PD Hwang Ji-young, who established herself as a star PD by leading MBC's flagship program 'I Live Alone', is starting her solo career. There is growing curiosity about whether she can also succeed with 'Kian Is Here', alongside Kian84 and Han Hye-jin, with whom she has collaborated for a long time.
On the afternoon of the 5th, a production presentation for ENA's entertainment program 'Kian Is Here' was held at the Stanford Hotel in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Attendees included Kian84, Han Hye-jin, Jung Yong-hwa, Mimi, and PD Hwang Ji-young.
Scheduled to air its first episode at 8:50 PM on ENA, 'Kian Is Here' is an office entertainment program that depicts Kian84's journey as a problem solver for CEOs who share similar struggles.
PD Hwang Ji-young directed 'I Live Alone' during its peak years from 2017 to 2021. Additionally, she captured the attention of the MZ generation with the YouTube spin-off program 'Yeo Eun Party' (A Secret Party for Women), which surpassed 22 million views, achieving an unprecedented success for a terrestrial broadcast. As this program is her first since leaving MBC last year, it has garnered significant attention both inside and outside the industry.
PD Hwang Ji-young stated, "Since this is my first project after leaving, I tried not to feel burdened, but it was indeed overwhelming. I was worried about how many people would perceive it. I pondered what I could do best. I have always been curious about people's relationships, their ways of living, and emotions, and I think I have managed to create something good in that regard."
She continued, "When we were doing 'I Live Alone', Kian84, Han Hye-jin, and I were all in our 30s. Now we are all in our 40s. At the time we first met, Kian84 was someone who just needed to draw webtoons well and focus on his own work, but now he has created a company and I have witnessed the ups and downs of that process. I also felt various emotions as I became a CEO myself. (Having created a company) I felt a gap when having meetings with younger staff. I thought it would be nice to have a program that allows us to understand each other, like 'Oh, that's why that person acted that way.' Kian84, who has been through that process, came to mind first. When I suggested working together, he empathized a lot."
PD Hwang also mentioned Han Hye-jin, saying, "Until now, Kian84's programs have shown him navigating life alone in nature. Since we are going to the office, it was important to have someone who could lead Kian84, who is a natural person. We chose someone who can host well and understand the essence of this program."
Kian84 will serve as the CEO of Kian Is Here Co., while Han Hye-jin will work as the head of the department. Jung Yong-hwa will be the team leader, and Mimi will be an employee. While Kian84 and Han Hye-jin have collaborated for a long time on 'I Live Alone', this will be the first time for Jung Yong-hwa and Mimi. PD Hwang expressed her affection, saying, "This is my first time meeting Jung Yong-hwa and Mimi. I had some doubts, but their chemistry was so good that I thought, 'Is this a season 2?' I am happy to be filming with such great people."
Kian84 was the star of the '2023 MBC Entertainment Awards' last year. He won the grand prize after successfully collaborating with PD Kim Ji-woo on the travel entertainment series 'Around the World Since I Was Born'. Kian84 said, "While living as a cartoonist, I received a lot of attention from people while doing 'I Live Alone'. I received a big award while doing the travel program, and I am grateful that many entertainment offers have come in since then. There are things I can do and things I can't. I realized that I wouldn't have much to do in a cooking program or going on another trip," explaining that he was actively looking for programs to participate in.
He continued, "What I liked about this program is that it is a genre that didn't exist before." He added, "Next year, I will be 42 years old, and as I get older, I find myself thinking, 'What do companies and people do to make a living?' I can see what companies exist overseas, what companies exist in our country, and where they are thriving or failing. It feels like a midlife perspective. I have developed an interest in such matters, which might be presumptuous."
He expressed, "I hope 'Kian Is Here' can help companies survive. If companies survive, the country survives." He added, "Our country lacks resources and needs to focus on talent and companies. When I go to places like Japan or Europe, I see many good companies, and I wonder why companies in our country don't grow. I have discussions with CEOs about this. As I do, I find myself approaching it like a documentary. I think it could become a new type of entertainment."
Han Hye-jin is expected to showcase her chemistry with Kian84 as the head of the department. She said, "I've matched well with Kian84 in many different settings. Even if I just breathe next to him, he does well, so I can just pick up the pieces." She added, "We often meet in private and frequently encounter each other on channels. There is that crazy chemistry you all imagine."
Han Hye-jin also mentioned, "Kian84 goes out to shoot VCRs with other guests. Kian84 is quite unique. You will see many new sides of him. It will be fun to see different guests each episode and the new chemistry that emerges." She continued, "I don't know how much studio footage we will have, but I believe our chemistry is better. I'm on this side," referring to her chemistry with Jung Yong-hwa and Mimi. Han Hye-jin also joked, "Being a CEO is always a lonely position. It's a bit distant from my friend who won the entertainment award."
'Kian Is Here' has completed four recordings so far. Han Hye-jin stated, "Unless you inherit a company, a CEO is usually someone who has built themselves up or has started as a newcomer and become the top person. It's interesting to hear stories from those who have been employees at least once or have become the top person after a long time." She added, "Many broadcasts deal with the hardships of employees. The unique aspect of our program is that we don't just meet the heads of large corporations, but also meet those from small businesses. Meeting top leaders from various professions reveals their uniqueness. It will be interesting to see the hardships they face and the diversity of professions."
Since this program is about CEOs, there is curiosity about whether it can gain the favor of the majority of viewers who are employees. In response, PD Hwang said, "We thought a lot about the planning. Most viewers are likely to be employees. Therefore, most office entertainment programs focus on the experiences of employees."
She continued, "I wondered if there would be resistance to stories about CEOs. Our program allows us to explore the concerns felt by team leaders, department heads, and others. Even our writers said, 'Talking about the concerns of CEOs isn't cool. Isn't it cooler for a CEO to talk about vision and be decisive?' When you reach the top position, it's hard to say that your decision is 100% correct. All top leaders must have many concerns. They are often more aware of how their decisions are perceived than one might think."
PD Hwang also mentioned, "In this current situation, I wondered if 'Kian Is Here' would gain favor. Just two days ago, there was a possibility that we might not be able to hold this production presentation," indirectly referring to President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of a state of emergency on the 3rd. She continued, "I have been thinking a lot about that. A single person's decision can impact many people. No matter which top position you consider, there are many concerns to address. The people around you are important, and having good advisors is crucial. We also hope to have really smart employees on 'Kian Is Here'."
She added, "Kian84 said, 'We need to export more than we consume and earn foreign currency.' He talks about what the sales figures are and how much profit will be left. This is something I haven't seen while working with him on 'I Live Alone' for five years. You will only be able to see this side of him in our program."
'Kian Is Here' will premiere on the 5th at 8:50 PM on ENA. It will also be available on U+ Mobile TV.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
