News updates from Varietyland

58 October 21, 2012September 3, 2014

by girlfriday

Varietyland was teeming with news the last few days, so I thought it’d be worth waiting till the dust settled and summing up some news, rumors, and developments that have been going on. First: Star variety PD Na Young-seok (or Na PD, Evil Genius Extraordinaire) of the original 1 Night 2 Days, has been developing a new show for KBS, which sent everyone’s speculation meters running wild.

Rumors that he’d reteam with Kang Ho-dong or Lee Seung-gi came from every direction, but in the end, neither proved to be true. *sadface* But Na PD has announced his new show, and meanwhile both Ho-dong and Seung-gi are reportedly in talks to headline new variety shows as well, but each separately. Guys, what do we have to do to get the band back together here?

After taking a year-long hiatus from the biz, Kang Ho-dong is finally back in action. Yay! He has returned to SBS’s Star King and MBC’s Knee Drop Guru, and is reportedly developing a brand new show for KBS. Fans held out hope he might join the second season of 1 Night 2 Days, but I agree with the concerns of Season 2’s PDs that it would send the new cast off-balance, after they’ve just now started to find their groove. The first season of that show will always be my favorite, but I think it’s worth giving the second season its own identity. No specifics yet on what Kang Ho-dong’s new show for KBS will be.

Then news broke that Go Hyun-jung’s talk-variety show Go Show is going to be cancelled, after only six months on the air. It’s an SBS show on Friday nights, and despite the high-profile name and strong veteran co-hosts, I’m not surprised the show isn’t doing well. I never liked or understood the point of the format — a mock casting session — and Go Hyun-jung is an amazing actress, but her variety self leaves me cold. The show hit a high of 10.5% ratings, but has eventually dipped to the 5% range as of late, and will be getting the axe by December.

So then follows the natural question: What will replace Go Show? And then another series of stories sprang up, reporting that Lee Seung-gi is in talks to headline a new variety show for SBS, to fill that time slot. But that’s a story firmly in hedging, “considering, unconfirmed” territory, so I would take it with a grain of salt. There’s also another rumor that the slot will go to a new show MC’d by Shin Dong-yup and Yoon Jong-shin. I say let them have the Friday night slot, and jump on Ho-dong-ie hyung’s new show!

And finally, here’s one thing that IS confirmed: Na PD revealed his new variety show for KBS, called The Human Condition. Hahaha, I don’t know if it’s supposed to be an ironic existential-problem-reduced-to-variety title, but all I see is Na PD giving a group of boys the bare minimum of things to survive in the wild, and then smiling, “It’s The Human Condition, Badumching!”

It stars a quartet of some of Gag Concert’s hottest stars: Kim Joon-hyun (top left), Kim Joon-ho (top right), Heo Kyung-hwan (bottom left), and Yang Sang-gook (bottom right). At least we know cast chemistry won’t be a problem with a foursome of comedians who work together all the time… just as long they don’t try too hard to out-funny each other, and as long as somebody remembers to MC the thing.

The show’s concept is pretty literal when it comes to the title — they’re going to focus on one “necessary human condition” each week… and take it away from the boys. Mwahahahahaha. Why is Na PD such an evil mastermind? I don’t know how barebones it goes, because are we talking about food and water, or comforts of modern living like cell phones and ATM cards? Do we have to watch them live without showers? Or starve to death on a deserted island if they can’t catch their own food? I’m not even sure which would be funnier, but I can’t wait to find out.

The Human Condition premieres in November.

Via E News, Sports Seoul, E Daily, Newsen

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1 Maysoon

October 21, 2012 at 1:13 PM

Im so looking forward to The Human Condition. Ha HA hA.

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JO

October 22, 2012 at 3:57 PM

OMG I love these four guys! They have arguably the best segment on GAG concert. It's seriously the one segment I always laugh at even though the format is really similar each week. It's just hilariousss

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mariolawpanda

October 26, 2012 at 11:25 PM

Okay. So I am becoming a pervert after the third post in a row that's about a man's looks, but I never really understood Heo Kyung-hwan's comedy but I can appreciate the abs. Haha.

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2 Vanessa

October 21, 2012 at 1:13 PM

first

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3 Vanessa

October 21, 2012 at 1:14 PM

not :/
hehe anyways thanks for the post

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4 AddyLovesBwood

October 21, 2012 at 1:20 PM

Lee sung gi 옾파!!!

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Cyoon

October 21, 2012 at 5:42 PM

I think you're trying to say 오빠... just to let you know for future reference!

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5 monch

October 21, 2012 at 1:21 PM

Yeiii new variety shows, ang thank good the Go Show is ending, because it's really a bad show, i'm sorry for Go Hyun-jung who i love as an actress but well variety show it's not her thing.

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6 ida

October 21, 2012 at 1:23 PM

Woah. And I thought heo kyunghwan was just a pretty face...
Well. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. But I am.. Haha

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obivia

October 21, 2012 at 2:36 PM

I was about to point out how cruel it is to place Yang Sang-goo's picture next to Heo Kyung Hwan's but then I eventually got lost in the hottie's... abs... wuh? Where was I?

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7 Lila

October 21, 2012 at 1:35 PM

Don't know who Heo Kyung Hwan is but that picture is steaming!

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a_diva

October 22, 2012 at 6:56 AM

ikr!

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Carinne

October 22, 2012 at 9:50 PM

What she said. Rawr!

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~Feather~

October 23, 2012 at 3:45 PM

I first thought that popped into my mind when I saw the pic was: "Daaamn, that boy is fiiine!" :P

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~Feather~

October 23, 2012 at 3:49 PM

THE first thought, not I first thought--where is my head today!? I can't believe I didn't notice that mistake til now.

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Farhana

October 23, 2012 at 5:14 PM

My mind literally went *don't know you.. don't know you.. what the ... -drool-*

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8 kaitenryuu

October 21, 2012 at 1:37 PM

I think I deprived my surroundings of all oxygen with the depth and length of my gasp and following squeal while reading this post xD

MY FAVORITE VARIETY BOYS BACK IN ACTION? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

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9 Arhasivory

October 21, 2012 at 1:48 PM

Omo omo! I love it already - The Human Condition. And since its KBS we can hope that KBSW picks it up so we folks on this side can watch it.

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10 Mehkko

October 21, 2012 at 1:51 PM

I feel disappointed that it's not the 4 men of Gag Concert....just the three. Guess Kim Giyeol really isn't popular after all.

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kkim

October 21, 2012 at 2:16 PM

I was thinking the same thing. Man, give the man some love! He's awesome!

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Mehkko

October 21, 2012 at 2:51 PM

I know! He doesn't even get as much time in their segment, and I always think he's the funniest. We'll just have to hope for him I guess.

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sugarpunch

October 21, 2012 at 3:18 PM

I guess that makes three of us... somehow kim giyeol gives me a little of the lee seung-gi vibe. Sincere, goofy cuteness. lol.

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lovepark

October 21, 2012 at 9:00 PM

They said Kim Gi-yeol's personality didn't really match with the show's concept, which could hold some truths but it's probably because he really isn't that popular. I feel like if this show, The Human Condition, turns out to be a hit, he'll forever guilt trip his hyungs.
He seems like a nice guy, but personally, I don't find him all that funny especially since he's been in so many hit segments on Gag Concert. Hmmm... maybe it's because he tries too hard and comes off a little desperate to me.

I would love to see Kang Ho-dong back, and The Human Condition sounds like fun though I hope it does have more direction and leadership than 기막힌외출 (Crazy Outing?) which was ridiculous and funny, but I don't think the format and concept will really work here. There needs to be an MC which will probably be Kim Joon-ho because of seniority, rank, and overall experience, but I feel like he gives more of a Park Myung-soo second-lead vibe than a Yoo Jae-suk or Kang Ho-dong vibe. Anyways, best of luck to all the gagmen and shows! I'm looking forward to them.

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kaye

October 22, 2012 at 4:12 AM

Agree. I feel bad for Kim Gi-yeol. :( They could've just included him.

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11 cutieblue

October 21, 2012 at 2:50 PM

That adonis in the lower left pic is a comedian?!?!?! I think I've found my perfect man, wowza! <3

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sugarpunch

October 21, 2012 at 3:15 PM

I think the running gag is that although he looks so handsome and his body's so ripped, he is only 167 cm. But, good enough for me. ;D

You should see him in the segment of gag concert called 4 men. The other 3 guys are at least 180 cm. lol. it just exaggerates the height difference...

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girlinterrupted

October 22, 2012 at 7:52 AM

LOL! my thoughts exactly! =)

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12 glo

October 21, 2012 at 3:18 PM

Omo, thank you for posting that "cute" pic of PD Na, miss this evil mastermind PD and can't wait for the Human Condition. Can already imagine him giving the boys a very hard time :D

So glad to have Kang Ho Dong back, and I also don't think it's a wise idea for him to join 1n2ds2. The casts are doing well now so hope there won't be any cast changes as have been wildly rumored last week.

I found it very interesting that SBS keeps asking Seunggi to captain their new show. But from his latest message to his fans, seems like we won't be seeing him in any variety show soon as at the moment he's focusing himself on his new album due to be released next month and his upcoming concert.

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Osi

October 21, 2012 at 5:53 PM

Seems like SBS really loves Seung Gi, and so do I. ;)
I really miss him in variety show.
The evil PD Na is back. I can't help but love him. <3

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13 ck1Oz

October 21, 2012 at 3:41 PM

Na PD is so evil.And I know his punishments will be evil too.Oh man.Can't wait.

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mud

October 21, 2012 at 5:40 PM

I'm hoping Na PD becomes an unofficial 5th member of the cast like he was for 1N2D. I can't wait to hear more about the upcoming shows of our 1N2D cutiepies. All the best to them!

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Saima

October 22, 2012 at 6:21 AM

I remember initially (when he was in the background) when the local women would refer to him as "that man" like he was some tyrant, lol. The cast would be like, err, yes he's THAT man.

That angelic pix of Na PD cracks me up. You're not deceiving anyone. HAHAAA

Someone please cast MC Mong already. That man was made for variety. :/

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14 nyx

October 21, 2012 at 4:37 PM

I can't wait for The Human Condition to be out! Hopefully it get subbed.

And I'm looking forward to lee seung gi taking up an emcee role again. Waiting for half a year for each of his dramas to air is way too looong... I need him on my screen weekly.

By the way, Does anyone know where to catch Three Fools with lee su guen, kim jong min and eun ji won with subs?

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Airyn

October 21, 2012 at 5:58 PM

As far as I know, there isn't anyone out there subbing for Three Fools, sadly. :( Maybe when tvN Asia picks it up and airs it subbed, we can finally watch it properly.

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15 Jade Butterfly

October 21, 2012 at 5:05 PM

The variety show that Kang Hodong helms could be anything,with anyone, at anywhere..cos I'll watch KHD anytime !! Welcome back , hodong. If Seunggi's roped in with hodong , then,all the better for us!

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16 Mika~

October 21, 2012 at 6:23 PM

Why is Na PD such an evil mastermind? The real question is, why are viewers so sadistic?

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17 JIW_sobangnim

October 21, 2012 at 6:30 PM

AH Gag Concert! <

That new variety is gonna knock the socks off if done well! :) Na and 4Men (sorry KKY)! :P

KHD and LSG. Timetable Clash! :O Come on! It is weird IF KHD comes back to 1N2D HOWEVER, it will be DAEBAK if he does. Like a guest appearance or something, who would'nt give attention if a GUEST reunion happens and we see old members com back? MC MONG, JI WON, LSG, KHD, KIMC, and maaaaayyyyyyybeeeee even No Hong Chul? LOL

Nah, cant have too high hopes :)

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JIW_sobangnim

October 21, 2012 at 6:44 PM

Kim Won Hyo.Choi Hyo Jung. Jung Beon Gyun.

Couldnt get it off my head, not knowing their names :)

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18 twentyonebuds

October 21, 2012 at 6:45 PM

AHHH I got so excited seeing the picture at the top before clicking on this post!! It wouldn't load fast enough! Haha.. I'm so happy Kang Hodong is back <3 Anyone can see that the Hodong+Seungi couple sizzles with chemistry! So I'm pretty sure they'll be back together soon (once Hodong's totally settled again) Add one Na PD to that combination and I could watch whatever variety they make forever...

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19 Joan

October 21, 2012 at 8:06 PM

I was just reading and then... BAM abs out of nowhere!

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20 maldita

October 21, 2012 at 8:27 PM

Heo Kyunghwan's body will never stop being surprising to me. LOL I always forget that his shtick is being the pretty boy out of all the gagmen in Korea. :)

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21 Village Mrembo

October 21, 2012 at 8:29 PM

I thought there was like an unspoken rule somewhere that comedians arent exactly meant to be good looking?! I mean look at them 2, freakin smoking hawt!!! I am not a fan of variety minus 'The Grasshopper' but this time count me tempted ; )

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bbebbe

October 22, 2012 at 7:47 PM

It used to be like that, but over the past few years gagcon had been accepting quite a lot of hottie gagman lol. Kim giri, seo taehun, ryu geunji (187 tall, his body omggg), son byeongcheol, heo gyeonghwan, kim giyeol. Not that I mind.. :D

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22 Sonia

October 21, 2012 at 8:40 PM

Woah... Heo Kyung-hwan is a total hottie. Funny and hot? I don't even know him and I already love this guy. lol

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23 DB5K

October 21, 2012 at 10:42 PM

I LOVE Kim Jun Hyun, and I have a soft spot for Kim Junho and Heo Kyung Hwan, and Yang Sang Gook's character is hilarious, but... I wish Na PD cast some celebrities who aren't comedians. I really liked the natural, unpremeditated reactions/adlibbing of the singers of 1N2D: Eun Ji Won, Kimc C, MC Mong, and Lee Seung Gi. And I really like what the actors of 1N2D, Kim Seung Woo and Cha Tae Hyun, bring to the table.

I can imagine a back to the basics variety show with Kim Jun Hyun and Yang Sang Gook, but I don't think Heo Kyung Hwan and Kim Junho would be a good fit. These kind of shows find life in unscripted moments, but HKH and KJH aren't exactly the quickest thinkers on the block, and they have rather ambiguous characters/concepts. So... I don't know... Not really holding my breath for this one, but I hope it will be good since there's no such thing as too many good variety shows~~

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24 pauper

October 22, 2012 at 12:39 AM

I agree with Bird PD's comment on his decision to cast Joo-won.
“If our show was just to make people laugh then we wouldn’t need to choose personality. Compared to being able to create a funny moment, it is more important to be likable.”

Which is why I'm a bit apprehensive with Na PD's new show. The comedians tend to overdo the funny and they ended up not funny, just forced and affected. I like Kim Joon-ho and Heo Kyung-hwan's brand of funny but Kim Joon-hyun's grates on my nerve. More diversity please!

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25 pandasaurus

October 22, 2012 at 12:55 AM

aaah Na PD - his evilness is just awesome!

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26 rheina07

October 22, 2012 at 1:06 AM

THe human condition.

just read the concept, I've started my wild imagination and I believe it will be DAEBAK !

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27 pogo

October 22, 2012 at 1:47 AM

OT but Yoo Seung-ho is apparently confirmed as second lead for I Miss You, according to soompi?!

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28 Toya

October 22, 2012 at 6:18 AM

If Ho-Dong and Seung-gi get back together, there first show has to have a Blues Brothers skit. It'd be perfect.

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29 Toya

October 22, 2012 at 6:18 AM

their^

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30 Jessie Byron

October 22, 2012 at 7:12 AM

I'm not usually one to beg, but recap of the first episode of The Human Condition? Pleeeeeease?

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31 SG

October 22, 2012 at 9:24 AM

Aww..puppy and bulldog look so cute here. I hope they do a variety show together soon

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32 Bu Young

October 22, 2012 at 4:20 PM

Human condition sounds fun ;)

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33 bbebbe

October 22, 2012 at 7:37 PM

Omg I feel sooo bad for kim giyeol lol :/
Seriously is it because of his "unpopular" concept or what? Last time he was left out from happy together too. Kim giyeol needs more love!

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34 May

October 22, 2012 at 11:28 PM

Oh, enough of these men - Gag concert, Happy Together, now this and Sin Dong Hup the MC, almost KBS World varieties have him as MC - Strong Heart, Counsellor, Immortal Song - Monday to Friday. Give me a break ;-(