“I was worried about how to show Kian84’s new side.”
The ENA program ‘Kian Is Here’, which aired for the first time on the 5th, is an office entertainment show depicting Kian84 as a problem solver for CEOs who share similar struggles. It has garnered attention as it is the first program presented by PD Hwang Ji-young after leaving MBC, where she directed the peak years of the flagship entertainment program ‘I Live Alone’ from 2017 to 2021.
On the 26th, PD Hwang Ji-young discussed the program in a phone interview with Maeil Business Star Today.
PD Hwang Ji-young made a mark in observational entertainment through ‘I Live Alone’. Many directors in the industry have been influenced by her direction. However, ‘Kian Is Here’ is a program that is different in tone from ‘I Live Alone’, which draws attention. What was the reason for its launch? PD Hwang said, “I haven’t only done observational entertainment. I have also worked on variety programs like ‘Infinite Challenge’. Among them, ‘I Live Alone’ was the one that received the most love.” She continued, “I think I have followed the trends of the times. ‘I Live Alone’ was when the perception shifted to seeing living alone as something cool rather than pitiful, and ‘Dopo Jarak Hwinari My’ was created to quench the thirst for travel when it became difficult to go abroad due to COVID-19.”
PD Hwang also mentioned, “Recently, I feel that there is a significant generational divide everywhere, not just in our industry. It seems that people do not want to understand each other beyond recognizing differences. There is a feeling of ‘you are you, and I am I’. I thought it would be nice to have a program that could serve as an opportunity for people to communicate and understand each other a little.”
After leaving MBC last year, PD Hwang became the CEO of Studio Orbit. While discussing the generational divide, she focused on the stories of CEOs because both she and Kian84 were stepping into the role of CEO for the first time. PD Hwang explained, “As I work with Kian84, I thought it would be a program where both Kian84 and I could receive help from our seniors and provide solutions.”
Having been involved in various programs such as ‘I Live Alone’, ‘Infinite Challenge’, and ‘Radio Star’, many stars have formed connections with PD Hwang. What was the reason for sharing this commemorative moment of her first program after becoming independent with Kian84? PD Hwang said, “In fact, I was preparing both ‘Kian Is Here’ and ‘Undercover’ together, so I didn’t want to put too much meaning on it being my first work after leaving. It wasn’t that I specifically wanted to work with Kian84; I kept many plans open, and various factors aligned, leading me to work with Kian84.”
She continued, “In ‘Kian Is Here’, the employees play a larger role. The sub-MC roles are taken on by the employees so that Kian84 can fully focus on the solutions. In the first episode, since Kian84 needed time to adapt to the program, I thought it would be better to have someone he already knows rather than a stranger, so Han Hye-jin appeared. We needed someone who could catch Kian84’s spontaneous actions or expressions and talk about them, so Han Hye-jin plays the role of the head of the studio.” She added, “Since ‘Kian Is Here’ consists of a total of 8 episodes, unlike regular programs, we need to make the audience recognize the program within this limited time. Therefore, we decided to work with those who can communicate well and grasp the essence of the program.”
Kian84 has shown unusual behavior not only in ‘I Live Alone’ but also in ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. He has displayed unconventional actions, such as tearing open wet tissue packaging or drinking water from the Ganges River, and putting chicken bones from his lunch into his pocket.
However, in ‘Kian Is Here’, he is showing a different side that draws attention. Kian84 demonstrates his knowledge of economics by saying, “I understand that the company’s sales were good last year, but the net profit is not that much,” and suggests new directions for product development, showcasing his qualities as a CEO.
PD Hwang said, “Kian84 said, ‘If the CEO doesn’t show the treasure island, how can the employees head towards it? Maybe I haven’t shown it either.’ Although it’s my first time as a CEO, I have been leading a team as a program leader for about 10 years. Listening to Kian84 made me think, ‘I also haven’t shown the treasure island many times.’” She mentioned Kian84’s unexpected side. She added, “In life, he seems to live without much concern. However, as a CEO, I think he has grown through managing the company for six years. Kian84 seems to have a lot of interest in economics and industry.”
She continued, “Kian84 is genuinely committed. He seriously worries, ‘What if it feels like a joke or what if my words don’t help?’ Even in scenes where the entertainment aspect comes out, he seriously contemplates, ‘Is this okay?’ It’s a tough time for companies. Since Kian84’s role is to support businesses, he strives to ensure that it doesn’t become a burden and can be helpful.”
PD Hwang also said, “I was concerned that viewers might find Kian84’s new side unfamiliar. However, Kian84’s daily life has been shown a lot through ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ and ‘I Live Alone’. I thought about how to show a new side of Kian84 without causing any harm to the programs that my juniors are doing.” She explained that she had also contemplated the direction of the production. (To be continued in Interview ②)
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
