[Interview①] PD Hyun Jeong-wan: "'Blood Game' European Version Coming... Forced to Season 2"

Interview with PD Hyun Jeong-wan on 'Game of Blood'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The terrestrial broadcaster MBC and the native online video service (OTT) Wavve have jointly produced 'Blood Game,' which has exported its format to Europe. This signals the green light for the production of Season 2.

On the morning of the 24th, PD Hyun Jung-wan stated in an interview with Asia Economy at a cafe in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, "MBC, which secured overseas rights, signed a format option contract with the Banijay Group covering nine European countries: Germany, France, Italy, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands."

'Blood Game' is a reality survival entertainment show where players participating in the game engage in psychological warfare to become the last one standing, competing for a maximum prize of 300 million won. Ten participants, including announcer Park Ji-min, former baseball player Jung Geun-woo, rapper Queen Wasabi (Kim So-hee), UDT veteran Dex (Kim Jin-young), YouTuber Park Jae-il, police officer Lee Tae-gyun, and oriental medicine doctor Choi Yeon-seung, live together in one house and compete.

On the day, PD Hyun said, "Since it was not a genre that usually achieves high ratings, I did not have high expectations. It is a genre that a small number of people enjoy deeply rather than many people enjoying lightly." He added, "I am satisfied because the Wavve paid subscriber indicators came out well."

He continued, laughing, "'Blood Game' Season 2 seems to be going ahead regardless of my wishes." He also said, "I want to continue as well."

'Blood Game' is content jointly produced by the native online video service (OTT) Wavve and terrestrial broadcaster MBC. It aired a total of 12 episodes every Monday afternoon on MBC, with all episodes except the first and last released on Wavve two days earlier than the broadcast.

Following this, Wavve's new subscriber acquisition share reached about 16%, and viewing time increased more than 2.5 times. PD Hyun said, "An unusual TF team was formed within MBC. Writers, programming, and other tasks were divided to analyze various indicators and assist, which was a fresh experience." He added, "We paid more attention to buzz indicators than ratings."

Webtoon IP's first web entertainment 'Money Game' producer Jin Yong-jin participated as a creator in directing. It was regarded as a spicy terrestrial entertainment, with some reactions noting overlaps with 'Squid Game.'

When asked about his connection with Jin Yong-jin, PD Hyun said he sent the first love call. "I kept submitting plans since last year, but none were accepted. Then, by chance during a vacation, I saw a casting call for 'Money Game' and, being very interested in survival games, contacted them first by email. Jin Yong-jin said, 'Come and watch the planning meetings,' so we met. Afterwards, I helped produce 'Money Game,'" he said.

"During the planning process of 'Blood Game,' I naturally worked together with Jin Yong-jin. It was not just lending a name as a 'face representative.' We exchanged opinions through meetings. I am someone who has worked at a terrestrial broadcaster, and Jin Yong-jin is someone who has created YouTube content, so our perspectives inevitably differ. We needed eyes to view content from a non-TV-based perspective."

PD Hyun said, "I was curious about how they work and make decisions. Since I am a broadcast PD, I had no difficulties and was curious about people who make interesting things."

PD Hyun, who is said to have been 'immersed in broadcast culture,' was surprised by the flexible scheduling of 'Money Game.'

"Terrestrial entertainment often has to edit earlier episodes inevitably to quickly show entertaining scenes. However, in the same situation, 'Money Game' released three episodes consecutively on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. As someone accustomed to broadcaster scheduling, it was refreshing. I realized that what I took for granted might not be so."

Can these insights be applied within the terrestrial broadcast framework? PD Hyun said, "The fact that I realized this itself is precious. There are things habitually decided within the existing broadcast grammar. For example, if it's a studio recording, there's an opening and introduction. Since it's entertainment, subtitles and music are added. Maybe we can review such structures," he said.

He also shared his thoughts on facing changes as terrestrial MBC confronts the expansion of the OTT market and fierce content competition.

"When watching content on OTT, viewers can skip parts and watch what they want. They skip boring parts. Previously, content was made targeting the person holding the remote control, but now we must consider people watching on various devices like personal tablets and mobile phones. As a director, I feel the world is improving. According to previous rating logic, 'Blood Game' would not have been released. A few years ago, content was made targeting women aged 30-40, but not anymore. Of course, content competition is intensifying and broadcasters' power has weakened compared to before, but strangely, people still come back. Haha."

Some voices hope terrestrial broadcasters maintain dignity amid the flood of provocative web content. PD Hyun said, "It would be good to respect various content creators and explore diverse paths. It was difficult before, but with the OTT path opening, doors have opened for people like me, which is positive," he said.