MBC's 'Manito Club' Concludes with Heartfelt Finale and Record-Low Ratings

MBC's 'Manito Club', which premiered in February, has wrapped up its final project and concluded its run. Despite initial buzz due to the participation of stars like Jennie, Go Youn-jung, and Park Bo-young, the show recorded its lowest viewership rating of 1.0% during its 11th episode aired on the 12th.

The final episode, aired on the 26th, featured a secret Manito project supporting the KBO's first citizen club, the Ulsan Whales, marking the end of the journey. The project was filled with dopamine, laughter, and emotion, showcasing the family-like chemistry of the third-generation members Cha Tae-hyun, Park Bo-young, Lee Sun-bin, Hwang Kwang-hee, Kang Hoon, Lee Soo-ji, and Chef Yoon Nam-no.

As the main event approached, the third-generation members busily prepared for their final push. During a 2-night, 3-day retreat, they organized a billboard event featuring citizens' support messages, prepared ad balloons, and choreographed a cheer song, all to show their genuine support for the players. Despite the chaos, Cha Tae-hyun's sincere directing and Park Bo-young and Lee Sun-bin's choreography guidance enhanced the team's authenticity and teamwork.

On the day of the secret Manito event, the members rehearsed their movements and conducted final checks. Lee Soo-ji, tasked with the opening remarks, was moved to tears while reading the script, and even the usually stoic Cha Tae-hyun was touched by the citizens' support videos. Despite unexpected challenges like strong winds disrupting the ad balloon event, the rehearsal was successfully completed. The preparations were finalized with the delivery of custom T-shirts featuring the players' initials.

The secret event was unveiled in front of the players gathered on the field. Chef Yoon Nam-no launched the ad balloons, followed by the display of citizens' support videos on the billboard. The players, initially puzzled, were visibly moved by the citizens calling their names. The atmosphere was further heightened by a cheer song created by Hong Kyung-min and voiced by the members.

It was then time for the members to reveal themselves to the players. Having completed their roles, the members appeared behind the players on the cheer stage, surprising them with Park Bo-young's voice and revealing the Manito's identity. Reactions included, "Is this a hidden camera?", "Unbelievable", and "Amazing". The members, now the Ulsan Whales' number one fans, conveyed their support energy through their prepared choreography.

The third-generation members added significance by attending the Ulsan Whales' opening game and witnessing their first-ever score. The scene of 7,000 people singing the cheer song, initially sung by just seven members, was particularly memorable. The players, deeply moved by the heartfelt support, expressed their determination to repay it with their performance, stating, "It gave us chills and touched our hearts deeply." Park Bo-young expressed a desire to continue being a Manito regularly, while Lee Soo-ji shared her wish to make the world a warmer place.

'Manito Club' was themed around a group of people who know how to share what they receive, embodying the spirit of a Manito who hides their identity to show kindness, akin to Santa, Genie, or a fairy godmother. Starting with the first generation featuring Choo Sung-hoon, Noh Hong-chul, Lee Soo-ji, Dex, and Jennie, the show continued with second-generation members Jung Hae-in, Go Youn-jung, Park Myung-soo, Hong Jin-kyung, Kim Do-hoon, and Chef Yoon Nam-no, and concluded with the third generation. Each generation showcased different concepts and chemistry, culminating in the secret Manito project that became a gift for elementary students, firefighters, and the Ulsan Whales, bringing the season to a close.