[Interview②] 'From Shinsagae' PD Talks About Chunsam, Kim Heechul, Tae Hangho, and Plot Twists

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Jo Hyojin and Go Minseok PDs of 'From Shinsagae' asked viewers to expect twists.

Jo Hyojin and Go Minseok PDs said in a video interview on the 24th, "We wanted to bring laughter to viewers tired from COVID-19," explaining the planning intention.

Released on the 20th, 'From Shinsagae' is a new-concept virtual simulation variety show that depicts unpredictable incidents, survival missions, competitions, and twists occurring in a utopia, a world everyone dreams of.

It portrays the diverse events experienced by Lee Seunggi, Eun Ji-won, Park Narae, Kim Heechul, Jo Boah, and Kai (EXO) after being invited to a virtual world where everyone's dreams come true.

On the day, PD Jo Hyojin said, "We wanted to create content that brings laughter to those who have been frustrated due to the pandemic," adding, "We wanted to show their clumsy and chaotic moments in the virtual world of Shinsagae. We composed the cast with variety show veterans who can handle the game well to deliver new enjoyment."

He continued, "Most of the cast members are doing well in the variety scene, but they haven't worked together much. Lee Seunggi and Eun Ji-won were together on '1 Night 2 Days,' but they haven't appeared together regularly since then. I thought Kai and Jo Boah would be interesting, and we included Kim Heechul and Park Narae, who have less outdoor variety experience."

The cast's reactions after watching the broadcast were enthusiastic. PD Jo said, "I received a long message from Kim Heechul after he watched the show. He was shocked to see himself become Kim Chunsam," laughing. He hinted, "It will be an interesting point to watch whether Kim Heechul continues to stay in the Chunsam state or breaks free."

He added, "'From Shinsagae' is just beginning. The first two episodes were the members adapting, and variety shows tend to get more fun over time," expressing confidence, "They pretend to be united but betray each other, and various relationships form and break. The '3-1=0' combination Kim Heechul mentioned keeps changing. That kind of relationship will bring fun."

He also revealed episodes 3 and 4. PD Jo said, "In episode 3, a meteor falls, and in episode 4, a war breaks out on the island over real estate. The fantasy elements combined with realistic ones might create new fun."

The surprise appearance of actor Tae Hangho as 'Taeho' in the bank scene is also highly anticipated. PD Jo Hyojin explained the casting background, "He appeared in 'Busted!' and, as an NPC, understood well the fun points in his role and communication with the variety production team."

He added, "Later, he appears as the bank manager and also acts as a real estate agent, playing an important role in buying and selling land," saying, "He fully fulfilled his part."

Regarding Kai and Jo Boah, PD Go Minseok said, "There will be surprising performances from these variety rookies," adding, "Kai named Lee Seunggi as the most untrustworthy person this time. He said, 'Watching hyung made me see the world differently,'" bringing laughter. He continued, "In episodes 1 and 2, they were cautiously observing each other, but from episode 3, betrayals and chemistry will fully develop, so please look forward to it."

Photo=Netflix