The 2025 edition of 'Quiz Exploration: The Mysterious World' has been reborn. Channel A's 'Brain Academy' announced the return of popular quiz entertainment with Jun Hyun-moo at the forefront.
On the morning of the 29th, an online production presentation for 'Brain Academy' took place. Executive producer Seo Hae-seung, producer Moon Young-seok, as well as Jun Hyun-moo, Ha Seok-jin, Lee Sang-yeob, Yoon Sohui, Gweido, and Hwang Jae-sung attended to brighten the event.
'Brain Academy' is a knowledge-enriching quiz show where Jun Hyun-moo, Ha Seok-jin, Lee Sang-yeob, Yoon Sohui, Hwang Jae-sung, and Gweido come together to solve high-quality quizzes created by Korea's top scholars. Each week, a master representing a specific field presents a series of advanced quizzes.
Seo Hae-seung noted, "This program started from producer Moon Young-seok's desk. Producer Moon always stacks books to read and makes an effort to acquire a lot of knowledge. When 'Heart Signal' ended not long ago, he wondered if this idea was good. While other producers might say they would think about it, producer Moon immediately agreed. His very presence holds uniqueness. We also recruited writers from 'Problematic Man' and 'Naked History.' We created the Production Avengers and also the 6-member cast Avengers. Solving problems together while showcasing knowledge will be fun," he expressed confidently.
Producer Moon Young-seok also added, "'Brain Academy' deals with quizzes that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s not difficult knowledge. It’s a program that allows for rapid knowledge acquisition. Each week, participants can enjoy learning about one specific topic. Besides the 6 brain members, a master appears each week, representing the ultimate knowledge authority in various fields who directly presents the questions, so please watch how the 6 will solve the problems through collective intelligence."
Regarding the casting of the 6 members, he said, "We prioritized chemistry as the most important factor. From the first episode, they will shine 200%. We gathered individuals who have private relationships, centered around Jun Hyun-moo. We will solve problems across 12 topics. Each participant has strength in their respective fields. Language brain Jun Hyun-moo, engineering brain Ha Seok-jin, gifted brain Yoon Sohui, science brain Gweido, and Korean history brain Lee Sang-yeob have been cast. Hwang Jae-sung is my favorite comedian, and he has a surprisingly impressive background," he introduced confidently.
Jun Hyun-moo, a leader among the brains, majored in English literature and sociology at Yonsei University, and is proficient in 4 languages, earning him the title of 'language brain.' He shared, "We've already filmed 2 episodes, and we've become like family as if we've known each other for 2 years. I met Hwang Jae-sung for the first time, but we get along well. I feel comfortable coming here. While solving problems can be challenging, thinking about these friends makes it enjoyable. The chemistry is perfect. The chemistry passes the test," he smiled.
Ha Seok-jin, who graduated from Hanyang University with a degree in mechanical engineering, is a 'golden child' and the winner of Netflix's 'Devil's Plan.' He mentioned, "I don't do many entertainment shows each year, so I feel tense before recording. However, 'Brain Academy' feels like meeting familiar people. I can easily reveal my true self here. There’s no pressure being a winner of 'Devil's Plan' alongside me. There’s no preparation or review needed. It's all about brainstorming and confronting challenges together," he stated emphatically.
Lee Sang-yeob, a graduate of Hanyang University and holder of the highest level certification in Korean history, faced pressure from Hwang Jae-sung's determination to secure last place, but said, "We all think together about the questions the master presents. During that process, it's comfortable and nice to come up with one answer together. I think viewers will also enjoy pondering and solving the problems alongside us. EBS, you better be ready to be nervous. YouTube, you better be ready to be nervous," he confidently smiled.
Gweido, a 'science brain' deserving of the title 'NO.1 science communicator' with 1.29 million subscribers, stated, "I have turned down many competing programs so far. Finally, a program that focuses on unity has emerged. The very essence of unity leads to chemistry. Moving beyond criticism toward a common goal. While competition can foster growth, we are a program that promotes unity."
Yoon Sohui, a gifted brain who graduated early from a science high school and majored in biotechnology at KAIST, takes the lead role in 'Brain Academy.' However, he recently became embroiled in a controversy over yielding victory in Netflix's 'Devil's Plan 2.' Incidentally, Ha Seok-jin, who won the title in 'Devil's Plan 1,' was also present at the event, but the related content was not mentioned during the production presentation.
Instead, Yoon Sohui expressed, "I wanted to participate in a quiz program at least once, and it was fun to do it with friends. I was anxious about what questions would come up and whether I could comfortably answer them and talk, but once we started recording, it felt relaxed and enjoyable. I wondered if there could ever be a recording this comfortable while broadcasting," he shared his thoughts on participating.
In the first episode, Professor Yoo Hyun-jun from Hongik University’s Department of Architecture will step in as the master to present architecture-related quizzes for the 6 brains, with a 'knowledge medal' and cash prize at stake. Producer Moon Young-seok said, "All masters appearing in the future will be individuals deserving standing ovations from the 6. 'Brain Academy' is a quiz program, but its story is also enjoyable," heightening expectations.
In particular, Hwang Jae-sung emphasized, "The program 'Quiz Exploration: The Mysterious World' was the most enjoyable education I ever received since birth. 'Brain Academy' felt quite similar in many ways. I hope the viewers feel the same way and that it becomes an opportunity to gain enjoyment."
Jun Hyun-moo also stated, "It's the most TV-like content. Even if you don't concentrate, you can comfortably leave it on. It will be a program that you habitually turn on at this time on Thursdays. The team I work with on 'Teachers' is also worried. I will work hard to ensure it becomes a long-running show representative of Channel A," he clenched his fist.
'Brain Academy,' featuring a team play of 6 individuals solving quizzes submitted by Korea's representative scholars, will air for the first time on the 29th at 10 p.m.
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