Na Young-seok, who joined hands with SM.."Reply High School" PD, "I'm getting passionate about being a trainee." [a question and answer]

*This content was translated by AI.

Producer Shin Hyo-jung of Eggs Coming delivered the behind-the-scenes story and directing philosophy of the program ahead of the first broadcast of "Reply High School."

Mnet's "Reply High School" (directed by Shin Hyo-jung, Jang Eun-jung, and Chae Jae-min), which will premiere on the 13th, is a time-slip reality in which SM Entertainment's 15 trainees, SMTR25, experience culture from the 1990s to 2010s at the virtual school "Ujung High School."

Producer Shin Hyo-jung said in a written interview, "I started the program because I was stimulated by the sincerity of the trainees who are sweating in the practice room and trying to make their debut," adding, "It will show warm stories that all generations can share with each other and the harmless and pure charm of the trainee boys."

◆ The following is a full text of questions and answers with PD Shin Hyo-jung.

Q. I'm curious about the background of planning "Reply High School".

In fact, I've been thinking about how to solve the special condition of "training" through entertainment for a long time. Then, I met SMTR25 friends in person and saw them on stage, and the series of processes of challenging for our debut gave our team great inspiration and inspiration. I started the challenge with the thought that 'we may be able to tell their stories in our own way.' It may be a little different from the programs that Eggs Coming has been doing, but I wanted to capture the boys' sincere stories.

Q. Is there a particular reason why you sent trainees to "school" rather than on stage?

Both the cast and viewers needed the easiest space to immerse and empathize with, and that was "school." The school was the best place to release the "time slip" setting because it was a place where peer culture was shared the fastest and a complex space that rapidly reflected the air of the times.

Q. From 1990 to 2000, 2010s, why did you choose it as the background of the three eras?

It is set until the 1990s when idol culture was born, the 2000s when it entered the digital age, and the 2010s when the cast sympathized. It's a kind of 'memories trip'. Depending on the era in which you went to school, you may sympathize or be surprised. I wanted to create a story where viewers could watch the show and chat with "Did you really do that?"

Q. What was your first impression of the 15 trainees the production team encountered for the first time?

When I first met him in the practice room, I felt the smell of sweat before the splendor. I remember saying hello awkwardly. What's interesting is that during the interview, I asked a light question, "Do you have a personal talent?" and they said it was a mess as if they were doing a monthly evaluation. The members' real charm is that they are new and nervous about everything they prepare and proceed with filming.

Q. Is there an episode that happened when multinational members got too immersed in "Y2K sensibility"?

Each of them is extremely immersed in the era of their class. The '90s were the most in the past, so they decided on their own as the 'best senior'. So, there was also an interesting situation in which the youngest was called "senior" regardless of the actual number of years of training. Even though the nationalities are different, the school atmosphere of each era has many similarities, so they can unexpectedly sympathize with each other easily.

Q. What color is differentiated from existing idol entertainment shows like "Eggs Coming"?

Our team focuses on the inherent determination of a person. Rather than a quick development or stimulating fun, I tried to contain a pollution-free sensibility that makes my mind comfortable just by watching it. Rather than evaluating the competencies of the trainees, I think it is the role of the production team to illuminate the colorful aspects of them as they are. If you feel comfortable and have any interest in "that friend is okay," that's the best result.

Q. Is there a point that viewers should pay attention to before the first episode?

It will be fun to look for period-specific features and symbolic props hidden throughout the classroom. Even the clothes the performers are wearing thoroughly researched and reflected the style of school uniforms that were popular in each era, such as wide pants in the 90s and slim fit in the 00s.

Q. What do you want to say to the viewers.

Through the pure appearance of friends who are new to everything, I hope viewers also remember the school days when they laughed and talked with their friends and cheered for someone passionately. Please pay warm attention and look forward to the first broadcast on February 13th.

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*This content was translated by AI.