(Following Interview①) The special narrative of ‘Driver’ is well captured in the OST ‘It’s Just Beginning’ sung by singer Kyung-seo. The refreshing and vibrant voice of Kyung-seo delivers a message of support for ‘Driver’s new start, providing a touching emotional experience.
PD Park In-seok confessed, “’Driver’ is a program with its own narrative. There are ups and downs, rebounds, and resurrections. I wanted to gift fans that touching emotion and exhilaration.”
He added, “The ‘Busan Trip’ episode of ‘Driver’ was filmed until the next morning, and the filming site was fun, and the members really enjoyed it. In the beginning, it was more like warming up among the members, but from the Busan trip, I wanted to clearly appeal that ‘Driver’ is this kind of program.”
The special guest's performance in ‘Driver’ also shone. Recently, in the ‘Along with the Gods’ episode, BTS member Jin appeared, and in the ‘Couple Hell’ episode, broadcaster Kim Hye-sun joined to bring laughter.
PD Park said, “During ‘Hong Kim Dong-jeon’, BTS Jimin’s appearance became a hot topic, and there was a huge influx. I was really grateful, and this time, Jin appeared in ‘Driver’. The members really liked it, and I was thankful that Jin worked really hard.” He continued, “Fortunately, it coincided with Jin’s comeback, and he said he watched our program well. Since Jin enjoys and excels at variety shows to the extent of doing them on BTS’s YouTube, I thought he would do well with us. I mentioned that he might get splashed with water beforehand, but I think Jin didn’t know. Still, I was very grateful that he willingly participated in the filming.”
He added, “When I used to do music broadcasts, I went on a world tour with BTS, and I felt that they have great personalities. They remained unchanged even after becoming successful. Jimin and Jin really charmed all our staff. Their attitude towards filming was really impressive. If I have a big dream, I would love to invite all the BTS members someday. I want to host a big party and celebrate together.”
Is there a guest PD Park would like to invite to ‘Driver’? He said, “I would like to invite actor Byun Woo-seok, who sings, and Hong Jin-kyung. Since it’s Netflix, I also want to invite international artists. I think we can create a different picture than before.” He added, “I also want to have comedians like Kim Hye-sun and Kwak Bum again. They have been with us since ‘Hong Kim Dong-jeon’, and I want to showcase their talents more and show them having fun with us.”
As the head of the production company and director, PD Park said life is “hard but enjoyable.” He noted that unlike the past when there were many restrictions as a program head, now there is a higher degree of freedom.
He stated, “I have never regretted leaving KBS. Although it was a big company before, there were limitations as a program head. Now that I am a PD and a representative, it’s fun and good to be able to do things my way.”
He continued, “I want to try new projects next year, but for now, I am focusing all my energy on making ‘Driver’ properly. The ‘True Fan Zone’ I created after leaving KBS was meaningful content for me, and if the environment allows, I definitely want to try it again. I am currently thinking about various things, and what’s certain is that for the next step, ‘Driver’ needs to do well.”
“I was curious about the response to ‘Driver’, so I asked the Netflix staff, and they said the numbers are healthy. We are working hard, so I hope viewers will enjoy it together. When we started daily variety shows on Netflix, Director Yoo Gi-hwan said he hoped for a long-lasting variety show, and I hope ‘Driver’ becomes that.”
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
