TV
Urban Zakapa's Jo Hyun Ah Expresses Affection for Group Members on 'The Manager'
On the 14th, the 313th episode of MBC's variety show 'The Manager' (planned by Kang Young Sun / directed by Kim Yoon Jip, Jeon Jae Wook, Lee Kyung Soon, Jung Dong Shik, Lee Da Woon / written by Yeo Hyun Jeon) aired, featuring actor Yoon Jong Hoon and the 15-year-old co-ed group Urban Zakapa.
The episode revealed Yoon Jong Hoon's home for the first time. His house was filled with fan gifts, including acting awards, beaded cross-stitch, and paintings. Yoon Jong Hoon meticulously followed his life motto written on one side of his house as he began recycling. He spent over an hour removing bottle labels and emptying contents, astonishing the show's commentators.
Yoon Jong Hoon's surprising hobby of learning calligraphy for eight years at a traditional school was also unveiled. At the school, he showcased his calligraphy skills, freely using various Chinese character styles like seal script and regular script. He even prepared a surprise gift for his manager Kim Soo Bin, who was about to celebrate a birthday and move out.
Yoon Jong Hoon's roommate, who has lived with him for over ten years, was also introduced. The roommate, a middle school friend, revealed that they had never fought. He shared that Yoon Jong Hoon prepares three days' worth of meals before leaving for his schedule, showcasing his considerate nature and their close friendship.
Next, the daily lives of Urban Zakapa members Jo Hyun Ah, Kwon Soon Il, and Park Yong In were shown. Jo Hyun Ah, nicknamed 'teacher' in the group, was seen carrying a lot of luggage and multitasking by listening to Confucian Analects and reading magazines during their commute.
Jo Hyun Ah headed to Urban Zakapa's new office, where Kwon Soon Il and Park Yong In were already present. They held a full-group album meeting, sharing and giving feedback on the songs they had created. The trio focused intensely as they selected potential tracks for their album.
The episode also revealed Urban Zakapa's rehearsal for their upcoming nationwide tour. They performed live renditions of 'I Don't Love You' and 'Beautiful Day,' showcasing their melodious voices. Their professional dedication to creating the best performance impressed viewers. Kwon Soon Il even organized a surprise event for Jo Hyun Ah during practice, highlighting their close friendship.
After practice, Urban Zakapa had dinner with their manager, reminiscing about their challenging early days. Jo Hyun Ah's story of running the company with her own money to support the group moved everyone. She expressed her desire to let Kwon Soon Il and Park Yong In sing freely, saying, 'It was heartbreaking to see such precious voices unable to work.'
As Jo Hyun Ah teared up, Park Yong In also cried, and their heartfelt conversation deeply resonated with viewers. The manager, who has been with Urban Zakapa for 14 years, left a video message expressing gratitude and promising to help the group shine like stars.
According to Nielsen Korea, the 313th episode of 'The Manager' recorded a 1.7% viewership rating among the key demographic of 20-49-year-olds, ranking first among all programs in the same time slot. The metropolitan household rating was 4.1%, also topping the time slot for variety shows. Notably, the scene where Jo Hyun Ah quickly checked the members' health and sketched concepts before the album meeting reached a peak rating of 5.0%, bringing laughter to viewers.
Next week's episode will feature Dex returning to 'The Manager' after a year, showcasing his 'manly' daily life with his trainer. Additionally, the special daily life of Huh Mi Mi, a descendant of independence activist Huh Seok and a judo gold medalist, will be revealed, raising expectations.
MBC's variety show 'The Manager' airs every Saturday at 11:10 PM.
Kim Se Ah, Ten Asia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr
