[Interview] 'BeomBunner 3' PD "A Variety Show That Wouldn't Exist Without Yoo Jae-suk, Expecting a Spin-off" (Comprehensive)

Photo by Netflix

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Jo Hyojin and Go Minseok PD, producers of 'Busted!', expressed their gratitude to Yoo Jae-suk as they wrapped up Season 3.

On the 28th, Jo Hyojin and Go Minseok PD shared various stories about the Netflix original variety show 'Busted!' Season 3 during a virtual interview.

'Busted!' is a raw survival variety show where a clumsy detective team, who were sincere about both mystery and entertainment, reunites as a complete unit and races toward the final destination of an even larger conspiracy. Entertainment veterans such as Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Seung-gi, Lee Kwang-soo, and Kim Jong-min joined forces with variety rookies like Park Min-young, Sehun, and Kim Se-jeong, each bringing their unique charm. The show has been presented on Netflix from Season 1 through Season 3.

On this day, Jo Hyojin PD said, "We worked with Netflix up to Season 3 and are satisfied. Many people ask if the situation has changed since the series first started in 2018, but it’s similar. From a production and directing perspective, they think a lot and support us to be creative. The repeated exchange of opinions helped the program."

Jo Hyojin PD, who successfully led the first original variety show on an OTT platform, said, "Broadcast stations usually try to satisfy most viewers to increase ratings, but OTT variety shows focus less on pressure and more on targeting. We considered what kind of programs Netflix viewers would like, clearly set the target, and proceeded with production. If you pay attention to story and visual quality, I’m confident there won’t be reactions like ‘What is this?’"

'Busted!' received love from viewers worldwide for its fresh concept of combining mystery and humor in a story-driven variety format and its shocking twists. In Season 3, detective Lee Kwang-soo, who suddenly disappeared in Season 2, and the flower killer Lee Seung-gi, who surprised everyone with a twist, returned.

Jo PD expressed satisfaction, saying, "It usually takes quite a while to feel overseas viewers' reactions to terrestrial variety shows after broadcast. I just heard that it entered the top 10 in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and others. It’s amazing and fun. It’s great that it’s introduced simultaneously on the same platform and we can feel the response. We were able to focus on the program because it was pre-produced."

Go Minseok PD nodded, saying, "We had enough editing time during pre-production and could work on visual quality, etc. The feedback was clear, so as a producer, I’m satisfied."

The clumsy detective team faces a wide spectrum of cases in each episode, from a share house side dish thief to hostage situations and battles with impersonating detective teams, while the guest cast took on roles such as suspects and clients related to the cases, enhancing immersion.

Since they have worked together in variety shows before, the clumsy detective team members like Song Ji-hyo, Jo Se-ho, Yoo Byung-jae, and Hwang Kwang-hee amplified the laughter with their witty acting. Additionally, veteran actors such as Im Soo-hyang, Ahn Bo-hyun, Jo Byung-gyu, Hwang Bo-ra, Lee Yong-nyeo, Oh Man-seok, Kim Hye-yoon, and Lee Yong-nyeo appeared one after another.

Jo Hyojin PD laughed, saying, "The guests ended up being glamorous by chance, but it wasn’t intentional. We didn’t consider popularity when casting." He added, "Some gained popularity after filming ended. As a result, people say the lineup is glamorous."

He explained, "Since we didn’t plan episodes based on characters, we decided the story first and then requested actors who would fit. The judging panel had no script, so no one could predict what would happen. Because there were no fixed lines, the guests struggled a lot. While making Seasons 1 and 2, I realized we should ask actors with theater experience."

Jo PD said, "For example, when thinking about which guest would be lively and standout, Kim Hye-yoon came to mind. I knew she had fun chemistry with Rowoon in the drama ‘Extraordinary You,’ and I felt viewers would enjoy seeing that. It was a pleasant coincidence."

He cited Jung Suk-yong as a memorable guest. Jo Hyojin PD said, "The situation couldn’t be filmed separately. He had to act the sad emotions of a father who lost his daughter while facing the members. Although he didn’t follow the exact script, there was no chance to redo after a take. He had to lead the members’ immersion and fully fulfill his role, so it left an impression."

He added, "Tae Hang-ho played a role in creating timely comedic moments in Season 3, so I’m thankful."

Jo Hyojin PD showed special trust in Yoo Jae-suk, who has worked continuously from ‘Running Man’ to all three seasons of ‘Busted!’. He said, "When planning, I told Yoo Jae-suk, ‘If you don’t participate, it won’t be easy to make this program. If you don’t, I’ll make something else to make a living.’ Without Yoo Jae-suk, this program wouldn’t have happened."

He explained, "Without Yoo Jae-suk, I wouldn’t have been confident enough to plan it. His role was special. He faithfully played his part in the set situations, delivered laughter, and led each individual’s character while overseeing the whole situation."

Go Minseok PD said, "As the members grew closer through Season 3, better chemistry emerged. Maybe that’s why the members were more satisfied after watching Season 3."

Regarding the heavy crime themes, Jo Hyojin PD said, "It’s meaningful that we addressed social issues, but the cast seemed a bit burdened since it’s a variety show. After seeing the final product, Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Kwang-soo, and others expressed satisfaction."

'Busted!' closes the series with Season 3. Since it ended with an open ending, voices hoping for Season 4 have emerged. Jo Hyojin PD said, "We’re grateful for the response. The reason for ending with an open ending was to leave a message. It was wrapped up with the meaning that viewers should judge well."

He added, "For now, I think ending at Season 3 is the best conclusion," but also said, "I feel a bit regretful and would like to explore more stories in a spin-off format."

Photo = Netflix