Zhang Hao, the center of the group ZEROBASEONE, is set to appear on MBC's variety show 'I'm Sunny Thank You'(아임써니땡큐). Following his appearance on 'Omniscient Interfering View' with Sung Han-bin last April and his upcoming role in the drama 'To the Moon', Zhang Hao is expanding his presence on MBC programs.
According to TenAsia's investigation on the 16th, Zhang Hao will showcase another side of himself on 'I'm Sunny Thank You'. This program reunites the stars of the 2011 film 'Sunny', which attracted 7 million viewers, for a reality travel and observation show filled with emotion and laughter.
Set against the backdrop of China's Guangxi region, known for its pristine nature and ethnic minority culture, 'I'm Sunny Thank You' features some of the original 'Sunny' cast members, including Kang So-ra, Shim Eun-kyung, Nam Bo-ra, Kim Bo-mi, and Kim Min-young, who participated in overseas filming last April. Those unable to join the filming will appear in various ways throughout the program.
Zhang Hao, a Chinese national, made a strong impression as the center of the G-Group in the signal song 'Here I Am' on Mnet's survival program 'Boys Planet', which aired from February to April 2023. He emerged as the winner, becoming the first foreign member to win a Korean idol audition program, and took center stage in ZEROBASEONE.
As an all-rounder with visual, vocal, and dance skills, Zhang Hao is also making his mark in variety shows. Known for his unique taste for durians, he gained attention among fans and was recognized for his variety skills by Jang Do-yeon on 'Salon Drip 2'. On 'The Manager', he entertained viewers with his chemistry with members, unique tastes, and candid talk.
Now in his third year since debut, Zhang Hao has been cast in multiple MBC programs. Among the nine members of ZEROBASEONE, only Sung Han-bin and Zhang Hao appeared on 'The Manager'. He is also cast as Wei Lin, a Taiwanese exchange student, in the upcoming drama 'To the Moon'.
A broadcasting official stated, "Although Zhang Hao is not the main cast of 'I'm Sunny Thank You', he will play a significant role in enhancing the program's atmosphere." They added, "The show is expected to broaden its audience, appealing to both fans of the original 'Sunny' film and Zhang Hao's younger fanbase." The official also noted, "Currently, MBC is receiving a warm response domestically and internationally with 'Around the World in 80 Days 4'. This program is expected to strengthen MBC's position in the observational travel variety show genre."
'I'm Sunny Thank You' is set to premiere in early July.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr