"Krazy Rich Korean" meets K-People with crazy careers. It is expected to introduce special Koreans who have made a name for themselves on stages around the world, providing pride and inspiration.

On the 10th, a production presentation for KBS2's new entertainment show "Krazy Rich Korean" was held at the KBS Yeouido Annex in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Present at the event were PD Lee Chang-soo, broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo, "Goddess of Golf" Park Se-ri, actress Ji Ye-eun, and world-renowned cellist and conductor Chang Han-na.

"Krazy Rich Korean" is directed by PD Lee Chang-soo, who has produced KBS's popular entertainment programs such as "The Return of Superman," "My Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears," and "The Seasons." PD Lee is expected to intricately tell the stories of Koreans who are active internationally with his unique, trendy perspective.

Han Kyung-cheon, the entertainment center head, noted, "This program has been prepared with great effort over a long period. We initially started with the title "World Class K," but it was changed. PD Lee Chang-soo, who led "My Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears" to success, has teamed up with Jun Hyun-moo again, and given that both of them have the DNA of success, I have high expectations. With such good participants, I hope for great results. I kindly ask for your support and anticipation."

PD Lee Chang-soo, who made an appearance styled by former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, remarked, "The uniqueness of this program is that we thought about how to conduct a press conference for the first time in the world. When making programs, I wanted to deal with social issues in entertainment, and "My Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears" also drew inspiration from the nut incident. A year ago, after watching the press conference of former CEO Min Hee-jin, I thought I could create a program, and thus "Krazy Rich Korean" was born."

He added, "It seems that former CEO Min Hee-jin showed how crazy one must be to succeed on the world stage. I thought there are many such Koreans, so I looked for them and found that those who are successful in the world are indeed crazy. I think that aligns with the purpose of the program."

"Krazy Rich Korean" will compete against SBS's "My Little Old Boy" and MBC's "Adventure By Accident." In fact, the program's timeslot is set more than 10 minutes later than the competing programs, which puts it at a disadvantage. In response, PD Lee Chang-soo said, "I have to talk about KBS's old guys. You might remember '1 Night 2 Days' was created when we had to fill time. I was told to make "The Seasons" instead of "Yoo Hee-yeol's Sketchbook," and now we are pitted against "My Little Old Boy" and "Adventure By Accident." I feel very regretful, and I've gained 20 kg due to the stress. The MCs treated me well during the first recording, but it's true that the scheduling is unfavorable, yet I'm confident even if we go head-to-head."

PD Lee Chang-soo's confidence comes from his recruitment ability. He stated, "I have a calling when directing programs; these are remarkable individuals, but it's difficult to introduce them to the public without my involvement, especially those with limited media exposure. I wanted to recruit people we should emulate. In 'My Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears,' I recruited directors Kim Moon-jeong and Kim Ki-tae, and in 'The Seasons,' I tried to give opportunities to lesser-known singers. The reason for casting formidable MCs in "Krazy Rich Korean" was to highlight outstanding Koreans who are active on the world stage and ensure that their places are not diminished. The set may seem humble, but it's not about famous or once-famous individuals; rather, I wanted to focus on those who proudly represent Korea on the world stage."

In particular, PD Lee remarked, "It wasn't easy to persuade the company. I often heard comments questioning whether it wasn't rather akin to a documentary. It was planned based on data. As former CEO Min Hee-jin has talked about, this program is about Koreans. I wondered why Koreans have suddenly become so successful, and I believe there's a unique madness among them. It's not "Crazy" but "Krazy." Regarding knowledge and documentaries, when recruiting participants, many people think too much about the past, which makes it a documentary. I wanted to focus on their present, and from the moment we tackle the present, the program becomes living entertainment rather than a stale documentary, which I firmly believe based on what I've seen during filming."

Jun Hyun-moo is expected to serve as a central figure in presenting the achievements of world-class Koreans based on his renowned hosting skills and a wealth of knowledge and experience verified through numerous programs.

Jun Hyun-moo commented on the program, "Initially, I thought it would be more of a 'national pride' program since it's on KBS. However, viewing it through a documentary lens could be dull, but it's presented in an entertaining format. This seems like a program that introduces Koreans in the world, so I think it will be a fresh shock. I believe it could change the landscape of Sunday night entertainment." He added, "The content is trustworthy. Since it diverges entirely from competing programs, I think those looking for fresh content will definitely check it out. I don't know how the viewership rating for the first episode will be, but I believe it will trend upwards. Even if it starts small, I think it will continue to rise. It's not going to be a breakout from the start, but I believe it will get better over time. Kian84 is also talking about competition. He's not someone who usually says such things, so I feel like there might be some pressure."

Jun Hyun-moo rejoined PD Lee Chang-soo after "My Boss's Ears are Donkey Ears." He described PD Lee, stating, "PD Lee Chang-soo is truly a top-tier producer. I've met many producers at various broadcasting stations, but he stands out. I believe he made this program because of that emotional connection. I think it's worth working with him again. However, starting later than 'Adventure By Accident' and 'My Little Old Boy' feels like we are being set up for failure. Even if I jump into the fire, I trust PD Lee's creativity. And the content is reliable. Since it differs entirely from competing programs, I believe anyone looking for fresh content will definitely watch it. I don't know how the ratings for the first episode will turn out, but I think they will trend upwards."

"Legendary Korean golfer" Park Se-ri, being a representative figure who has reached the pinnacle in her field, is expected to shine as an MC that aligns well with the program's purpose. Park Se-ri stated, "It's not forced or scripted; it begins from a sense of responsibility for what I have in daily life and is fun as it is shown in everyday life. I decided to participate because the content is good, and as a Korean in a foreign land, I hope to showcase the infinite efforts and passions it took to reach that pinnacle. The program is about lives that often aren't seen, making it impactful and enjoyable, rather than boring."

In particular, Park Se-ri described K-Crazy, saying, "I believe that the word K-Crazy represents the passion possessed by Koreans. I think having passion allows potential talent to emerge, which is "Rich." While "Rich" symbolizes wealth, I consider it to denote talent. Koreans possess a lot of talent that represents our country. I want to assert that the passion among Koreans ranks the highest, even when compared internationally. While pursuing my goals and dreams, as Director Chang Han-na mentioned, I poured my heart into achieving them, and this connects to the passion uniquely possessed by Koreans."

Ji Ye-eun will take on the role of MC for the first time in KBS entertainment, and is expected to bring a lively energy to the scene. Ji Ye-eun stated, "I always maintain refinement without crossing lines. In the case of "SNL Korea," I aimed to be faithful to the script, but I am inherently a very refined person." Jun Hyun-moo added with a laugh, "Ji Ye-eun is very kind. As a result, she does everything the PD tells her to do; that's why she looks like a fool at times."

Chang Han-na, a world-class cellist and conductor, caught the eye as the only cast member present at the production announcement. Chang Han-na said, "You said you would share my hardships, but you must first show your home to prove your sincerity. Since I have never revealed my home, I hesitated, but seeing the authenticity of the PD's "Krazy" made me reveal it without realizing it. Since classical music is not popular, I decided to take a gamble, believing that if I could share it, it would be worthwhile." Jun Hyun-moo joked, "Director Chang Han-na has never shown her home before, yet all the corners were revealed. I thought it was a segment from 'House on the Block.'"

Chang Han-na mentioned K-Crazy, stating, "The greatest strength and most attractive point of Koreans is that they show themselves as they are, without packaging their emotions. They appeal passionately while being true to themselves. This holds true for me as a conductor, but I think K-Crazy stems from authenticity. This is my approach to music and my philosophy of life. I want to be honest with myself and aspire to be a genuine person in any situation."

"Krazy Rich Korean" will continue to progress with recruitments. PD Lee Chang-soo stated, "I want to recruit former CEO Min Hee-jin. Soccer player Son Heung-min and director Bong Joon-ho would also be great, but when not filming, I'm looking for notable individuals from the Korean community. I aim to recruit those with history, and I'm committed to not stopping that process."

Jun Hyun-moo remarked, "There are many individuals who come to mind when we say K. However, they are predictable, and the most "Krazy Rich Korean" in my opinion is Kian84. Although he became well-known through "Home Alone," I have never seen him as a point of reference for success. Among my friends, he has achieved a dramatic success and is a genuine person, so I hope that once 'Adventure By Accident' concludes, he would come directly to us. Rather than seeing him as a brother, I want to regard him as a model for success, so even though we are close, I want to study him closely." Ji Ye-eun also agreed and expressed her desire to recruit Kian84.

Meanwhile, KBS2's "Krazy Rich Korean" will premiere on the 15th at 9:20 p.m.

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