SOURCE: '솔로지옥5' PD "최미나수에 걱정 말랬는데 죄송…회식 때 큰절했다" [MD인터뷰①]
The production team of 'Single's Inferno 5' expressed their gratitude toward cast member Choi Mina Sue.
On the 13th, producers Kim Jaewon, Kim Junghyun, and Park Suji from the Netflix dating show 'Single's Inferno' did an interview at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
'Single's Inferno 5' is a bold and honest dating show where singles look for love on a remote island called 'Inferno' and can only leave by becoming a couple. Each season has generated significant buzz and this season was a massive hit, reaching No. 2 in Netflix's Global TOP 10 (Non-English TV category). On the final episode on the 10th, five couples were formed: Kim Mingee-Song Seungil, Choi Mina Sue-Lee Sunghun, Park Heesun-Lim Subeen, Lee Jooyoung-Kim Jaejin, and Kim Goeun-Woo Sungmin.
Above all, the PDs expressed special gratitude to Choi Mina Sue, who was the most-talked about cast member this season. Producer Kim Jaewon said, "I'm so happy that people felt this season was more sincere than any other seasons. Many say, 'It's all thanks to Choi Mina Sue,' and Iagree. A few days ago at a company dinner, I met Choi Mina Sue, thanked her sincerely, and even gave her a full formal bow to show my appreciation."
When asked about her reaction, Kim Jaewon said, "When I bowed, Choi Mina Sue shyly tried to bow back. Every time I meet her, I'm impressed by how polite and bright she is. She made a great first impression during her interview."
He continued, "After editing the show, we realized she has many different sides that are different from her first impression. She is very multidimensional. I don't think it's easy for people to show their different sides on TV. Most people only try to show their best side on camera. If most people only show one side of the moon, Choi Mina Sue makes you realize that the moon is actually a sphere. She is that kind of multidimensional character. Most people are somewhat contradictory and emotionally vulnerable at times, and we are very grateful and respectful that Choi Mina Sue showed those sides more honestly than anyone else in front of the camera."
Regarding some viewers who commented, "The editors must've had fun editing Choi Mina Sue's scenes," Park Suji PD laughed and said, "Honestly, it was enjoyable. On the island, it's hard to fully hear every conversation. Not to mention that Choi Mina Sue spoke in English a lot. So we didn't always know exactly what was being said, but when we heard the conversations in the editing room, it was very exciting."
She added, "I'm not saying this in a negative way, obviously... But Choi Mina Sue is a very fascinating person. Having the opportunity to witness someone who has so many different sides was the most interesting part for us. However, we didn't intentionally edit her in a way to make her look like the 'villain' character."
Kim Jaewon PD explained, "By the time you've filmed up to Season 5, you realize that everyone says or does something that could become controversial. I mean, if you record ordinary people 24 hours for 10 days, I think everyone, including myself, would have moments like that. Our only rule when it comes to editing is just one thing: to focus on the romance. In Choi Mina Sue's case, she has very diverse emotions when it comes to dating. Since we're a dating show, she may have been portrayed that way. However, the Choi Mina Sue we know personally is very social, friendly, adorable, and bright."
What was their first impression of Choi Mina Sue? Kim Junghyun PD said, "Since she had lived abroad, she was very expressive. We knew she would have good chemistry with the male cast members, but we didn't expect it to be this much. We could already see her character during our first meeting." Kim Jaewon PD added, "Our meetings are typically social interactions. But in private emotional exchanges, Choi Mina Sue was extremely interesting. She has many ironic elements. I felt she was a participant who showed her most 'dishonest' moments in the most 'honest' way, which is why people couldn't stop watching her."
Despite her popularity, Choi Mina Sue also received many malicious comments. Kim Jaewon PD said, "I talked to her on the phone often. She was very worried, so I told her, 'Don't worry, it will get better by week 3. So, you can check the internet then.' But even in week 3, the comments were still bad. So, at the company dinner, I told her, 'I'm sorry. I made a mistake. It'll get better by week 4.'" He added, "At the dinner, it seemed like her mental state had recovered. She thanked us now that she has gained many supportive fans. The other cast members also said they were grateful to her."
They also addressed the buzz about MC Hong Jinkyung appearing to bow apologetically to Choi Mina Sue at the recent company dinner. Park Suji PD said, "Since she had a lot to say about Choi Mina Sue, it seemed like she had already imagined the scene beforehand." Kim Jaewon PD added, "In reality, Hong Jinkyung hugged and apologized to Choi Mina Sue as soon as she arrived. Later, she even suggested to film something fun and lighthearted so viewers wouldn't misunderstand their relationship."
Finally, Kim Jaewon PD revealed that he plans to treat Choi Mina Sue a very expensive meal to thank her. He said, "I told her we should have a meal together. Maybe I should look into a really expensive, Michelin-star restaurant and pay out of my own pocket."
