Inside MBC's 'Manito Club': A Heartfelt Variety Show with a Twist

"Choo Sung-hoon mentioned he wanted to gift a trip to Japan, which is quite an expensive present. When we suggested that the production team cover the cost since it was for the program, he insisted, 'This is my gift, why should you pay for it?' In the end, most of the cast paid out of their own pockets. I believe that process was very important," said Kim Tae-ho, the producer of MBC's new variety show 'Manito Club,' during a roundtable interview.

The interview took place on the 20th of last month, where Kim discussed the concept of 'Manito Club,' a unique undercover gift-giving variety show that revolves around the idea of 'a group of people who know how to share one gift into two.'

'Manito Club' operates in three seasons, with a different cast for each. The first season featured Choo Sung-hoon, Noh Hong-chul, Lee Soo-ji, Dex, and Jennie, garnering much attention. The second season will include Park Myung-soo, Hong Jin-kyung, Jung Hae-in, Go Yoon-jung, and Kim Do-hoon. The third season is set to feature Cha Tae-hyun, Hwang Kwang-hee, Park Bo-young, Lee Sun-bin, and Kang Hoon.

Kim PD remarked, "The term 'Manito' might seem outdated, but there are moments in today's shows that still touch the heart. These moments don't change with trends."

He shared an anecdote involving Choo Sung-hoon, who is known to own a property worth 5 billion won in Tokyo. "For instance, when Choo took Noh Hong-chul to Japan, he wanted to go to Hokkaido because Hong-chul loves ice cream. However, due to a lack of flights, they went to Osaka instead. Watching them explore Osaka and enjoy yakiniku together made me realize, 'This is genuine.' It felt spontaneous, yet there was something more," Kim explained.

Kim PD continued, "Initially, we considered setting limits like 'how many times within a certain budget' or 'the person who gives the most gifts wins a prize.' But once we put a price on gifts, it felt too much like a game. So, we excluded those elements and didn't provide specific guidelines to the cast. Yet, they each found their own balance."

He added, "It's rare for friends or acquaintances to plan and take care of each other to such an extent. Of course, it might have been easier for Choo since Osaka is his hometown and he speaks Japanese fluently. But the care and thoughtfulness he showed towards Noh Hong-chul were evident. It revealed a sincerity in human relationships that we don't often see. I believe that's one of the key points of this program."

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