[TF Interview] 'Greatly Chaotic Giseokjang 2' PD, 'Giseok Style Romance' Where Even Hardship Becomes a Memory
The philosophy behind Kian84's imagination and the production team's considerations"'Kianjang' is a space where youth and romance connect."Lee So-min PD (left) and Kim Ji-hyun PD, who directed Netflix's variety show 'Welcome to the Show 2', recently met with
at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to discuss the program. /Netflix[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] Kian84, who surprised viewers with his extraordinary imagination, has returned as a more mature host. This time, he opened a new guesthouse in snow-covered Daegwallyeong, not by the sea, and created special memories with his guests. 'Welcome to the Show 2' focused on communication between people rather than creating a more stimulating space than Season 1. At the center of it all were Kian84's transformation and the production team's considerations as they watched him.Lee So-min PD and Kim Ji-hyun PD, who directed Netflix's variety show 'Welcome to the Show' Season 2 (hereinafter referred to as 'Welcome to the Show 2'), recently met with at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to share various stories, from their feelings about concluding the program to behind-the-scenes details of the production process.'Welcome to the Show 2' is a new concept guesthouse variety show where Kian84, Kim Yeon-Koung, Lee Jun-ho, and Kazuha interact with guests at the Kianjang in Daegwallyeong, filled with Kian-esque romance. The final episode of the 10-part series was released on the 6th.Season 1, released last year, was set in a unique guesthouse built on the sea in Ulleungdo and received great love. In the space filled with Kian84's brilliant imagination, BTS Jin and broadcaster Ji Ye-eun worked as staff members, creating unpredictable daily lives with the guests. The unique charm of 'Kianjang,' which turns even inconveniences into special memories, resonated with viewers, leading to the production of Season 2.However, the success of Season 1 also presented a challenge to overcome. It was a significant burden for Kian84, who had to come up with a new guesthouse concept. Having already presented the unconventional space of a guesthouse on the Ulleungdo sea, he needed a new idea to surpass it.Lee So-min PD confessed, "I think Kian was very worried about what kind of new house to build. Due to the pressure to surpass Season 1, he initially suggested ideas in a more stimulating direction.""The important thing was how Kian, who was running the second guesthouse, had grown as a host. With his accumulated experience, I thought it was an opportunity to create a new house that reflected his own philosophy. While it might not be as stimulating as Season 1, it could incorporate different emotions and tastes. The relationships formed with the new staff members and the atmosphere of the guesthouse also changed." (Lee So-min PD)This led to the creation of the large, studio-style guesthouse in Daegwallyeong. This space embodied Kian84's desire to create a comfortable space where guests could mingle, going beyond just a large and unique house.'Welcome to the Show 2' is a new concept guesthouse variety show where Kian84, Kim Yeon-Koung, Lee Jun-ho, and Kazuha interact with guests at the Kianjang in Daegwallyeong, filled with Kian-esque romance. /Netflix"Kian said, 'I thought about what kind of guesthouse would be the best, and I think a place that feels like visiting a friend's house is the best guesthouse.' Recalling his childhood memories of visiting friends' houses and wanting to stay, he wanted to create a space where he could comfortably lend a friend a piece of clothing. We also thought that since people like big houses, we should build a very big one. As Kian gained experience, he understood the role a guesthouse should play, and I think he unfolded new imagination within that framework." (Lee So-min PD)Of course, the process was not entirely smooth. They had to create a space where actual guests could live while preserving Kian84's unique imagination. PD Lee said, "There were initial conflicts of opinion over stimulating ideas. However, once the direction was set, we strived to implement Kian's ideas as much as possible. Kian also trusted us and entrusted us with the project. He wanted to see how the house he sketched would be completed in reality with the staff for the first time, so we did our best to meet that expectation.""Kian seemed to adapt and enjoy himself more when placed in extreme environments. I was curious about what kind of accommodation he would create in Daegwallyeong in the middle of winter. I thought that in winter, the days are shorter, so guests would return to the accommodation earlier, giving us more time to talk." (Kim Ji-hyun PD)This change was not limited to the space. The keyword that the production team considered most important in Season 2 was 'communication.' Kian84 had lingering regrets from Season 1 about not being able to spend enough time with the guests. PD Lee said, "After finishing Season 1, Kian mentioned, 'I feel like I didn't communicate enough. I can still vividly see the children I sent off without saying a word.' So, this time, we made communication our biggest keyword.""In reality, when guests arrived, we actively approached them, asking for their names and how many nights they were staying. The environment, where guests returned early due to the winter weather, also naturally helped increase communication. We tried to maintain the basic concept of providing both the enjoyment of travel and a special accommodation experience at Kianjang." (Lee So-min PD)Kian84 also showed growth through his second guesthouse operation. The novice host, who experienced trial and error in Season 1, has now transformed into an experienced host who proactively considers and solves problems for the guests.PD Kim said, "Kian had already thought about the areas he felt were lacking during Season 1. We saw his development in his efforts to solve problems, such as creating a new space to compensate for the lack of private rooms.""We also held employee meetings very frequently this time. We constantly thought about how to communicate more and have fun with the guests. We put a lot of effort into preparing games to play together in the evening or parties for guests leaving the next day." (Kim Ji-hyun PD)'Welcome to the Show 2' is available to stream in its entirety on Netflix. /Netflix"As Kian gets older, his perspective on youth has changed. In the previous season, he empathized with youth, but this time, he felt like an uncle looking at youth. We were able to feel Kian's emotional growth as a person." (Lee So-min PD)From the production team's close observation, Kian84 was not just someone who created laughter with his quirky actions. It was revealed that even his seemingly incomprehensible actions had their own reasons and philosophies."Before working together, I only knew about Kian's eccentricities. But when I actually met him, I realized he had many worries and deeply considered how to safely conclude the program. I thought he was just someone with wild imagination, but seeing the underlying concerns and sense of responsibility, I felt his human side." (Kim Ji-hyun PD)"Kian's actions may seem bizarre, but upon closer inspection, each has its reason. Kian once said, 'People think I'd mix ice cream and kimchi, but I'm not that kind of person. I just don't want to waste food; I'm not trying to do something eccentric.' He's not someone who intentionally acts strange; his way of thinking is just different. I believe his authenticity stems from this unique way of thinking." (Lee So-min PD)Therefore, the production team also stated that they cannot easily predict Kian84's next imaginative idea. PD Lee emphasized, "If he were just someone who showed bizarre actions in a stimulating way, he wouldn't have come this far. When you delve into Kian's thoughts, you find yourself empathizing, thinking, 'That's a valid way to think.' That's Kian's unique charm."Ultimately, the production team believes that the competitiveness of 'Welcome to the Show' lies here. Unlike typical accommodation variety shows that offer luxurious facilities or comfortable relaxation, it creates unforgettable memories through the process of enduring hardships and clashing together, even if it's somewhat uncomfortable.PD Lee said, "When Kian started Season 1, he said, 'I hope it becomes a memorable stay, even if it's tough.' He dreamed of a place where, rather than just resting comfortably, the time spent enduring hardships would become romance and memories.""'Kianjang' is a space where people gather who are willing to go through those hardships together. Although small conflicts and worries may arise within it, the important thing is that everyone is ultimately pursuing the romance of youth. The space where youth and romance continuously connect is what I believe to be the unique sensibility of 'Kianjang.'" (Lee So-min PD)subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]
