Viewer reactions are once again divided over producer Na Young Seok’s variety show. Some viewers criticize the program commemorating the 10th anniversary of tvN’s Reply 1988 for showing too many scenes featuring the production team.
The controversial program is the variety show Reply 1988 10th Anniversary, which premiered on the 19th. Many leading actors from the original drama, including Ryu Jun Yeol, Hyeri, and Park Bo Gum, appeared. The show captures a one-night, two-day trip to celebrate the 10th anniversary. Along with these three leads, stars who defined the Reply 1988 phenomenon all came together.
Since the drama cast reunited for the first time in 10 years since the finale, viewer expectations were high. Early in the broadcast, casual chats, games, and warm reactions among the cast helped viewers reminisce.
However, after the broadcast, some viewers voiced complaints about there being too many scenes featuring producers Na Young Seok and Shin Won Ho. One viewer pointed out, “Unlike typical variety shows that focus on the cast, the camera closely captured the production team and gave significant screen time to their reactions.”
In particular, criticism arose as the editing repeatedly contrasted drama PD Shin Won Ho adapting to the unfamiliar variety show environment with PD Na Young Seok, making the production team stand out more than the cast. Furthermore, during game segments, raw audio from the production team was aired without editing, leading viewers to say, “It’s hard to focus on the actors, and it reduces immersion.”
This is not the first controversy over Na Young Seok’s directorial style. He has often featured the production team as characters in his shows. Some view this as a unique aspect of his programs, but criticisms of excessive producer exposure also persist.
Given the strong anticipation for the actors’ reunion in this 10th anniversary special, analysts say the production team’s excessive involvement backfired.
