Yoo Jae-suk: "Another 'networking variety show'?"... He answered without dodging [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

'National MC' Yoo Jae-suk openly shared his thoughts on the negative reactions from some quarters labeling it a 'networking variety show.'

On the morning of the 19th, a production presentation for the new OTT Netflix variety show 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' was held at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by three co-producers Jung Hyo-min, Lee So-min, and Hwang Yoon-seo, as well as the fixed cast members Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Kwang-soo, Byun Woo-seok, and Ji Ye-eun.

'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' is a group camp variety show where 'novice camp leader' Yoo Jae-suk and unpredictable 'staff' members Lee Kwang-soo, Byun Woo-seok, and Ji Ye-eun chat, play, and tease with guests to complete an escape from daily life. It is a new program launched by PD Jung Hyo-min's team, which previously achieved box office success with last year's Netflix variety show 'Dae-hwanjang Gihanjang.'

Notably, this marks the fourth collaboration between PD Jung and Yoo Jae-suk, following JTBC's 'Suga-man,' tvN's 'A Couple Who Met by Chance,' and Netflix's 'Korea Number One.'

PD Jung stated, "I have produced several accommodation variety shows, including 'Dae-hwanjang Gihanjang' and 'Hyori's Homestay.' The format tends to adapt to the cast rather than the other way around, and the level of freedom expands depending on the cast. Therefore, for 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp,' we did not decide on the concept first. While considering 'What if Yoo Jae-suk did an accommodation variety show?', it eventually expanded to 'A hydroelectric company retreat camp would be suitable.' It is a variety show tailored specifically for Yoo Jae-suk."

PD Lee So-min also explained, "'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' is, in a word, a Yoo Jae-suk-style training camp, and we began promoting it based on that idea."

PD Hwang Yoon-seo added, "Our program's differentiator is that it is a 'Yoo Jae-suk-style camp.' It is a structure where a large number of participants spend two nights and three days together, 24 hours a day, in a tightly organized manner. They participate in various games such as morning missions, cushion quizzes, and steel suitcase games, allowing viewers to see Yoo Jae-suk's tired yet human side in real time."

However, some have raised the question, "Isn't this another 'networking variety show'?" Yoo Jae-suk has worked alongside fixed cast members Lee Kwang-soo and Ji Ye-eun in variety shows numerous times, not just with PD Jung. Coincidentally, Lee Kwang-soo is a former member of SBS's currently airing variety show Yoo Jae-seok-ui (CEO) 'Running Man,' while Ji Ye-eun is a current member.

Yoo Jae-suk did not dodge these questions but answered directly. He said, "The production team did not invite me because of my network; they cast the people necessary for the program. This applies to all cast members, not just me. I also carefully considered whether I could do well and whether I could properly realize the program before making my decision to participate. Of course, some may view it as a 'networking lineup' from a visual perspective. However, we also deliberate and make choices within that framework," revealing the serious demeanor befitting the 'National MC.'

Yoo Jae-suk further stated, "Above all, to gain the empathy of many people, we must show results. I constantly worry about this. I always ask myself if there is something new. Having been active in the entertainment industry for a long time, I constantly ponder freshness and fun. However, creating a harmony between freshness and fun and producing results is our job, and it is what we must continue to do going forward."

Additionally, Yoo Jae-suk said, "Creating a program with my name attached is quite burdensome. It is also due to my personal tendencies. However, if I carry that burden, it will become endlessly heavy. Therefore, I think attaching my name before 'Camp' is the most intuitive and fitting approach. It clearly conveys 'This is a camp hosted by Yoo Jae-suk,' and since it is intuitive, it likely provides a sense of comfort."

'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' will be available exclusively on Netflix starting on the 26th.

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*This content was translated by AI.