How did 'Munhwa Sangsa' become the 'Infinite Challenge' profit-generating IP? [★FOCUS]

*This content was translated by AI.

Although MBC's "Infinite Challenge" ended its run eight years ago, it is still regarded by the public as a "legendary variety show."

While there were countless formats once presented weekly by the past 'Infinite Challenge,' the recent boom of 'Mujin Sangsa' is rising again.

"Infinite Company" began as a sketch in the 2011 "Infinite Company Picnic," where members portrayed ordinary office workers to create special office-themed content. Yoo Jae-seok-i (Director), Park Myung-soo as vice manager, Jung Jun-ha as section chief, Jung Hyung-don as assistant manager, and Noh Hong-chul, Haha, Gil, and Kwang-hee took on the roles of employees, performing improvised situational comedy in positions that mimicked real office life.

This format, featuring member item meetings, special guest G-Dragon's appearance as an employee, and the musical adaptation of Section Chief Jung's unemployment story, delivered empathy and laughter through various variations, garnering immense popularity. Even after 'Infinite Challenge' ended, clips of 'Mujin Sangsa' uploaded to MBC's YouTube channel 'Five-Minute Cut' and others have boasted an average of 5 million views and a peak of 10 million views, proving to be a highly profitable IP.

On MBC's "What Do You Do When You're Bored?", Jung Jun-ha recreated the "Manager Jung and Vice President Yoo" sketch alongside Yoo Jae-suk, bringing joy to viewers. Recently, on the YouTube channel "Hawasoo" hosted by Park Myung-soo and Jung Jun-ha, the group Rise appeared as interns in a segment titled "What Happens When the 'We Got Married' Kids Join Infinite Challenge."

To further expand its reach, 'Muhun Sangsa' has also penetrated the food service industry. From the 9th until July 20, fast-food brand 'Mammoth' is collaborating with 'Infinite Challenge' to launch a limited-edition set menu based on the 'Muhun Sangsa' concept.

Mammoth has launched the 'Manager Park Burger' and 'Manager Jeong Burger,' both inspired by characters from 'Infinite Company,' along with the 'Skull X100 Set,' the 'Office Worker Mood Swing Set,' and the 'Please Approve Set' through this collaboration. Additionally, limited-edition goods including squeeze balls, keycap keyrings, monitor stands, and card stickers are being provided.

The limited-edition menu from Mamsite, combining the popular IP "Infinite Company" with the trending item "Gamdasal" (meaning "still alive"), sold out within two days of its launch. Consequently, a phenomenon emerged on second-hand trading platforms where "Mamsite x Infinite Company" collaboration goods were being sold at 2 to 3 times the original price.

Mammoth's headquarters stated that the launch of the 'Muhun Sangsa' collaboration set remains 'undecided' regarding both its resumption and timing.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.