'Hong Kim Dongjeon,' which was evaluated as resembling the early version of 'Infinite Challenge.' Although it gained attention, it had to bid farewell due to disappointing viewership, has returned after about a year. The platform and title have changed, but the production team and members remain the same, armed with a deeper chemistry and comedic sense, launching a laughter attack.
'Hong Kim Dongjeon' is a variety show with the old concept where fate changes through coins. With observation, inference, and travel as the main formats, it received attention for its freshness and humor, which were difficult to find in the entertainment industry. 'Sujogame Returns' won the 280th 'Director of the Month Award' in the television entertainment institutional sector, capturing both artistic quality and topicality, but 'Hong Kim Dongjeon' was concluded due to poor viewership and KBS's financial difficulties from subscription fees.
However, it received immense love to the extent that a fan cafe was created, leading to high expectations and support for the revival of 'Hong Kim Dongjeon.' Netflix responded to this demand, reviving it as 'Driver: In Search of the Lost Screw' (hereinafter referred to as Driver). The revived 'Driver' reconnected with audiences by releasing episodes 1 and 2 on the 23rd.
Despite the passage of time and changes in platforms, 'Driver,' with most of its members and staff remaining the same as a year ago, dropped laughter bombs from the very first episode due to its deepened chemistry and comedic sense. With enhanced character play, costume designs have become more elaborate, and meeting the broader platform of Netflix has made its comedic sense wild, like a wild horse, as if a screw had come loose, continually bombarding viewers with banter and attacks that can only arise from deep relationships.
What has changed is the running time. Unlike 'Hong Kim Dongjeon,' which aired for over an hour, episodes 1 and 2 of 'Driver' are limited to 26 and 27 minutes, respectively. This format is more akin to web entertainment rather than traditional television, targeting current viewing trends and generations, particularly as short-form content is in vogue. 'Driver,' adding trends to the old-concept variety, has landed in homes as an evolved form of 'Hong Kim Dongjeon.'
As proof of its popularity, 'Driver' is currently ranked 3rd in Netflix's top 10 series in South Korea as of the 25th. With 'The Witch' and 'Melomovie' in 1st and 2nd place, respectively, this ranking reflects the interest and popularity of 'Driver.' In particular, with 'Hong Kim Dongjeon' available on Netflix, synergy is also expected.
'Driver,' which suffered from its unfortunate circumstance as a program, has successfully revived brightly and is released twice every Sunday at 5 p.m.