"After 'Infinite Challenge' ended, I kept trying to attempt something different. However, I realized it's not as easy as it seems. Even during the filming of 'Infinite Challenge,' I felt like there was nothing more to try. Nowadays, I find it hard to see a program that doesn't have a trace of 'Infinite Challenge,' which makes me realize once again how incredible the program was."

Kim Tae-ho, the renowned producer, shared these thoughts during a roundtable interview for MBC's new variety show 'Manito Club.' Last month, Kim Tae-ho PD discussed his latest project, 'Manito Club,' a unique undercover gift-giving variety show with the concept of 'a gathering of people who know how to share one for two.' Kim PD, who gained widespread recognition for his exceptional work on 'Infinite Challenge,' continues to be celebrated even eight years after the show's conclusion in 2018.

'Manito Club' operates in three seasons, with each season featuring a different cast. The first season included Choo Sung-hoon, Noh Hong-chul, Lee Soo-ji, Dex, and Jennie, creating a buzz. The second season welcomed Park Myung-soo, Hong Jin-kyung, Jung Hae-in, Go Yoon-jung, and Kim Do-hoon, while the third season is set to feature Cha Tae-hyun, Hwang Kwang-hee, Park Bo-young, Lee Sun-bin, and Kang Hoon. Despite high expectations, Kim PD's post-'Infinite Challenge' projects like 'My Name is Gabriel,' 'Good Day,' and 'Manito Club' have seen modest ratings.

Kim PD stated, "These days, I don't feel much pressure about which time slot the content fits into or who it competes with. As long as viewers watch the content, whether on TV or OTT, that's what matters." Reflecting on 'Infinite Challenge,' he added, "I joined 'Infinite Challenge' at 31, initially planning to leave the following year. However, I ended up staying until I was 45. It was a project I worked on tirelessly for about 15 years, with the main goal being to try everything possible in variety shows and expand the genre's boundaries."

He continued, "For a while, I thought I should distance myself from 'Infinite Challenge.' But now, seeing others do it, I wonder why I shouldn't. It could be a seed to adapt to the current generation and trends. 'Manito Club' was developed with a new team and concept, yet the influence of 'Infinite Challenge' is still evident in the results."

Kim PD emphasized, "In the past, there were many plans for spin-offs, but creating new content weekly left little time. Some ideas seem perfect for a 12-episode season format. While I've become more open to comparisons with 'Infinite Challenge,' my primary goal remains to create and innovate."

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