The production team of 'Let's Be Friends 4' conveyed the real chemistry of the four MCs.

On the morning of Nov. 11, an interview was held with Yang Ja-young, the producer of the U+ original entertainment program 'Let's Be Friends 4', and writer Noh Jin-young at a studio in Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.

'Let's Be Friends 4' is a talk show that guarantees immersion. The 'Let's Be Friends' series, which first premiered its original season in Jun. 2023, was produced into its fourth season in response to its popularity and has been meeting viewers since Oct. 17.

Producer Yang Ja-young said, “We started in 2023 and have come to 2025. Thankfully, it seems to be one of the longer-running programs these days. The chemistry among the MCs is growing stronger, like real sisters, and I am happy and proud to see it gradually taking shape as we initially hoped.”

Writer Noh Jin-young noted, “I joined from season 3 and started with (Park) Na-rae. I felt confident when Na-rae joined in season 3. The chemistry has definitely improved, and I feel that the density of the conversation and the atmosphere when guests come together have gotten better, so I am proud to have reached season 4.”

'Let's Be Friends 4' continues with Han Hye-jin, Park Na-rae, Pung-ja, and Eom Ji-yoon as the 'supporters' of the program following season 3. Writer Noh Jin-young mentioned, “Among the guests, some people who saw Eom Ji-yoon in another program commented that they didn't know she was this funny. It is so comfortable. No matter what jokes I make, I have the confidence that the older sisters will trust and accept it without getting upset, so I can be playful. Also, Hye-jin is very cute and cherishes it, making things more exciting.”

He said, “We didn’t know, but they gathered a lot among themselves. I thought it might be difficult because Park Na-rae and Eom Ji-yoon are a comedian senior-junior pair and there’s a gap in experience, but seeing them talk about meeting separately, I can feel they have gotten closer. Recently, there was a proposal in a long-term relationship content, and Park Na-rae and Pung-ja were moved by that. They said they felt like they were crying as if my sister was getting married. They seem genuinely interested in each other's appearances on different programs, and it feels like they truly care for one another. I think that's why the chemistry shines through in the broadcast,” and he added, “If season 3 was the process of getting in sync, back then it was good, but now it feels even more comfortable.”

However, there have been a few MC changes in previous seasons. Given the program's nature, which centers on the chemistry among members, there is interest in the possibility of member composition changing if future seasons continue. In response, Producer Yang Ja-young stated, “Currently, the members will stay until the end of season 4,” while also noting, “Whether we continue to the next season will be discussed after concluding season 4.”

He expressed, “There’s a desire for all of us to go all the way together. With this group, I have confidence that we can achieve anything, gain empathy, and broadcast genuinely. They have faith and trust in each other, and there’s trust with the production team, so it seems good to do anything else together if this production team and four MCs are with us.”

Writer Noh Jin-young mentioned, “Before the production of season 4, I jokingly said, ‘I can't be left out.’ The MCs had a strong desire to continue together,” and Producer Yang Ja-young added, “‘Let's Be Friends’ is a talk show, but it has a membership variety feel. It has that family-oriented aspect, like a weekend variety, and I think that’s the strength of our program.” In response to the suggestion that making a program with the current members that isn't just a talk show but more like a variety might be good, she conveyed a positive stance, saying, “Since the characters are good, it would be nice to do such a thing if given the opportunity.”

Through earlier interviews, the production team and cast expressed a desire for the show to continue until season 11. Producer Yang Ja-young remarked, “There seems to be no regular concept in OTT. However, we have successfully carried season 4. With these MCs, anything we do will be fun, and even if the same themes or content are repeated, it can change when they are involved. Whether it’s going on a trip or whatever, as long as I’m with them, I feel secure. It seems we can go anywhere.”

The reason for this trust is that the members have a special affection for the program and are sincerely committed to it. Producer Yang Ja-young mentioned, “Park Na-rae also talked about being excited to meet Pung-ja on the 'Muk-jji-ppa' recording after filming season 3, which shows that the MCs genuinely seem to enjoy it rather than just thinking of it as work and saying, ‘We have to do this because we are recording.’”

Writer Noh Jin-young also expressed, “Now that filming for season 4 is nearing completion, Park Na-rae suddenly said she feels really sad and emotional. She said it seems to end too quickly and that she wants to go on longer. This isn’t just empty talk; it feels genuine. I'm very grateful for the love we receive. The cast is made up of many who are regarded as ‘one of them,’ but it feels like they see it as ‘my program.’ The MCs also help a lot with securing guests.”

Yang Ja-young, who pointed out that the chemistry and authenticity of the four MCs are the strengths of 'Let's Be Friends 4', said, “In the realm of dopamine, it seems important whether this is real or not. Even when watching short videos like shorts, the tension and sincerity of the MCs feel like 300%. This is because they genuinely think about the content throughout the recording time. It's not possible to just do that for a moment during the long recording time. Therefore, I think that feeling shows even when edited into short clips.”

Additionally, writer Noh Jin-young noted, “There’s probably no other program that teases Han Hye-jin like this one. She’s often teased by the younger ones about telling old stories and not being able to dance, but since Hye-jin cherishes her younger siblings, she takes it well. I feel every recording that chemistry can be this good.” (To be continued in interview ②.)

[Photo] STUDIO X+U

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