The production team of 'Choi Woo-soo Mountain' has revealed why they cast Heo Kyung-hwan as a fixed member on 'Hangout with Yoo.'
Premiering on May 3 at 6 PM, MBC's new variety show 'Choi Woo-soo Mountain' is the first of its kind in Korea, featuring intense competition through various missions in the mountains. The show is directed by the team behind 'Radio Star' and 'Born to Travel the World.' The producers have shared behind-the-scenes details about casting and spoilers for the first episode.
The producers explained, “As the title suggests, the program combines the dual meanings of 'Choi Woo-soo Award' and 'Mountain.' We chose the mountain setting to capture the most primal and real competition for the title of 'Best.' Contestants will be tested on both their physical strength and entertainment skills in the unpredictable environment of nature. The clear narrative is that the one who gives their all becomes the ultimate winner of the episode, with raw humor being the key point.”
The casting of Yoo Se-yoon, the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards Best Male Award winner, along with the so-called 'losers' Jang Dong-min, Boom, and Yang Se-hyung, has sparked curiosity. The producers stated, “The awards ceremony was the starting point. Casting proceeded relatively quickly after the ceremony, and the relationship between the actual award winner and nominees was deemed an important narrative device for the program.”
They continued, “The cast found this setup intriguing, and their strong relationships made for a great combination, leading to many deciding to join. The confidence in the cast's chemistry led them to participate enthusiastically from the early stages, even visiting the production office for planning meetings.” They recalled, “Yang Se-hyung casually mentioned enjoying hiking recently, which, although a light comment, became a decisive factor for the start of 'Choi Woo-soo Mountain.'”
Regarding Heo Kyung-hwan, the producers said, “He was cast as a 'variable' that could shake things up. If Yoo Se-yoon, the award winner, and the other nominees form a competitive structure, Heo Kyung-hwan, who has been very active in MBC variety shows this year, was seen as the only one who could truly disrupt this dynamic.”
“While Yoo Se-yoon, Jang Dong-min, Boom, and Yang Se-hyung are 'veteran players' skilled in entertainment games and quick to read situations, Heo Kyung-hwan approaches things honestly and diligently as a 'straightforward character.' He goes beyond a simple 'catalyst role,' creating unexpected dynamics and unpredictable outcomes, making him a key player,” they said, hinting at the chaotic chemistry among the five members.
The producers teased, “In the first episode, the cast, who thought it was just simple hiking, are physically challenged from the start. The missions are so primal and intense that they question, 'Is this right for 2026?' As seen in the teaser, scenes like running on all fours, rarely seen in other variety shows, will unfold.”
They added, “After the first teaser was released, the most memorable comment was, 'It's been a while since we've seen a show where they really suffer.' As the cast physically confronts challenges, the immersion and real humor created in the process will be conveyed from the first broadcast.”
Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr