On the morning of May 19, a production presentation for the new Netflix variety show 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' took place at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun in Seoul. Attendees included Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Kwang-soo, Byun Woo-seok, Ji Yeo-eun, and producers Jung Hyo-min, Lee So-min, and Hwang Yoon-seo, who discussed the program.
'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' features novice camp leader Yoo Jae-suk and unpredictable staff members Lee Kwang-soo, Byun Woo-seok, and Ji Yeo-eun, who will engage with guests and create a fun escape from daily life during the group camp experience.
Producer Lee So-min explained, "While filming 'The Great Disaster Planning,' we discussed expanding the lodging variety show concept. We thought it would be interesting if Yoo Jae-suk became the camp owner, leading to this project. The novice camp leader and staff will run two sessions of the camp over three days and two nights."
Producer Jung Hyo-min added, "We didn’t propose the camp to Yoo Jae-suk; rather, he suggested trying a lodging variety show, which we felt would fit well with a retreat-style format. It can be described as a camp tailored for Yoo Jae-suk."
The key difference between 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' and existing lodging variety shows is its large number of participants and tightly packed schedule.
Producer Hwang Yoon-seo stated, "The biggest differentiator is that it’s a Yoo Jae-suk-style camp. While traditional lodging shows only provide accommodation, this program involves a large group participating in a variety of activities over three days and two nights. Viewers will also see Yoo Jae-suk getting tired in real-time as they experience various activities like morning missions, cushion quizzes, and the iron bag game."
Yoo Jae-suk, stepping into the role of novice camp leader, shared that safety and health were his primary concerns when he first received the proposal.
He said, "When I first received the proposal, I thought about how important it was to create fun experiences for a large group over three days and two nights, but above all, safety and health, as well as ensuring everyone enjoys themselves during the schedule, were my top priorities."
Yoo Jae-suk also expressed the pressure of having his name attached to the program. He remarked, "It is a bit burdensome to create a show with my name attached, but I felt that 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' was the most intuitive name to give viewers comfort and clearly convey what the program is about."
Yoo Jae-suk paid close attention to the camp environment as well. Producer Lee So-min noted, "We ensured good conditions by considering temperature, humidity, and even individual power outlets." Yoo Jae-suk added, "For a large group to stay for three days and two nights, safety and health are the most important. Since the production team shared this view, we focused on those aspects."
The combination of staff members Lee Kwang-soo, Byun Woo-seok, and Ji Yeo-eun is also a highlight.
Lee Kwang-soo shared, "Before receiving the proposal, I saw the recruitment notice for guests for 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' on air and thought it looked new and fun. I was very excited to join." When asked if he expected to be cast, he humorously replied, "I had about a 10% expectation. I thought the casting was already done and felt a bit disappointed, but I was thrilled to receive the offer to join."
Byun Woo-seok is making his debut in a fixed variety show with this program. He expressed, "I love watching variety shows, and I was excited to show a new side of myself for the first time. Most importantly, I was thrilled to work with Yoo Jae-suk, Kwang-soo, and Ji Yeo-eun."
He continued, "Fans enjoy my everyday life, and I thought 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' would be a great opportunity to show that. Although it was scary, I decided to take on the challenge."
Yoo Jae-suk praised Byun Woo-seok's sense of humor, saying, "I was curious about how Woo-seok would perform, and many people on set said he was very funny. He worked hard and enjoyed himself while also playfully teasing Kwang-soo, which was a first for me." Lee Kwang-soo chimed in, "This was the first time I experienced such playful teasing."
Byun Woo-seok added, "I was quite nervous as it was my first time doing a long-term variety show, but Kwang-soo, Ji Yeo-eun, and Yoo Jae-suk made me feel comfortable. They opened their hearts to me, allowing me to relax and fully engage in the experience."
Ji Yeo-eun expressed her excitement, saying, "I was really looking forward to the camp even before it started. I hope viewers enjoy our comfortable and natural moments together." She also mentioned her initial concerns about bonding with Lee Kwang-soo and Byun Woo-seok, saying, "I wondered if we could become friends, but now just seeing their faces makes me smile. Lee Kwang-soo is my life role model."
The staff emphasized Yoo Jae-suk's sincerity as the 'boss.' Lee Kwang-soo remarked, "I often felt that Yoo Jae-suk was genuinely invested in this camp. After filming, he continued to discuss the camp and worried about whether the guests would be comfortable, which showed his sincerity. This made us more committed as well."
Byun Woo-seok noted, "Seeing Yoo Jae-suk take the lead on set motivated me to work harder," while Ji Yeo-eun said, "After spending two nights and three days together, I realized that 'Yoo Jae-suk is indeed Yoo Jae-suk.' I thought, 'Was he this warm of a person?' He reaffirmed my ideal type in my heart."
'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' will also feature a surprise appearance by the couple Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon. Producer Jung Hyo-min explained, "It has been about ten years since 'Hyori's Homestay.' While there are benefactors who have helped me as a producer, Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon are also among them. We tried to invite them while working on 'The Great Disaster Planning,' but it fell through due to their move to Seoul."
Jung continued, "After the guest recruitment announcement, Lee Hyori reached out first, asking, 'Should I come to keep Yoo Jae-suk in line?' I thought it would be great if she could come as a surprise, so we secretly arranged it."
'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' is a large-scale camp variety show named after Yoo Jae-suk, featuring a new combination of Lee Kwang-soo, Byun Woo-seok, and Ji Yeo-eun. Attention is on how this retreat-style program, combining accommodation, games, and group activities, will be received on Netflix. The first five episodes will be released on May 26, followed by episodes six to ten on June 2.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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