“Watching ‘Hawa-su’ (Jung Jun-ha and Park Myung-soo) on Hangout with Yoo recently made me realize once again how incredible Infinite Challenge was. The older brothers are cheat codes. You may get tired of them if you see them often, but when they come together, their explosive power is remarkable. They are impossible to beat.”
News Culture met producer Kim Tae-ho PD, who continues to uphold his reputation as a star creator from the national variety show Infinite Challenge to his latest program The Secret Friends Club, on Feb. 20 at TEO headquarters in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.
MBC’s variety program The Secret Friends Club is an undercover reality show centered on the idea of people who know how to share what they receive. Choo Sung-hoon, Noh Hong-chul, Lee Soo-ji, Dex, and Jennie gained attention as the Season 1 cast. Jung Hae-in, Go Youn-jung, Park Myung-soo, Hong Jin-kyung, and Kim Do-hoon have been confirmed for Season 2, while Cha Tae-hyun, Hwang Kwang-hee, Park Bo-young, Lee Sun-bin, and Kang Hoon are set to appear in Season 3.
The Secret Friends Club has drawn attention as Kim’s new MBC project following Good Day last year. The addition of top stars such as Jennie, Go Youn-jung, Park Bo-young, and Jung Hae-in, alongside Infinite Challenge alumni including Noh Hong-chul, Park Myung-soo, and Hwang Kwang-hee, has further heightened expectations.
While the show delivered emotional depth through tense pursuit sequences reminiscent of Infinite Challenge and heartfelt stories of preparing gifts for one’s secret partner, ratings have been modest. It debuted at 2.1 percent and declined to 1.3 percent by its third episode.
Regarding this, Kim said calmly, “I am carefully monitoring what viewers want. I intend to reflect feedback in future episodes.”
He also explained how the program originated. “The idea first came from Jennie during the filming of My Name Is Gabriel. It began with the thought, ‘Let’s exchange gifts at the end of the year.’ This content was designed to prioritize empathy over stimulation, and those who appreciated that vision willingly joined the project.”
Kim said he did not anticipate how intense the pursuit element would become. “We intended to capture the process of thoughtfully preparing gifts or events for someone. I did not expect Jennie and Dex to be that competitive. We had a structure prepared, but allowing the cast to move freely without rigid boundaries created a raw and authentic kind of entertainment.”
He continued, “We hoped the chemistry among each group would continue after filming, and it did. They even organized follow up gatherings. It was rewarding to see the connections deepen. I also saw them offering warm advice to Kwang-hee, and he said he was deeply moved.”
Kim added, “These days, people often send birthday gifts through KakaoTalk, even with preset messages. With just a few taps, a gift is delivered. Through the concept of ‘manitto,’ I wanted to highlight the value of putting sincere effort into giving a gift to someone you care about. At first, the cast felt uncertain, but as they learned more about their secret partner, genuine closeness naturally formed.”
He also reflected on the deeper meaning of gift giving. “More than expensive gifts, what matters is how much thought and preparation you put into them. Choo Sung-hoon demonstrated that well. That’s how things unexpectedly led to a trip to Japan. I believe it became an opportunity to reconsider the meaning of giving.”
Kim also spoke about the Infinite Challenge members’ presence. “As the show took on a pursuit format, some viewers said they expected Noh Hong-chul to use the kind of tricks he did in Infinite Challenge,” he said. “I believe he chose a different emotional approach this time. Because I know him well, it felt familiar. It felt like the real Noh Hong-chul.”
He continued, “In Season 2, Park Myung-soo initially raised his voice, determined to do his part, but he soon recognized how he stood out and adjusted his approach, skillfully drawing laughter,” Kim said. “He remained sincere until the end, and everyone was moved.”
Kim also hinted at unexpected chemistry between Park Myung-soo and Go Youn-jung. “I already knew Go Youn-jung had a down to earth personality,” he said. “For producers, it is always exciting when someone appearing on variety for the first time reveals new sides of themselves.”
He added, “Jung Hae-in also worked sincerely. There are moments when his eyes sparkle. It surprised me. Kim Do-hoon also has a constant energy. He is a mood maker with a warm, approachable charm.”
Kim spoke candidly about changes in content consumption. “We consider broadcast television, OTT platforms, and YouTube. Viewing habits and audience preferences are all different. I continuously think about how to balance these platforms and reach viewers effectively.”
He continued, “There are many people who excel at genre programs or survival shows. That is why new attempts are always important. Preparing The Secret Friends Club was enjoyable. I believed viewers would connect with it, and I am continuing forward with that mindset.”
Kim also reflected honestly on Infinite Challenge. “Looking back, it was a successful program, but there were many times when it was not fun. Rather than focusing solely on ratings, we continued to move forward.”
He added, “Countless programs are launching today. Many are recognized but never watched. What matters most is becoming content that remains remembered. Only by surviving can future seasons exist. The goal of Season 1 is to determine whether The Secret Friends Club can sustain itself while incorporating viewer feedback.”
Many still call Infinite Challenge the nation’s variety show. Fans hoped for a reunion during its 20th anniversary last year, but it did not happen.
Kim said, “I worked on it the longest, but MBC holds the rights. It can only proceed if MBC and the cast agree. We had many discussions last year, but nothing was finalized. Everyone understands how important the program is.”
He also spoke about Good Day Season 2, created with G Dragon. “We are currently in meetings to develop music in a different way from Season 1. Filming will begin once preparations are complete. The program began through conversations with GD. Without him, it would not be possible.”
Kim continued, “GD is extremely busy, especially with BIGBANG’s 20th anniversary this year. We are preparing to deliver another meaningful musical project.”
After leaving MBC in 2022, Kim founded TEO and has continued producing conversation shaping content such as World Dice Tour, Dancing Queens on the Road, My Name Is Gabriel, Good Day, and The Secret Friends Club.
He concluded, “Filming for The Secret Friends Club went very well. I will complete the project properly and see it through to the end. TEO produces content across platforms from YouTube to Netflix. While exploring new directions, I remain committed to avoiding content that feels outdated. I always strive to stay ahead. Please continue to watch.”
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