Netflix's 'Mystery Investigation Team' Season 2 Addresses Controversies and Introduces New Cast Member

Netflix's variety show 'Mystery Investigation Team' Season 2, which faced criticism even before its release due to title similarities and cast changes, addressed these issues at a press conference. Director Jung Jong-yeon clarified the controversy regarding similarities with YouTube content and explained the departure of Lee Eun-ji and the addition of Gabi, answering various questions surrounding Season 2.

On the 19th, a production presentation for Netflix's 'Mystery Investigation Team' Season 2 was held at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo-dong, Seoul. Present at the event were directors Jung Jong-yeon, Kim Seo-gu, Lee Won-ki, and cast members Lee Yong-jin, John Park, Hyeri, Kim Do-hoon, Karina, and Gabi.

'Mystery Investigation Team' Season 2 is an adventure mystery variety show that tracks and solves bizarre incidents that cannot be scientifically explained.

Director Jung Jong-yeon mentioned the feedback from Season 1, stating, "One of the criticisms was that it ended too quickly. Many viewers felt it was over just as they were getting into it." He added, "This season, we've added an extra mystery to increase the total number of episodes."

He continued, "To bring more diverse and dynamic stories, we conducted a lot of outdoor filming. We naturally expanded outdoors through various story developments. I hope you'll watch to see how we executed it."

When asked about changes since returning with Season 2 following the 2024 release of 'Mystery Investigation Team,' Lee Yong-jin humorously noted, "Karina and Kim Do-hoon have upgraded. They don't step forward as much when things are scary or dangerous compared to Season 1."

Lee Yong-jin added, "I think I'm a member who wouldn't lose much even if I died because I've lived a bit longer. Compared to the other members, I have less fear, so I thought it would be good to have a member who gets scared when you look at the filming scenes, and it was nice to see the upgrade."

Hyeri commented, "I didn't know John Park was such a scaredy-cat. I'm worried about (Kim) Do-hoon. I wonder how he'll manage in life going forward." This brought laughter to everyone.

Lee Yong-jin then said, "I'm really worried about Kim Do-hoon. He's the type who shouts 'I know you're hiding!' when entering alone. That's the kind of friend he is."

Kim Do-hoon, who was voted the biggest scaredy-cat by the members, chose 'The Secret of Baeksudam' as the most memorable episode. He said, "It was the most intense episode. I never want to do it again," and confessed, "I blamed the directors a lot during filming."

He continued, "It was tough, but after filming, I went to my parents' house and reflected on what I did today while sleeping. It was a really well-made story. I thought it would be very interesting even if it were written as a drama." He added, "I never want to do it again, but it was the most complete episode."

When asked how he calmed himself after filming, Kim Do-hoon replied, "I spent time at my parents' house on sick leave," and "I tried to see only good things." He explained, "I developed a sort of trauma from filming, so there's no need to deliberately get closer to scarier things to overcome it. I tried to stay in a happy and bright environment."

He also said, "I used the excuse of being bored to sleep over at a friend's house," and "I told my friends it was because I wanted to see them, not because I was scared."

The departure of Lee Eun-ji from Season 1 and the addition of Gabi sparked interest. Regarding Lee Eun-ji's departure, Director Jung Jong-yeon stated, "There can be various reasons why a performer might leave or join a program. We thought Gabi would be a good addition for the program's fun and benefit."

Director Jung Jong-yeon added, "We had various discussions with Lee Eun-ji and her management. It's not an issue of someone doing something wrong." He expressed his belief that they made extra efforts to create a better program due to the unique genre.

He also mentioned the addition of new team member Gabi, saying, "While Gabi's addition didn't change the atmosphere 180 degrees, she fit in well with the members as if she had always been there, making the set more enjoyable."

Regarding Gabi's casting, he explained, "I thought she was a character rarely seen in OTT variety shows. I believed she would add a very attractive character to the program." He continued, "The production staff who worked with her praised her highly. I had a vague desire to work with her, and it turned out to be 'sweet.'"

He added, "This program is not an ordinary variety show, so filming might not be easy. There could be issues with cast chemistry or dissatisfaction with the production team, but Gabi fulfilled her role excellently, ultimately being more than just a plus one."

Director Jung Jong-yeon also addressed the recent controversy over the program's title similarity. This was in response to criticisms that the title and setting were similar to the popular YouTube content 'Mystery Investigation Squad.'

He stated, "I know many are concerned about the title similarity," but explained, "The program was planned and developed before 'Mystery Investigation Team.'" He emphasized, "Aside from the title, there are hardly any similarities. Watching the actual broadcast will show that it's not similar enough to infringe on identity." He added, "Each program has its distinct personality and uniqueness. I hope people won't be upset just because the titles are similar."

'Mystery Investigation Team' Season 2 will be available on Netflix on the 27th.

Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr