"Sullae Game" PD: "The rivalry between Malwang and Yoon Sang-hyun is entertaining… I’d also like to try a provocative romance show" [Interview ②]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

PD Hyeon Jung-wan revealed that he found the competitive dynamic between YouTuber Malwang and actor Yoon Sang-hyun among the cast of "Sullae Game" particularly interesting.

An interview with PD Hyeon Jung-wan of Disney+'s variety show "Sullae Game" was conducted on the 13th at a cafe on Bukchon-ro in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

"Sullae Game," the new work by PD Hyeon Jung-wan of "Blood Game," is an extreme experiential chase survival variety show that combines the familiar game of hide-and-seek with the tension of psychological warfare. First released on September 30, "Sullae Game" consists of 10 episodes, and Episodes 7 and 8 will be released simultaneously on the upcoming 14th.

The cast of "Sullae Game" includes Hwang Jae-gyun, Panny Bottle, Kyung Soo-jin, Malwang, Jang Eun-sil, Park Ji-min, Kim Ddol-ddol, Yang Da-il, Yook Jun-seo, Ji Ji-won, Shin Ji-eun, Yoon Sang-hyun, and Lee Jun-su. In particular, Hwang Jae-gyun entered the survival arena after retiring from professional baseball, while YouTuber Malwang boasted an overwhelming physique and unexpected "brainy" traits.

YouTuber Kim Ddol-ddol was active with political banter and humor, and actor Lee Jong-hyuk's son, Lee Jun-su, was reborn as "Tong Jun-su," who does not hesitate to betray or collude, unlike his cute image from the past MBC variety show "Dad! Where Are We Going?". Actor Yoon Sang-hyun stood out with exceptional speed, leveraging his strengths as a relay runner during his school days. Tensions arose between YouTuber Panny Bottle and announcer Park Ji-min, creating a sense of imminent crisis.

PD Hyeon Jung-wan's directing skills and the cast's performances made "Sullae Game" a hot topic. According to "LACOI," a broadcast content value information analysis system operated by the Korea Communications Commission (kobaco), all 13 cast members of "Sullae Game" occupied ranks 1 through 13 in the "OTT Variety Show Buzzing Cast Ranking" surveyed from September 28 to October 2. Panny Bottle took first place, Lee Jun-su second, and Hwang Jae-gyun third, followed by Jang Eun-sil (4th), Malwang (5th), Ji Ji-won (6th), Park Ji-min (7th), Yang Da-il (8th), Yook Jun-seo (9th), Kim Ddol-ddol (10th), Yoon Sang-hyun (11th), Kyung Soo-jin (12th), and Shin Ji-eun (13th).

- As a director, what was the most thrilling scene while filming "Sullae Game"?

▶ It felt really refreshing when it ended. We filmed physically exhausting days every day. We sometimes filmed for 10-day stretches, totaling about 20 days of shooting. This time, the cast members were so exhausted that they didn't even drink alcohol after filming.

- How did the people in prison spend their time?

▶ They really just stayed still. It seems they became closer through conversations among themselves.

- Were there any combinations of cast members that you found interesting to watch?

▶ It was fun to see Malwang and Yoon Sang-hyun check each other's moves. Mr. Malwang was aggressive and straightforward, while Mr. Yoon Sang-hyun would assess the situation before rushing in, creating a contrast between them.

- What have been the reactions from people around you and viewers regarding "Sullae Game"?

▶ Other PDs said they found it interesting to watch. Among viewer reactions, one that stuck with me was, "This PD seems to keep making works in the survival genre." Some overseas viewers asked, "Why did he eliminate that person?" I also like the survival genre and make many shows in it, so people find me for that reason. However, I would also like to try making a romance show. I have submitted a proposal for a romance show before, but it didn't work out. (Laughter)

- What was different in the actual filming of "Sullae Game" compared to the mock game?

▶ When we actually did "Police and Thief," it turned out a bit simple. "Time Between Dog and Wolf" involved deduction, which had the fun of being intense. The final round required giving everything physically. There were things that were more interesting than expected.

- What kind of vision do you have for a romance show?

▶ It is provocative. A director of a 10-million-viewer film gave the opinion that it was "too early" for me to do it yet. (Laughter)

- Is there a possibility of producing "Sullae Game" as a series?

▶ First, I am preparing other content. The possibility is open.

- If you were to do the next season of "Sullae Game," who would you like to invite?

▶ I enjoyed watching "The Community," so I would like to invite "Seungwoo's Dad" as well, and it seems Dex would be fun to have back again.

- There were many YouTubers among the cast.

▶ I didn't invite them just because they are YouTubers, but rather for their character strengths. Mr. Malwang was very straightforward and had a good physique. Mr. Kim Ddol-ddol is good at Mafia games and speaks in an entertaining way.

- Was there any unexpected scene of a cast member that you discovered but wasn't captured on camera?

▶ Mr. Jun-su is over 190cm tall, so it was funny to see him hiding in a narrow spot where there was no camera.

- Why do you think the survival genre lasts long rather than just being a trend?

▶ It seems that characters are clearly revealed through the process of eliminating someone. This is rarely seen in daily life, but "Squid Game" shows human choices in such a way. I think people feel sympathy while watching those who endure and thinking about what choice they would make themselves.

- When you watch sports games or survival shows, do you tend to support the underdog or the winner?

▶ For a game I'm seeing for the first time, I like the winning team, but for a game I am good at, I seem to end up supporting the underdog.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original