Yoo Jae-suk's 'networking variety' and Na Young-seok's 'self-replication'.. He may not have been able to avoid it, but he has never been humbled [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

As befits national variety icons, Yoo Jae-suk, known as 'Yoo-Neunim' (Yoo Jae-suk + God), and 'Star PD' Na Young-seok are drawing attention for maintaining a mature attitude despite some negative reactions surrounding their recent activities.

Ahead of the first public release of the OTT Netflix show 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' (hereinafter 'Yoo Camp') on the 26th, Yoo Jae-suk has faced the response of being labeled a 'networking variety.' This is a new accommodation variety launched by PD Jeong Hyo-min's team, which produced Netflix's 'Daehwanjang Gihanjang' and JTBC's 'Hyori's Homestay.' This marks the fourth collaboration between PD Jeong and Yoo Jae-suk, following previous joint projects including JTBC's 'Suga-man,' tvN's 'A Day We Met,' and Netflix's 'Korea Number One.'

In addition, fixed cast members include former SBS 'Running Man' member Lee Kwang-soo and current member Ji Ye-eun. Since the lineup consists almost entirely of familiar faces, excluding actor Byun Woo-seok, it is no surprise that negative perceptions arose, questioning whether this is a 'networking variety.'

Yoo Jae-suk did not overlook these reactions. At a recent production press conference for 'Yoo Camp,' he stated, "The production team did not recruit me because of my network; they cast people necessary for the program. This applies not only to me but to all other cast members. I also carefully considered whether I could do well and whether I could properly realize the program before making my decision to participate," expressing a profound sense of responsibility.

In particular, Yoo Jae-suk added, "Of course, some may view it visually as a 'networking lineup.' However, we also deliberate and make choices within our own considerations," revealing a serious and thoughtful stance.

He further emphasized, "Above all, to gain the empathy of many, we must show results. This is always a concern for me. I constantly ponder whether there is something new, and having been active in the entertainment industry for a long time, I continuously strive to bring freshness and fun. However, it is our duty to keep creating a balance between freshness and fun, and to produce results, which is what we must continue to do going forward."

While Yoo Jae-suk did not shy away from addressing the 'networking variety' label, coincidentally, PD Na Young-seok recently openly discussed the 'self-replication' reaction. PD Na coolly acknowledged the criticism, yet his passionate enthusiasm remained impressive.

On the 18th, PD Na appeared on YouTuber Yoo Byung-jae's YouTube content 'Mugonghae' to share the hardships faced by creators. Yoo Byung-jae posed the question, "It may sound arrogant, but until recently, the content market was roughly following my expectations, about half the way there. But now, I have no idea."

In response, Na Young-seok PD said, "It's different from when I started. I've actually given up on predictions because I have no idea. So I rely heavily on my juniors, or since learning by doing is the best way, I continue doing what I've always done. As you know, I'm famous for making things like I'm boiling bear's paw soup. I'm just enduring somehow, somehow."

PD Na remarked, "In fact, the content world has become so diverse in tastes that there is no single correct or incorrect answer. It seems to be a difficult era for content creators."

He then agreed with Yoo Byung-jae's statement that "when competing with oneself, the content that performs well or gains traction is what you end up doing," adding, "These days, when something performs well, you unconsciously end up doing similar things."

Furthermore, Na Young-seok PD stated, "Creators are having a hard time these days. I became a PD after taking the KBS exam and got into broadcasting. Being at a broadcasting station, I was fortunate to have many opportunities to work with famous people. Those experiences accumulated, and that's how I've done this work. But if I had become a creator at this time, could I really become someone like Na Young-seok, known by so many people? I don't think it would be possible. This isn't humility."

He continued, "Everyone is a competitor. Competitors are flooding in like a tidal wave. We cannot stop them; we must simply accept them." He also shared, "Recently, tvN's 'Youth Over Flowers: Limited Edition,' featuring Jung Yu-mi, Park Seo-joon, and Choi Woo-shik, was broadcast. It was usually scheduled for Friday evenings, but this time it was moved to Sunday night for the first time, so I turned on the TV after a long while. Watching KBS 2TV's '2 Days & 1 Night' and SBS's 'Running Man,' it felt like a 'War of the Stars.' The fact that they are still making a significant impact is truly remarkable, and I viewed them with awe."

tvN's 'Youth Over Flowers: Limited Edition' airs every Sunday at 7:40 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.