Yoo Jae-suk, who debuted in 1991, has appeared in countless hit programs including "Infinite Challenge," "Running Man," "Hangout with Yoo," and "You Quiz on the Block," but has never headlined a show bearing his own name. Given his stature, this seems puzzling — yet it is true. Now, however, he is fronting a new Netflix variety show titled "Yoo Jae-suk Camp." That he has finally put his name on a program 35 years into his broadcasting career — after long declining to do so because it did not suit his disposition — likely reflects his confidence in the show's quality and craftsmanship.
Yoo attended the production presentation for the Netflix variety show "Yoo Jae-suk Camp" held at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul in Dongdaemun-gu on the 19th, where he said, "Given my personal nature, it was burdensome to attach my name to the title of the program." He added, "But no matter how I thought about it, 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' seemed to be the most intuitive and well-crafted name for viewers to hear."
"Yoo Jae-suk Camp" is built around the concept of ordinary participants attending a three-day, two-night retreat at an approximately 30,000-pyeong (about 99,000 square meters) campsite. For this reason, what Yoo focused on most was safety and health. "Because a large group of people will be spending three days and two nights together, the entertainment value as a program was important, but the safety and health of the guests were paramount," he said. "I hoped these participants would feel joy while following the camp's schedule."
What sets the show apart from previous lodging-based variety programs are the various activities, including virtual missions, a cushion quiz and an iron-lunchbox quiz. "I've done so many variety programs over the years, and I wondered what it would be like to play the games from those programs together with viewers," Yoo said. "When people are caught up in their daily lives and jobs, they don't get many chances to play games like this. I thought it might feel like a 'fantasy' moment for viewers." One of the keys behind the global sensation of Netflix original "Squid Game" Season 1 was its inclusion of games such as "Red Light, Green Light" and "dalgona." That is why attention is also focused on how global audiences will respond to the games featured in "Yoo Jae-suk Camp."
Joining Yoo as supporting cast are "Asia's Prince" Lee Kwang-soo, trending actor Byeon Woo-seok, and Ji Ye-eun. The synergy between Yoo, a top-tier domestic broadcaster, and Lee and Byeon, both regarded as "guarantees of global box-office success," is also seen as a key draw. Lee, who serves as the camp's "discipline officer," said, "From the moment I first saw the recruitment notice for guests, I thought it would be fun." He added, "I've done many variety shows with brother Jae-suk, but this is my first camp-themed one, so I think we'll be able to deliver a different kind of fun." Byeon Woo-seok, the trending actor making his first regular variety appearance through "Yoo Jae-suk Camp," is in charge of "healing" on the show. "I had good memories from when I previously met brother Jae-suk on a variety show, so if I were to do it again, I wanted to do it with him," he said. "It's scary and exciting, but I wanted to show fans my everyday side." Ji Ye-eun smiled as she said, "'Daehwanjang Gi An-jang' really felt like a raw boot camp. 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' had places to sleep and places to wash, so it was really nice."
Meanwhile, questions arose at the event regarding various controversies surrounding the recently concluded drama "21st Century Daegunbuin." In response, Byeon Woo-seok said, "I always carry the thought of doing my best in every moment of life. I really did my best when filming 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' as well." He added, "I am truly sorry about the issues (related to the drama)."
The production team also hinted that Lee Hyo-ri and Lee Sang-soon, the couple with whom they had previously formed a connection through "Hyori's Homestay," will make a surprise appearance as "part-time workers." Producer Jung Hyo-min said, "We tried to bring the two of them as surprise guests during 'Daehwanjang Gi An-jang,' but it fell through." He added, "Perhaps because that weighed on her mind, this time Lee Hyo-ri reached out first. The two will appear in a 'catfish role' during the middle of the camp." The show will be released on Netflix on the 26th.
