Why HaHa Wasn't Cast in 'The Best Mountain': PD Kim Myung-yeop Explains
Kim Myung-yeop, the producer of 'The Best Mountain,' explained why Heo Kyung-hwan was chosen over HaHa, who was a nominee for the '2025 MBC Entertainment Awards.'

On the afternoon of the 28th of last month, a production presentation for 'The Best Mountain' was held at the Golden Mouse Hall in Sangam, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by Yoo Se-yoon, Jang Dong-min, Heo Kyung-hwan, Boom, Yang Se-hyung, and PD Kim Myung-yeop.

'The Best Mountain' is MBC's first-ever mountain variety show where participants complete missions in the mountains to collect acorns and compete to reach the summit. The show features a lineup of veteran comedians, including Yoo Se-yoon, the winner of the '2025 MBC Entertainment Awards' Best Male Entertainer, and the so-called 'losers' Jang Dong-min, Boom, Yang Se-hyung, and Heo Kyung-hwan.

Why HaHa Wasn't Cast in 'The Best Mountain': PD Kim Myung-yeop Explains
During the event, a question arose about why Heo Kyung-hwan was cast instead of the actual award winner, HaHa. Jang Dong-min joked, "Is everyone unhappy that Heo Kyung-hwan joined? It's hard to understand, no matter how much we explain," eliciting laughter. He added, "It was a bit controversial."

PD Kim explained, "In 'Born to Travel the World,' a role like Dex is needed. Heo Kyung-hwan is handsome and cool. If we had to categorize, he might be the Dex role in our program."

Regarding the planning process, PD Kim said, "The concept started from Yoo Se-yoon's 'loser' incident. We didn't initially plan to go to the mountains. While creating this program, we realized the members are veteran entertainers with nearly 100 years of combined experience. We brainstormed what they hadn't done before, and after long discussions, the idea gradually shifted to the mountains, and we ended up actually going there."

Why HaHa Wasn't Cast in 'The Best Mountain': PD Kim Myung-yeop Explains
He continued, "Once we got to the mountains, it wasn't bad, so we decided it was worth trying, and that's how it started." When asked why HaHa wasn't participating, Kim explained, "We wanted HaHa to join, but it was difficult because 'Running Man' airs at the same time."

'The Best Mountain' will premiere on May 3rd at 6 PM on MBC.

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