Why is the celebrity gift-exchange variety show 'Manitto Club' fails to charm viewers?

SOURCE: 연예인들 선물 교환 예능 '마니또 클럽', 왜 매력 없을까

'Manitto Club,' a show where celebrities exchange gifts while hiding their identities, has been struggling with ratings in the 1% range. Despite the star-studded lineup including Jennie, Dex, Choo Sunghoon, and Lee Suji, it hasn't managed to generate much buzz.

MBC 'Manitto Club,' which released its first episode on the 1st, calls itself as a 'chaotic undercover gift-delivery variety show.' The first group features Choo Sunghoon, Noh Hongchul, Dex, and Jennie. Meanwhile, the second group features Park Myungsoo, Hong Jinkyung, Jung Haein, and Go Younjung. Even though the cast lineup is as glamorous as an awards show, the performance is disappointing. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode reached viewer ratings of 2.1%, but dropped to 1.6% for the second episode, and 1.3% for the third episode.

The first thing that receives criticism is the concept itself. The setup where celebrities complete secret missions and build relationships through gift exchanges has been used many times in the past. Especially since there was a similar segment on 'Infinite Challenge,' viewers can't help but feel a sense of deja vu.

In fact, the bigger issue is not the familiarity of the concept itself. Even a familiar concept can be fun if there's a new twist. However, 'Manitto Club' has failed to show that potential. While the cast members are charming, they haven't developed new characters through the show.

It's difficult to grow emotions just by exchanging gifts. Although the cast later gathers in a studio to share their thoughts on watching each other, it's not interesting enough. In shows where people trick and track each other, viewers usually look for sincere worries or unpredictable chemistry. However, 'Manitto Club' focuses so much on completing missions that the situations move on too quickly before any genuine emotional connections between the cast can naturally develop.

Additionally, the change in viewers' tastes is also the reason why 'Manitto' concept is less appealing now. In the past, simply watching the daily lives of celebrities felt fresh. Now, in an era where celebrities' private lives are widely shared on Youtube and social media, the concept of 'celebrities hanging out together' is no longer competitive.

'Manitto Club' feels somewhat a bit too focused on the celebrities themselves, making it difficult for viewers at home to relate or find it dramatically exciting. It has failed to find a common ground that everyone can enjoy.

COMMENTS:

-I’m forcing myself to watch it just to see my favorite celebrityㅠㅠ

-The concept is boring, and the cast is boring as well.

-The whole 'manitto' concept is boring. It's only fun for the people actually doing it.

-What's the point of watching rich celebrities exchange gifts with each other?

-Who would even want to watch this?ㅋ I’m not curious at all.

-I'm seriously not interested at all....... Did they really think this would hit big…?

-Hul... This show was created by Kim Taeho??

-The concept itself is really old-fashioned.

-I don't watch anything Taeho PD does anymore. Every single show he makes is insanely boring.

-I didn't even know it was already airing.

-I watched it twice and it was boring. Just cancel this show.

-How can a show be this boring?

-Kim Taeho PD hasn't made a single fun thing since 'Infinite Challenge.'

-Jennie was cute, but the show itself was boring.

Continue reading Why is the celebrity gift-exchange variety show 'Manitto Club' fails to charm viewers?

The birth of the second 'Infinite Challenge?' ... Kim Taeho PD returns to MBC with a 'crazy lineup' oh Jennie, Dex, and Lee Suji

SOURCE: 제2의 '무한도전' 탄생?…김태호 PD, 제니·덱스·이수지 '미친 조합'으로 MBC 컴백

MBC's new show 'Manitto Club' (directed by Kim Taeho) will start airing on Sunday, February 1, at 6.10 PM (KST). It is an undercover reality variety show built around the concept of 'a group of people who know how to share two when they receive one.' The cast members are randomly assigned 'manitto' and must give gifts while keeping their identities hidden. The first lineup includes Jennie, Dex, Choo Sunghoon, Noh Hongchul, and Lee Suji.

The most unique part of 'Manitto Club' is its story world. In its worldview, characters like Santa, Genie, and even the Snail Bride, are all members of the 'Manitto Club.' They work at secret headquarters located around the world and blend into everyday life to give gifts secretly. The one and only rule is not to get caught. Since the world has less laughter and warmth now, the Korean headquarters is recruiting new members to start the story.

The new recruits who receive invitations must complete both individual and group secret missions assigned by headquarters to become official members. The privilege of becoming an official member is feeling the joy of both giving and receiving. This story was first shown in a teaser video with Jennie as the storyteller, which drew attention before the show even started.

The secret missions are unpredictable from the very first meeting. To avoid exposing their identities, the five new members join a video chat using animal filters. Because they don't know who is who, unexpected accidents happen. Even the production team got nervous when some members almost got their identities discovered.

The manitto draw is done through a random gacha-style. Because the members don't know who their partners are in real-time, it causes excitement and tension both at the same time. During the gift delivery process, there are even chase scenes, promising legendary funny moments to come. Viewers are excited to see how this pure-dopamine secret gift mission will work. 

The stars' surprising charms are another key highlight of the show. Jennie, Dex, Choo Sunghoon, Noh Hongchul, and Lee Suji become very emotional over even small gifts. Viewers will be able to see their honest, human sides, which are different from their usual images on stages, match, or TV. 

After the individual missions ends, they will start their group missions. The members go on secret missions to give a special day to more people, bringing both laughter and heartwarming moments. They will show off their unique ideas and donate their talents in fun ways while sharing the love they received.

With the members showing great chemistry during their chaotic missions, 'Manitto Club' aims to give both laughs and touching moments. MBC's 'Manitto Club,' starring Jennie, Dex, Choo Sunghoon, Noh Hongchul, and Lee Suji will start airing on Sunday, February 1, at 6.10 PM (KST).

Continue reading The birth of the second 'Infinite Challenge?' ... Kim Taeho PD returns to MBC with a 'crazy lineup' oh Jennie, Dex, and Lee Suji

Go Younjung makes her first-ever appearance in variety show ... Unlocking her charms through 'Manitto Club'

SOURCE: [단독]고윤정, 첫 예능 전격 출연…'마니또 클럽'으로 매력 봉인 해제

According to a report by SPOTV News on the 22nd, Go Younjung will appear on MBC's new variety show 'Manitto Club.'

'Manitto Club' is an undercover gift-giving variety show based on the concept of gathering people who 'know how to share two things when they receive one.' The cast will be randomly assigned 'Manitto' relationships and must deliver gifts while keeping their identities hidden until the very end.

The show is already drawing expectations after revealing its star-studded lineup such as BLACKPINK's Jennie, Dex, Choo Sunghoon, Noh Hongchul, Lee Suji, and more.

Go Younjung will join 'Manitto Club' as a 'hidden card.' Since her debut in 2019 through the drama 'He Is Psychometric,' this marks her first time appearing as a regular cast on a variety show. Previously, sha had only made single appearances on variety shows like 'Nattering with Nah,' 'Salon Drip,' and 'You Quiz on the Block' for promotional purposes.

Go Younjung is famous for her goddess-like visuals that look as if they were created with CGI, contrasted by her down-to-earth and easygoing personality. On 'Manitto Club,' viewers can expect the candid, unfiltered charms of Go Younjung. Expectations are highto see what new side she will reveal in her first variety show appearance.

'Manitto Club' will premiere on February 1st at 6:10 PM (KST).

Continue reading Go Younjung makes her first-ever appearance in variety show ... Unlocking her charms through 'Manitto Club'