‘Hyemi-ri-Yechae-pa’, a hot ‘league of their own’ for the MZ generation
ENA's 'Hyemiri Yechaepa', which was hoping for a variety show version of 'Weird Lawyer Woo Young-woo', is recording a viewership rating of 0%. This is an ironic report card considering that it ranked first in the OTT content enjoyed by the MZ generation.

Hyeri, (G)I-DLE's Miyeon, Rijeong, Choi Yena, Le Seraphim's Kim Chae-won, and Patricia appear in 'Hyemi-ri-Yechae-Pa'. We have gathered together hot female stars for the MZ generation. The name of the program is also derived from their names. It is an entertainment show that depicts the daily lives of the cast as they struggle to settle down comfortably in a remote mountainous area.

The cast lineup and producer Lee Tae-kyung's directing attracted attention even before it aired. This is because PD Lee Tae-kyung, who directed tvN's signature entertainment show 'Amazing Saturday', is directing the first work since moving to Theo. Theo is a production company created by PD Kim Tae-ho, who left MBC. Also, one of the highlights was the reunion with Hyeri, who was active as an MC when PD Lee Tae-kyung was in charge of 'Amazing Saturday'.

‘Hyemi-ri-Yechae-pa’, a hot ‘league of their own’ for the MZ generation
‘Amazing Saturday’ was so popular that it even created a spin-off entertainment show, ‘Idol Dictation Contest’. However, the glory of PD Lee Tae-kyung and Hyeri, who led the program, disappeared suddenly. 'Hyemiri Yechaepa', which is about to air its 10th episode, is struggling, recording a viewership rating of 0% from the first episode until now.

On the other hand, OTT is showing strong performance. As a result of Korea Research's ranking of SVOD (subscription VOD) viewing content from April 17th to 23rd, 'Hyemiri Yechaepa' ranked first with a usage rate of 2.5% among age groups 15 to 29 years old. In addition, it is consistently ranked among the most popular content on major OTT platforms such as TVING, Netflix, and Watcha. The response to the clip video posted on YouTube is also enthusiastic. There is also talk of season 2 among viewers.

‘Hyemi-ri-Yechae-pa’, a hot ‘league of their own’ for the MZ generation


It is clear that it has captured the hearts of the MZ generation, who are more comfortable with OTT than TV. 'Hyemi-ri Yechae-pa' is a healing entertainment show that can be watched comfortably due to the fun of seeing the bickering chemistry between the members. There is a program that comes to mind in that area. This is PD Na Young-seok’s entertainment program ‘Ppung Pung Earth Arcade (hereinafter referred to as ‘Jirak Room’). 'Jiraksil' gained popularity through word of mouth due to the combination of comedian Lee Eun-ji, Oh My Girl's Mimi, rapper Lee Young-ji, and Ive's An Yu-jin and their unique entertainment sense. It will return on the 12th with ‘Ppung Pung Earth Arcade 2’.

‘Hyemi-ri Yechae-pa’ is disappointing in terms of popularity. Some say that the program consists of idol-oriented members and only enjoys the idol fandom. For general consumers, not fans, there is a lack of elements that would be of great enjoyment. In 'Earth Arcade', comedian Lee Eun-ji and rapper Lee Young-ji are 'comedy characters' who have already proven their entertainment skills in various entertainment shows, and Mimi and Ahn Yu-jin also showed off their unexpected charms and brought laughter.

Of course, it is receiving positive reviews for attempting something different with a combination of members that we have never seen before in an entertainment world filled with so-called ‘connection entertainment’. However, the format is similar to any other variety. Games are also a type commonly seen in entertainment programs. In order to get out of the 0% viewership rating, ‘Hyemi-ri-ye-chae-pa’ needs to have something that stands out.

Ten Asia Reporter Kim Seo-yoon seogugu@tenasia.co.kr