Kim Tae-ho PD Discusses 'Manito Club' and Collaborating with K-pop Star Jennie

"Around August last year, Jennie mentioned wanting to create content that would be a gift for viewers and fans during the holiday season. We were captivated by the word 'gift,' and that's how we got here."

Kim Tae-ho PD shared this during a round interview for 'Manito Club' on the 20th. He collaborated with Jennie on the JTBC variety show 'My name is Gabriel,' which aired in 2024. Despite the anticipation surrounding the meeting of a star PD and a global K-pop artist, the program ended in October with a low rating of 1.2% after initially dropping to 0%. Kim Tae-ho PD returned to MBC with 'Good Day' after three years and introduced a new variety show, 'Manito Club,' this year.

'Manito Club' is a chaotic undercover gift-giving variety show with the concept of 'a gathering of people who know how to share one into two.' It operates in three seasons, with different members for each. Season 1 featured Choo Sung-hoon, Noh Hong-chul, Lee Soo-ji, Dex, and Jennie, drawing attention. This marked Jennie's reunion with Kim Tae-ho PD after about two years since 'My name is Gabriel.' However, the program recorded a 1.3% rating as of the latest episode aired on the 15th.

Some viewers noted similarities to chase scenes seen in existing variety shows. In response, Kim PD explained, "The focus on individual Manitos in the broadcast led to misunderstandings about it being a chase or genre show, but that was never the intention."

He added, "The concept was to gather the feelings of preparing a gift for someone and pass it on to another. The most important aspect for us was who the 'secret Manito' at the end was. We selected the cast based on who would fit this secret Manito concept."

Kim PD reflected, "Season 1 was about letting the cast think and decide on their own. I particularly enjoyed past Saturday evening shows where the cast and crew would engage in a game of Go or chess. It was about setting the stage and seeing how they would respond, sometimes disrupting what we had set up. This filming style was used in Season 1, and it was very enjoyable."

He also shared his thoughts on the ratings. Kim PD candidly stated, "I didn't expect unreasonably high ratings since the program is different from other popular content, but it would be a lie to say there was no disappointment." He continued, "Each season had a different filming atmosphere and chemistry, resulting in varied outcomes. We wanted to create something like an omnibus film for the holiday season. Instead of dreaming of a ratings rebound, I hope viewers will enjoy the unique stories each season offers."

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