[Sportschosun, Reporter Jung Bit] Beyond the reunion of 'Transit Love' and the family ties of 'My Sibling's Romance,' this time it is an experiment. Lee Jin-ju PD's team said it hopes to make Netflix's new variety show 'Love Experiment' into "the 'Infinite Challenge' of the dating show world."
On the 23rd, Netflix held a production presentation for the daily variety show 'Love Experiment' at the Stanford Hotel in Sangam, Seoul. Lee Jin-ju PD, Kang Yoo-min PD, MONSTA X's Jooheon, and Charles Enter attended the event.
'Love Experiment' is a dating observation show that captures the instinctive awakening of participants' romantic feelings when they are thrown into unimaginable and bizarre unexpected situations. In particular, it is drawing attention as Lee Jin-ju PD's new dating program, following the 'Transit Love' series and 'My Sibling's Romance,' which won wide praise for their distinctive concepts, stylish direction, and detailed portrayal of relationships.
Lee said, "When we were discussing 'Transit Love' or 'My Sibling's Romance,' there was an idea that it would be nice to make a show like this. But I also felt disappointed that both programs had to go on for a long time with 10 people. It was nice to work with a variety of people."
Attention is also focused on the pairing of MONSTA X's Jooheon and Charles Enter, two masters of reaction. Jooheon, who combines overwhelming charisma on stage with witty banter, and Charles Enter, a leading figure known for intense emotional immersion in dating shows, are expected to create perfect synergy as the observer duo.
Jooheon expressed strong confidence in his ability to fully immerse himself. As an idol member, he may feel some pressure about sharing dating stories or reacting while watching the dating process. But he said, "When I am given a situation, I imagine it and watch it with interest. And because I produce music, I study emotions a lot."
He added, "When I think about love, I usually think about the fans. I write songs by asking myself what my feelings are when I love my fans. So when I watch 'Love Experiment' this time, I put myself in the situation and think, 'What if our fan did that?' Thinking about fans brings the emotion of love to mind."
Charles Enter said firmly, "I never planned to work as a broadcaster, but I joined because this was a program I really wanted to do. Unless it is a show I really, really want to do, I plan to continue as a YouTuber and have no intention of working as a broadcaster."
She also laughed and said, "I shouldn't say this, but I work with people I like. This time I did it thanks to Lee Jin-ju PD, and if it is Lee Jin-ju PD again in the future, I would do it. If they are considerate when filming, I think I would do it."
When asked about her stage name, she said, "I had never really thought about it. On broadcast, I want to work as Charles. The channel name Charles Enter felt like SM Entertainment. From now on, I will work as Charles."
The cast pointed to 'comfort' as one of the show's strengths. Jooheon said, "We filmed so comfortably that I wondered if it was really okay to shoot this casually. At first, Chan-mi and I were a little awkward, but as we kept filming, we became comfortable." Charles Enter added, "I can't even call him oppa, but we've become close enough that I can. It's nice to get close to an idol. And we film in the attic of the PD's house. The location itself gives a unique sense of comfort."
'Love Experiment' is promising a different kind of entertainment through new dating experiments in each episode. In particular, it has already drawn major attention with a preview of a 'bed date,' where a man and woman who meet for the first time spend time together in bed. While 'Transit Love' drew buzz with reunited ex-lovers and 'My Sibling's Romance' with siblings living together, viewers ultimately became more deeply immersed in the cast members' emotions and relationships than in the setup itself. In that sense, 'Love Experiment' is also expected to be understood in a similar context.
Lee said, "'Transit Love' and 'My Sibling's Romance' had unusual setups, but I thought the people taking part just needed to be sincere and natural. That was also the meaning I had in mind for the 'bed date.' When we have meetings, we do not only meet in a conference room. Sometimes we meet at home, and I found that conversations often go well when people are lying down and chatting comfortably. If the cast talks in a relaxed space, I thought they could have softer conversations because of the environment. Once that was explained and understood, people agreed to appear."
Charles Enter also said, "I was surprised when I heard it was a 'bed date,' but I knew it would never actually go that way. When Lee Jin-ju PD's dating shows were first revealed, there were many negative reactions, but once they start, misunderstandings are cleared up and people come to understand human emotions well."
On working with Netflix after TVING and Wavve, Lee said, "This is the first time the show will be serviced on a global OTT platform. I ended up searching in English. But more posts came up than I expected. People in many countries were following and mentioning it. I felt really good. It felt like a new challenge, and I thought I should work even harder."
Finally, Kang Yoo-min PD said, "I want to do the 'Infinite Challenge' of the dating show world. I will work with many different ideas, with the mindset of going as far as we can and seeing it through to the end. I have a goal of taking it all the way." Charles Enter added, "There are not many slow-motion shots from the moment we appear, and there are no unnecessary inserts. The pace is fast. It is a fast-moving dating show suited to the era of Shorts and Reels."
Reporter Jung Bit rightlight@sportschosun.com
