The representative best friends of the entertainment industry, Choi Hwa-jung and Kim Ho-young, set out to catch two birds with one stone: mukbang and talk with stars at famous restaurants.
On the afternoon of the 7th, a production presentation for ENA's entertainment program 'Choi Hwa-jung and Kim Ho-young's Missed You' (hereinafter 'Missed You') was held at IFC Seoul in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Attending the event were Choi Hwa-jung, Kim Ho-young, PD Ahn Je-min, and PD Kim Hee-dong.
Set to premiere on the 8th at 9:40 PM, ENA's entertainment program 'Choi Hwa-jung and Kim Ho-young's Missed You' is a regular mukbang talk show where the food-loving sister Choi Hwa-jung and the versatile entertainer Kim Ho-young are invited to the favorite restaurants of top stars to share food, philosophy, and encouragement.
Choi Hwa-jung explained, "I was really happy to be doing this with Kim Ho-young," and decided to participate without hesitation. She continued, "Our chemistry matches well. People think Ho-young lifts the mood and is bright and energetic. But he is also very attentive to details. It seems to be a natural talent. We did the last radio show together, and I was very emotional. Ho-young was the one who captured those moments. People may not realize it, but we received quite a few offers to appear together on programs," referring to their chemistry.
Kim Ho-young also expressed, "I think the biggest influence for us being cast together was the last broadcast of Hwa-jung's radio show," and added, "I will definitely do my best. No matter who I work with, I will work hard, but with Hwa-jung, I feel comfortable, and our conversation flows well. If I can't grasp the intent behind the words, it won't be fun, but since I understand it so well, I am also looking forward to our chemistry. I think the production team is also looking forward to our genuine friendship chemistry, like real siblings."
Choi Hwa-jung has previously showcased a format combining talk and food through 'Bob Bless You' and her YouTube channel. What sets 'Missed You' apart?
Choi Hwa-jung stated, "'Bob Bless You' was filmed so naturally with close juniors that we didn't even know if there was a camera. I never expected people to love it this much. I just showed my usual self, and they loved it. Rather than focusing on differences, I want to keep it natural," she said.
She added, "Since it's a broadcast, that vibe doesn't come out as naturally. After all, we are human. I hope it can be natural without differentiation." She continued, "Since I am meeting the stars for the first time, there are times when they differ from their image. There can be awkwardness, but I try to make the guests feel comfortable, thinking there are no cameras, so they can eat more and laugh more. It's challenging, but that's the role of the MC. So far, it has been successful."
Choi Hwa-jung is a trendsetter who has sold out numerous items revealed through her YouTube channel. Will she showcase that aspect in this program as well? Choi Hwa-jung playfully mentioned that the outfits she wears during filming are her own, saying, "I dress in my style. I mostly wear my clothes. I don't like sponsored clothes, and some can't be sponsored." She added, "If I wear someone else's clothes and feel cautious, I don't think I can shine. Since it will be broadcast in spring, I hoped to wear pretty clothes, but it's too cold, so I appear in sweatshirts or sweaters. I appreciate that people see that positively," she added. Choi Hwa-jung also jokingly said, "Gold and silver jewelry. Things you should receive as gifts when you get married are sponsored."
Kim Ho-young remarked, "That aspect matches well with my chemistry," and added, "I also wear all my clothes. I only have clothes that make people wonder, 'How does someone have that at home?'" indicating that he will showcase outfits filled with his personal style.
In 'Missed You', Kim Ho-young is expected to show a different side of himself. He said, "People who meet me often ask, 'Why are you doing this when you've never said it anywhere else?' I wondered if this would work on broadcast," and continued, "I did KBS content 'Lucky Oppa'. I interviewed idols and singers, and at first, they were very worried, but as time passed, some even cried. One of my strengths is that I can touch their inner feelings."
He added, "I think I have a knack for bringing out sides that aren't shown elsewhere. If the program were 'Kim Ho-young's Missed You', it would have been more lively, but what I do best is 'Kkilkkilppappa'. Since I have the respected sister Choi Hwa-jung in front of me, I am trying to control it well from a directing perspective rather than diving too deep. Some might say I am surprisingly reserved, while others might say I am well-seasoned. I am curious about what kind of weekdays it will be."
Who would they like to invite as a star? PD Ahn Je-min said, "I definitely want to invite Ha Jung-woo, who is often mentioned in mukbangs, and have him eat on the show," which drew laughter. PD Kim Hee-dong also chimed in, "I think the same. I want to invite Ha Jung-woo." He added, "The stars who appear don't seem to open their real favorite restaurants," expressing his strong desire to uncover hidden gems that stars keep secret.
Kim Ho-young shared, "There was a time when I met Hwa-jung, Yang Hee-eun, and Park Mi-sun. All four of us are strong personalities, so people are curious about how the harmony will be, but when we meet, it's enjoyable and good. If there are guests who are older than Hwa-jung and whom she doesn't know well, I think we can see a new side of her. I would like to invite my acquaintances Park Jeong-ja and Son Suk," drawing attention.
'Missed You' will premiere on the 8th at 9:40 PM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
