[INTERVIEW] "Idol Show" producer and writer - Part 2

Interview with producer Lee Yoon-hwa and writer Kim Hyun-kyung

10: Does that mean you set the characters for the people who appear on the show?
Kim Hyun-kyung (Kim): That's the case with Boom. But it's almost impossible for us producers to set certain characters for idol groups. No matter how hard we train them, they forget the character they're supposed to act like when they go on air or in most cases, they put on even more contrived actions. We've been through enough trial and error from the start of our show to know that now, it's better not to explain the situations in too much detail. It helps to create a more natural atmosphere.
Lee: If they could control the image they portray, you would have to call them television host Yoo Jae-suk, not a newcomer idol group. It's easier to set their characters while watching what we've shot. We usually point out their characters are through captions.
Kim: But there are certain things we control on set. I have to confess that it's not true that the entire female staff like Nichkhun the most. But he is undoubtedly good-looking and with his awkward Korean speaking skills, he is the perfect figure to create envy amongst the members. That's why we tend to root for him more on the show and this actually really does get the rest of the group worked up because they're still so innocent. In a way we're punking them in order to get a close-to-real reaction.
Lee: And in such a setting, Nichkhun himself also changes to an extent. He speaks with more confidence on cable TV, spitting out words he is unsure of. And it's possible because he's the prince of the show. (laugh) That's why he was able to say remarks like "I'm not a wink vending machine." The writer is good at knowing how the boys feel and pulling out their emotions.

10: That means then, that the level of reality on set is controlled depending on the circumstances. I guess you wouldn't be worried about the script getting leaked. (laugh)
Kim: No matter who finds it, they won't be able to understand it. (laugh)
Lee: I personally think viewers are overly sensitive about the scripts for variety shows. We're not forcing people to act by creating characters which don't exist but pointing out the traits of already-created characters at the right time. There is no such thing as a script which can create one's personality.
Kim: The power of the script comes from recognizing the relationships between the members of cast and creating synergy between their roles. Not only is it impossible to point out every single action someone makes but you just can't create a show that way. I think the best when the writer prepares just half way and then goes into shoot. Nobody knows what will happen on set.

10: It must not be easy editing situations which rise unexpectedly.
Kim: We have eight producers and six writers on our team. Reality-variety shows need a larger editing staff than other entertainment shows because we have a huge number of tapes, we'll use even a single reaction and we need to add captions -- a lot of work goes into it.
Lee: It's something you couldn't do alone.

10: I sometimes get the impression that the format does not stay consistent because of your efforts to keep the show real.
Kim: There are times we fail to satisfy the format because of the schedule of individual members, the producers' and Boom's. We have no choice but to be flexible and work with what we can when we can. Our motto is 'Let's do our best with what we can within our given environment.'
Lee: Even our channel's director said he's not quite sure what we're doing although he's been watching the show for almost two years now. (laugh) But we are trying to maintain our format of continuously inviting female guests. It's more effective for the female guests to create the atmosphere where members of 2PM will compete to be selected by displaying their individual talents rather than the producers asking them to. This creates unexpected occurences like them revealing their abs because they're all trying so hard to do their best.

10: Who are you really fans of? There must have been a time when you were fans of idols too.
Lee: Never. I liked foreign artists so I even first started my career at music channel Mnet. I actually rarely got to see foreigners there though.
Kim: I was a fan of idol groups. New Kids on the Block! (laugh) I used to be disinterested in Korean idol groups.

10: What other subject would you consider using other than idol groups?
Lee: I like comedians so I had created several pilot episodes at MBCevery1. I'm particularly interested in Japanese comedy so I'd like to try shooting a unique type of sitcom like "The Fuccons". I'd also like to try shooting with babies.
Kim: I'd worked a lot with public TV networks in the past and MBCevery1 is a cable channel yet with an atmosphere like public TV. That's why I want to try working at a stronger channel. I think it would be fun to create Korea's first gambling reality show or anger management class. Whatever it is, I want to try something new.

Reporter : Yoon Hee-Seong nine@10asia.co.kr
Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@10asia.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr, Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr