"Even when it's tough, Byun Woo-seok shows no signs of distress" – 'Grand Duchess' controversy sparks backlash; 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' production team's stance [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

The production team of 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' has shared their thoughts on the controversy surrounding actor Byun Woo-seok's drama '21st Century Grand Duchess'.

Lee So-min, PD of the OTT variety show 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' (hereinafter 'Yucam'), and writer Yoon Shin-hye conducted an interview with StarNews at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 29th.

Previously released on the 26th, 'Yucam' is a group camp variety show where 'novice camp leader' Yoo Jae-suk and unpredictable 'staff' 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 Jeong Hyo-min's team, which previously created the JTBC 'Hyori's Homestay' series and achieved box office success with last year's Netflix 'Daehwanjang Gianjang'.

Especially, 'Yucam' has drawn intense attention as Byun Woo-seok's first fixed variety show, following his rise as a 'top star' with the 2024 drama 'Backpacker' (hereinafter 'Sunyeop-twi'). However, coincidentally, as 'Yucam' was released, Byun Woo-seok's MBC drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' became embroiled in a historical distortion controversy, causing the controversy to spread. In fact, at a recent 'Yucam' press conference, Byun Woo-seok publicly apologized, stating, "I sincerely apologize for the drama issue."

Regarding this, what is the stance of the 'Yucam' production team? First, writer Yoon stated, "Everyone worked hard, but Byun Woo-seok also did his absolute best during the two-night, three-day shoot. I felt grateful for his diligent efforts," responding on Byun Woo-seok's behalf regarding his sincerity.

PD Lee also conveyed, "Not only Byun Woo-seok, but everyone who participated in our program did their best with the hope that 'Yucam' would succeed. It seems they were worried and nervous about how this project would be received and tried hard to present it well."

Furthermore, regarding Byun Woo-seok's casting, PD Lee stated, "We approached him after 'Sunyeop-twi' ended. We thought he had a youthful beauty, and when we actually met him, his honesty was the first impression. While filming 'Yucam,' I thought, 'Why is he so carefree?' I saw this as another charm. He is quite gentle. His impression was that he didn't show much distress even when it was tough and tried to find joy within it."

Writer Yoon expressed high satisfaction, saying, "Byun Woo-seok's very existence represents a refreshing youthfulness, doesn't he? We expected that kind of look in 'Yucam,' and he even had a surprising clumsy charm. In the second season, it became even more of a 'Byun Woo-seok Camp.' It seems his charm came out even better than expected."

PD Lee added, "I often thought Byun Woo-seok got along well with Ji Ye-eun and Lee Kwang-soo. Especially with Lee Kwang-soo, since their heights are similar, just standing together would give the feeling of 'door-frame brothers.' We expected a gentle chemistry among the four, and it actually turned out that way."

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*This content was translated by AI.