Na Young-seok's New Variety Show: The Impact of Lee Seo-jin's Absence

Reporter Jung Se-yoon from TenAsia brings you intriguing broadcasting issues with a unique perspective.

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The cast for Na Young-seok's upcoming variety show has been revealed. Actors Park Seo-joon, Jung Yu-mi, and Choi Woo-shik, who previously appeared together on tvN's 'Seojin's', are reuniting. However, actor Lee Seo-jin, often referred to as "Na Young-seok's persona," is notably absent from the lineup, leading to mixed reactions from viewers.

tvN announced on the 29th of last month, "Park Seo-joon, Jung Yu-mi, and Choi Woo-shik have confirmed their appearance in Na Young-seok's new variety show. Specific details have not been finalized yet." The three actors have previously worked together on tvN's 'Youn's Kitchen' series, 'Youn's Stay', and 'Seojin's'. However, with Lee Seo-jin, who has been a central figure among them, not joining this time, reactions like "Seojin's team without Lee Seo-jin" have emerged.

Some viewers express concerns about the show's balance, with comments like "It feels like a bun without filling" and "It feels like the main cast is missing." Lee Seo-jin has been pivotal in maintaining balance and harmony among the cast in Na PD's shows, including 'Seojin's'. His ability to create a comfortable atmosphere without overshadowing his juniors is missed, making his absence more pronounced.

On the other hand, there are positive perspectives as well. The three actors have already established chemistry through various projects and are known to be close friends off-screen. Some believe Lee Seo-jin's absence might highlight the dynamics and individual characters of the trio more vividly. In previous series, Lee Seo-jin naturally stabilized the show's tone, but this time, the three actors might share the lead, showcasing new dynamics and chemistry. If this change aligns with Na PD's unique observational style, it could offer a different kind of entertainment. Some netizens have responded with comments like "A proven combination" and "Looking forward to the new chemistry of this trio."

Lee Seo-jin's connection with Na Young-seok began in 2012 during the KBS 2TV variety show '1 Night 2 Days' Season 1's best friends special. Singer Lee Seung-gi, a cast member at the time, introduced Lee Seo-jin as his close friend, marking Lee Seo-jin's entry into Na PD's variety shows. Through this program, Lee Seo-jin earned the nickname "Mi Dae-hyung" and left a strong impression as a variety show character.

After Na PD moved to CJ ENM, Lee Seo-jin joined the 'Grandpas Over Flowers' series on tvN, solidifying his position as a central figure in "Na Young-seok's squad." He continued to appear in major Na PD variety shows like the 'Three Meals a Day' series, 'Lee Seo-jin's New York, New York', 'Youn's Kitchen' series, 'Youn's Stay', 'Unexpected Journey', and 'Seojin's', maintaining a long-standing collaboration.

Given this context, when news of the new variety show broke, the focus naturally shifted from "who's appearing" to "why isn't Lee Seo-jin there." An industry insider commented, "This highlights the significant role Lee Seo-jin has played in Na Young-seok's variety shows. The attention on the cast change stems from this point."

The absence of Lee Seo-jin poses a variable for Na Young-seok's new variety show. Whether Park Seo-joon, Jung Yu-mi, and Choi Woo-shik can captivate viewers with their new combination remains to be seen.

Reporter Jung Se-yoon from TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr