TV
Hong Jin-kyung Aims for Netflix Top 10 with 'Driver: The Rival'
The Netflix variety show 'Driver' captures the ups and downs of life assembled by the top 99% of talents without any screws. It airs every Sunday at 5 PM.
In its fourth season, 'Driver: The Rival' features Kim Sook, Hong Jin-kyung, Jo Se-ho, Joo Woo-jae, and Wooyoung facing off against new rivals in each mission. The show debuted at No. 5 on Netflix's 'Today's Top 10' in its first week.
The second episode of Season 4, airing on the 1st, will reveal the winner of the first rivalry, the 'OST Production Vocal Battle.' Members transform into 'vocal gods' to compete for the main vocal spot of the new 'Driver' OST, engaging in a 'screw-loose vocal war' and another deathmatch that draws attention.
On this day, the members form a new vocal line 'Kim Hong Jo Joo Jang,' following the footsteps of Korea's top vocalists 'Kim Na Bak Yi,' and gather in the waiting room of the 'Gilboard Music Awards.' They engage in unique games to showcase their pure musicality and talent.
Hong Jin-kyung sheds her 'game weakling' title, showcasing unexpected skills in rhythm games, shocking the 'Driver' universe. Members, nicknamed Kim Pan (Kim Sook), Hong Pan (Hong Jin-kyung), Yang Pan (Jo Se-ho), Joo Pan (Joo Woo-jae), and Jang Pan (Wooyoung), launch attacks with shouts of 'Kim Pan two!' and 'Hong Pan four!'
Despite attempts by 'hyena members' to target the 'game weakling,' Hong Jin-kyung calmly defends herself, leading to suspicions of secret game training. She declares, "My goal is to stay in Netflix's Top 10 by 2026," with a fiery ambition that leaves everyone stunned.
Hong Jin-kyung's confidence peaks as she targets her 'eternal rival' Joo Woo-jae with relentless 'Joo Pan!' attacks, causing Joo Woo-jae to question, "Why is she so good?" The showdown between Hong Jin-kyung and ace Joo Woo-jae draws attention.
The intense 'Vocal God Death Game' heats up in the 'Studio Dance' game, an homage to the 6 million subscriber channel 'Studio Choom.' Members oil their joints with moves like 'Pikki Pikki,' 'Aegyo Dance,' 'Twerking,' 'Whiplash,' and 'I'll Be Back,' turning the scene into a frenzy.
Meanwhile, Jo Se-ho, embroiled in a gangster scandal, returns to 'Driver 4' after about two months. The gap between Season 3 and 4 was only three weeks. He stated, "I will be more cautious about my relationships," denying any financial or business ties with the alleged gangster acquaintance. He explained it was merely a personal connection for occasional meals.
Jo Se-ho also addressed his departure from '1 Night 2 Days' and 'You Quiz on the Block,' saying, "I thought it was right to step down as people might have felt uncomfortable and disappointed." However, regarding his current appearance, he said, "I don't consider it a comeback. I'm still reflecting and will be more careful in the future." Co-star Joo Woo-jae added, "This was filmed according to a set schedule and is not a comeback."
By Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr
