"I only meet Na PD socially once every few years. It was an interesting time discussing with another PD who has spent a long time in variety shows about the current state of variety shows and where they might head in the future."

Kim Tae-ho, the producer behind MBC's new variety show 'Manito Club,' shared this insight during a round interview when asked about his relationship with fellow producer Na Young-seok. Last August, the two PDs garnered attention by producing a web variety show with a blind date concept for junior producers. Kim PD commented, "During a brief business meeting, I had a fleeting desire to try being a panelist on a variety show. I enjoy watching them a lot."

Last month, Kim PD's interview about directing 'Manito Club' took place. 'Manito Club' is a variety show with the concept of 'a gathering of people who know how to share one when they receive two.' The show operates in three seasons, with different cast members for each season. Season 1 featured Choo Sung-hoon, Noh Hong-chul, Lee Soo-ji, Dex, and Jennie, creating a buzz. Season 2 included Park Myung-soo, Hong Jin-kyung, Jung Hae-in, Go Yoon-jung, and Kim Do-hoon. Season 3 is set to feature Cha Tae-hyun, Hwang Kwang-hee, Park Bo-young, Lee Sun-bin, and Kang Hoon.

Kim PD also shared insights about his production company TEO, which is approaching its 5th anniversary.

"Our company has many talented creators, not just myself, each taking on their roles. Since founding the company, we've had two main directions. One is to become a production company that creates great content for global distribution. The other is to continuously accumulate our own IP, planting seeds that will become valuable assets for the company in the future. We want to watch these seeds bear fruit someday."

"By next year, some of those seeds might start bearing fruit. We also feel that our work is gaining some recognition in the global market. So, we're discussing what direction to take next and constantly reassessing our path."

Kim PD stated, "If there's one thing we've recently agreed on internally, it's that while profitability is important, the greatest dopamine for a PD is hearing 'we opened this era.' Like the term 'Infinite Challenge generation.' Recently, 'Black and White Chef' is said to have opened a new trend in survival variety shows. So, what can we open next? That's our biggest challenge. We want to be a group that contemplates such questions."

He continued, "There's a childhood game called 'Open the East Gate,' where you must not get caught when the gate closes at midnight. Even if a trend has passed, we don't necessarily need to end it. Instead of following what's already number one, we often talk about finding another path before the gate closes."

"I realized that this is a concern for everyone in variety shows. Whether it's juniors or anyone else, the willingness to learn something new is admirable. If there's an opportunity to collaborate on good content this year, we're always open to it."

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
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