Watching television, one naturally feels compelled to praise people who silently carry their weight with sincerity and consideration. Moments of professionalism and respect were easy to find. These days, not so much.
Last week there was something worth praising, but it wasn’t on mainstream TV. Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars 2 offered multiple moments of dignity, respect and empathy even in fierce competition. Before we get to that, though, there’s one TV scene that can’t be ignored.
On December 27, MBC aired episode 378 of Point of Omniscient Interfere. Comedian Lee Young Ja reopened his “gaemaek” (grocery store) gathering for the second time, inviting the cast of Disney+’s Made in Korea Hyun Bin, Jung Woo Sung, Park Yong Woo, Noh Jae Won and Kang Gil Woo.
The problem? There were five guests, but the attention was paid almost exclusively to two.
From Lee Young Ja to fellow panelists RalRal and Poongja, the focus remained firmly on Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung. Park Yong Woo barely had a chance to speak – his voice could be counted on one hand throughout the entire episode.
Noh Jae Won and Kang Gil Woo at least had moments to discuss the project, sing or perform. Park Yong Woo, however, was effectively made invisible. It’s unclear whether his scenes were cut or he was simply never engaged, but both explanations point to rudeness.
If the production only wanted Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung, they should have invited just the two of them.
Park Yong Woo is not a rookie or a supporting extra. Born in 1971, he debuted as an MBC talent in 1995 and has an extensive filmography that spans decades. Due to age, experience and seniority, there was no justification to sideline him. While there was a lack of usable footage, a studio mention or contextual commentary could and should have been added.
The format of Point of Omniscient Interfere relies heavily on observation and discussion. The fact that no one has noticed or addressed the imbalance is disconcerting.
Was Park Yong Woo just shy? Bad in variety? The answer is no.
Anyone who watched Na Young Seok’s YouTube channel PD Channel Fullmoon, where Hyun Bin, Park Yong Woo, Woo Do Hwan, and Seo Eun Soo appeared together, would know better. While Hyun Bin naturally attracted attention, the opportunities were distributed much more equally. Park Yong Woo even kicked in the humor, joking about how rare it was to have individual chairs on set. “This has to be a money production,” he quipped.
This contrast only further raises the question: Why was Park Yong Woo silenced on MBC?
Now, for something truly worthy of praise.
Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars 2 proves that competition doesn’t have to come at the expense of respect. When news broke that Monk Seonjae would appear on the show, concerns arose that the environment might be too harsh.
These fears turned out to be unfounded.
Watching Seonjae sincerely cheer for his opponent in the dark while saying he hoped the other chef won was unexpectedly heartwarming. Likewise, chef Park Hyo Nam’s desire for his rival to surpass him and “fly even higher” exemplified a generosity rarely seen on TV.
On team missions, veteran chef Hudukjuk willingly followed the instructions of a much younger chef and did not object when his knife was used without permission. These moments mattered.
The contrast is stark.
A program reduces its guests to props. Another maintains dignity even in the midst of rivalry. Viewers see everything. Viewers remember everything.
If broadcasters are still wondering why traditional television is losing its audience, perhaps the answer has already been given loud and clear.
Sources: Entermedia, MBC, Netflix, Disney+
