Migak Boys' Pursued Taste Was "TWS"... Even Held a Vote for Their Debut Song in a Group Chat" [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Im Ji-ho (33) revealed behind-the-scenes stories related to the 'Cook' idol group, 'Migak Boys'.

The OTT TiVing series and tvN Monday-Tuesday drama 'The Legend of the Cook' (hereinafter 'The Cook') concluded on the 16th with a high viewership rating of 7.6%.

While leaving behind the acting transformation of actor Park Ji-hoon and the B-grade comedic fun of 'Chullal' (a portmanteau of 'Cook' and 'Jiral'), the show achieved surprising results in various ways, even birthing an unexpected actor-idol group called 'Migak Boys'. 'Migak Boys' is a fictional idol group that appears in a scene where special appearance actor Lee Sang-i (played by Hwang Seok-ho) imagines a phantom taste. The group consists of five members: Sseun-mak-gan-chul (played by Kang Ha-kyung), Dan-mak-mun-ik (played by Im Ji-ho), Maeun-mak-seung-woo (played by Lee Sang-jun), Sin-mak-sang-wook (played by Kang Jun-gyu), and Jjan-mak-ji-yong (played by Kim Moon-gi), and Lee Sang-i made his usual special appearance, fitting in perfectly like a small detail.

Thanks to the great love from viewers, 'Migak Boys' became a real-life idol group beyond fiction. In fact, they made their music show debut on Mnet's 'M Countdown' on the 11th. Furthermore, they are also preparing for a celebration stage at the 5th Blue Dragon Series Awards, scheduled for July 31.

Im Ji-ho, who played the role of Tak Mun-ik, 'Dan-mak-mun-ik', who showed an indispensable performance as part of 'Migak Boys', recently shared stories about the team's activities and behind-the-scenes details in an interview with StarNews. He played the role of (licorice) as Tak Mun-ik, the TMI (Too Much Information) administrative soldier of Gangnim Socho, a character known as a 'two-much talker' in the drama.

Im Ji-ho said, "I got along very well with the other Migak Boys members on a personal level. The word 'member' just naturally comes out," revealing an unmistakable idol-like demeanor that brought laughter.

He added, "Once 'Migak Boys' was confirmed, we practiced choreography a lot. In fact, we were filming at the same time, and there was a situation where even one member might miss practice due to scheduling conflicts, but everyone adjusted their schedules and gathered at the practice room every single day without missing a day. Fortunately, we had a two-month period that included filming. With such a great song and choreography by dance instructor Mr. Capri, and Director Jo Nam-hyung bringing this to life with such sincerity, everyone naturally felt a strong desire to 'make this well.' We practiced every day with the resolve that 'we must do this properly and well,'" conveying his intense passion and effort.

In particular, the 'Migak Boys' pursued taste was 'TWS' (TWS), known as the 'Cool Idol'. Im Ji-ho recalled, "When the director was conceptualizing 'Migak Boys', he showed us many photos of TWS, who are at the 'max level of coolness.' Isn't TWS the 'God of Coolness' idol? When we asked what kind of vibe 'Migak Boys' should have, it seems the director wanted a cool feeling."

He continued, "We even held a vote for our debut song in the 'Migak Boys' group chat. We received five songs from famous composers. That's how we eventually settled on the current song 'My Flavor', which was my favorite from the very beginning. The song is just too good," he said.

How was the debut on 'M Countdown'? "Actually, I was so nervous I thought I might vomit, but it became a major life experience. It was very impressive and fun to see our fans cheering with spatulas. As the practice sessions flashed by, I felt a fresh sense of realization that 'we've come this far.' Both I and (Lee) Sang-i truly enjoyed it. At that moment, we all felt like we had become 'one team.' And I still remember what the director said. From the perspective of a director, he was moved to tears seeing the characters from the drama come to reality and stand on stage receiving so much love. I am also happy that 'Migak Boys' will become a good memory for me and many others, and I want to thank the TiVing staff and the crew. I've truly 'Migak-ed' (a portmanteau of 'Migak Boys' and 'seumyeodeulda' meaning 'to permeate')," he said, overcome with emotion.

Additionally, Im Ji-ho said, "We became so close that we would tell each other we love each other. I would often say 'I love you' not only to 'Migak Boys' and Sang-i but also to (Yoon) Kyung-ho and the other actors I worked with. Everyone, including Cheol-hwan, Min-gi, Ho-young, and Jong-mu, became as close as if we had lived together in a military barracks."

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*This content was translated by AI.