'How Do You Play?' has once again undergone a large-scale member restructuring, standing at a crossroads of change. Amid several member changes and criticisms of the format, the role of 'national MC' Yoo Jae-suk, who has firmly anchored the program, has become more important than ever.

'How Do You Play?' implemented a large-scale restructuring in June 2023, with the departure of members Jung Jun-ha and Shin Bong-sun and a change in Producer Park Chang-hoon, resulting in a two-week period of reorganization. At that time, Joo Woo-jae joined as a new member, bringing change, but despite these changes, the program has been evaluated as not achieving a significant rebound in viewership ratings.

After two years of member reorganization, news of another restructuring has been revealed. Lee Mi-joo, who joined in August 2021, and Park Jin-joo, who joined in September 2022, will leave 'How Do You Play?' after filming on the 22nd. As a result, 'How Do You Play?' will be reorganized with a four-member system comprising Yoo Jae-suk, Ha Ha, Joo Woo-jae, and Lee Yi-kyung.

Reactions from netizens regarding the ongoing member changes are mixed. Some acknowledge that the roles of the departing members were ambiguous and express support for their new activities despite their regrets, while others raise fundamental issues, saying, "The program itself is not entertaining," "It feels like the production is lost creatively," and "It's not the member restructuring that's the problem; the planning intent needs to be reorganized from the beginning."

Amid ongoing member changes and format controversies, Yoo Jae-suk has steadfastly maintained his role as the central figure since the program's inception. True to his title as 'national MC,' he has exhibited an unwavering presence through the process of the program's identity shifting from 'character show' to 'team play,' even amid multiple changes in producers.

'How Do You Play?' will now be reorganized with a four-member system consisting of Yoo Jae-suk, Ha Ha, Joo Woo-jae, and Lee Yi-kyung. With the reduction of two members from the previous six-member system, Yoo Jae-suk's leadership, which will stabilize the program and elicit chemistry among the members, is expected to become even more crucial. This signals a heavy responsibility to reestablish the program's identity during a confusing transitional period and to provide fresh entertainment and empathy to viewers with the new member combination.

Viewers also react by stating they need to judge the changed program after the four-member restructuring. Among them, many agree that whether 'How Do You Play?' can win the public's love again and achieve a rebound in viewership ratings amid frequent changes rests on Yoo Jae-suk's shoulders.

Yoo Jae-suk's extensive experience and excellent sense of entertainment, along with his bond with the members, are expected to be the key to reviving 'How Do You Play?' Will 'national MC' Yoo Jae-suk be able to maintain the program's strong center amid crisis and carve out a new path for 'How Do You Play?' once again?

PD Kim Jin-yong noted to OSEN, "The departure of cast members Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo and the four-member system were decided after careful consideration in discussions about reorganization that began early this year. I am fully aware of the whip-like responses from our viewers. We appreciate all kinds of feedback, both positive and critical, and take them seriously. In that context, discussions about reorganization have been ongoing since the beginning of the year," he added. "We are always monitoring viewers' responses, not just the ratings. We want to ensure that we do not overlook any feedback. Although it is a regular program, we aim to give it a feel of a seasonal show and prioritize the continuity of fixed members. Thus, for the time being, we plan to continue with our four-member system. We will do our best to showcase various aspects, so please look forward to it."

[OSEN]