Robinson, that's anything but a problem. The packing list for that shouldn't even be called a list, it's that short. Iris Enthoven already indicated in 2023 what can be taken: “One big sweater, one t-shirt, one pair of shorts, two bikinis, two sports bras, two sets of underwear, two pairs of socks, and two pairs of shoes.” Refreshing in between? No way. A toothbrush, razor, deodorant, or brush can all be left at home. You can also forget about that extensive skincare. Koen didn't quite agree with that; he still added something to the short packing list: his own SPF. With the blazing sun, good sunscreen is a must, and the candidates fortunately get enough sunscreen; but for Koen, not the right one. With his sensitive skin, he quickly gets acne, and that's why he doesn't just put anything on. “I don't need that cheap stuff on my face.” We couldn't have said it better. A deserted island or not, that skin needs to glow.

Let's hope Koen can shine in the expedition for a long time. With the good flow of Camp South, we can at least aim for that merger. After that, he can really prove himself. Make us proud, Koen!

Image: Jasper Suyk