In 'How Do You Play?', Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo are leaving the show amid a reorganization to a four-male-member format, prompting varied reactions from internet users.

On the 22nd, the production team of MBC's 'How Do You Play?' (directed by Kim Jin-yong, Lee Joo-won, Ahn Ji-sun, YIDO, Bang Seong-soo/writer Noh Min-sun) announced, "Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo will leave 'How Do You Play?' after filming their last episode on May 22, following discussions with the production team since the beginning of this year. Their final filming segment will air on May 31, where they plan to bid farewell to viewers."

Lee Mi-joo joined 'How Do You Play?' in August 2021, and Park Jin-joo followed in September 2022, both engaging with the program for nearly 3 to 4 years. Following the departure of former members Jung Jun-ha and Shin Bong-sun in June 2023, 'How Do You Play?' is undergoing another reorganization after two years.

As a result, reactions from internet users are mixed. Some expressed, "It's sad, but it's true that the roles of the female members have been ambiguous. There were differences in screen time recently, so I would rather see them shine in other entertainment shows," while others noted, "The positions were just awkward," "I hope Jin-joo is seen in a project, and I think Mi-joo has a better-suited show," and "It seems hard to consistently present good moments with 'How Do You Play?' changing formats too often."

However, some criticize the fun of the program itself and express dissatisfaction with the situation where only the female members are leaving. One user remarked, "It's ironic that only the male members remain," adding, "If the program itself isn't enjoyable, what does changing members even mean?" They continued, "It feels like they've lost direction in production. No matter how it's pieced together, there's no best chemistry," and, "The issue isn't just the member reorganization; it feels like the original intent of the program needs to be rethought. What does it even mean to have only the female members leave?"

Especially, a prevailing sentiment questions whether the member reorganization from two years ago is simply repeating itself. 'How Do You Play?' underwent a major overhaul in June 2023 when Jung Jun-ha and Shin Bong-sun left, and the main director was changed. During this process, departing members expressed disappointment, indicating that the transition was not smooth.

After the departure of the two, Joo Woo-jae joined, completing a two-week reorganization of 'How Do You Play?', but it did not bring about a significant rebound in viewership ratings. Viewers also seem to expect that the recent member reorganization will not lead to an increase in ratings. However, some suggest that judgments should be made after seeing the program as it changes into the four-member format.

Meanwhile, MBC's 'How Do You Play?' will air a farewell episode featuring Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo on the 31st. The four-member format will be available starting in June.

[Photo] OSEN DB, MBC 'How Do You Play?'

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