Former soccer player Park Ji-sung confidently anticipated the success of 'Man In Europe 2025' with Evra.
On the 19th, STUDIO X+U and Shoot for Love released a joint interview featuring Park Ji-sung and Evra regarding the entertainment show 'Man In Europe (Man In Europe) 2025.'
'Man In Europe 2025' is expected to excite football fans and viewers worldwide with K-support, adding to the enhanced chemistry between Park Ji-sung and Evra as well as traditional Korean games gaining attention due to 'Squid Game.' Amid this, Park Ji-sung and Evra left a Q&A about 'Man In Europe 2025.' It will be first released on the 19th, Wednesday, on U+tv and U+mobiletv.
Below is the full Q&A with Park Ji-sung (hereinafter referred to as Park) and Evra (hereinafter referred to as Ev).
1. 'Man In Europe' is returning in 2025. Did you think you would meet again so soon? What were your thoughts when you heard about the confirmation of season 2?
Park: Honestly, I didn’t expect we would meet again so quickly. I heard that many people loved it, but there can be various variables when starting a new season. However, I heard news about the new season starting sooner than expected. When I heard this news, the first players I thought of were the junior players I met last season. There might be players who have similar concerns to those I met then, as well as others who have different concerns, and I hope to prepare well this season to be of help to the junior players, even if only a little.
Ev: I didn't expect to return so quickly. I guess the viewers must have really liked it. Honestly, I really like this program. I enjoyed season 2 more than season 1. I didn't expect it, but this series is getting better and better. When I heard the news that season 2 was confirmed, I was really excited. I felt like a child. Because this program is more than just simple.
2. What did you two as a 'close duo' talk about when you heard the news of 'Man In Europe 2025'?
Park: First of all, Evra was very happy. We talked about preparing well to make it even more fun and helpful to the juniors than last season.
Ev: I immediately said, "Ji, we have to do it!" We must do it and do it better. As you know, Ji and I have quite different personalities, but I was really happy. This year, I was excited to think about which special guests we would invite. Last year, Rio Ferdinand came, and this year, we will have another special guest.
3. What do you each think of each other as partners?
Park: Although Evra and I have different personalities and cultural backgrounds, I feel comfortable and have a good time when we're together. Even though we don't see each other often, it always feels like we're together. So rather than thinking of each other as partners or friends, I think of him as family.
Ev: Of course, we see each other as partners (laughs). Ji always says he’s the good one and I’m the bad one, but I think I’m the good one and Ji is the bad one. People may not know it well, but we really match well. Ji is more calm, and I have a fiery, passionate personality, so we balance each other well. He has a good sense of humor, and I’m always energetic. Ji tries to calm me down, but he doesn’t succeed. And he loves me so much that he can’t refuse my requests. I love Ji just the same.
4. Has anything changed since 'Man In Europe'?
Park: Before, I barely had the opportunity to meet junior players one by one, but through 'Man In Europe,' I got to spend personal time with juniors and got to know them better, and it allowed me to reflect on my past self. Since then, I have been supporting and watching over the juniors with more warmth and interest.
Ev: A lot has changed. My perspective on young players and their culture in Korea has changed too. They are really strict about discipline and humble. That's really good. But I also learned that sometimes it can be detrimental to them. That's what I learned. Some young players I saw had a more European culture, and it seems they think, "I need to score goals, not just pass the ball all the time." Their culture makes them feel truly grateful and blessed. So I have confidence in the younger generation of players. If I get the opportunity to coach the Korean national team with Ji, I am sure we can achieve something great. I really think there’s a significant difference.
5. Last season, you were invited to the 'Manchester Derby' and made headlines with a heartwarming reunion with Manchester United legends. Will we see such unexpected friendly faces again this time? Please give us a little spoiler.
Park: You might be able to expect a lot again this time. I think you’ll be able to meet legendary players I played with. Legendary foreign football players that Evra met will also make surprise appearances.
Ev: Last season was really good. It was a moment of reunion with other Manchester United legends during the 'Manchester Derby.' But there will be something amazing this season too. That player is a club legend, and we have prepared everything to ensure he can participate. We had some really good conversations. Well, I don't want to give too much of a spoiler, but let me just say that player is not a blonde. He doesn’t have blond hair, and he doesn’t have black hair either (laughs).
6. If season 3 is produced, is there any junior player you would like to meet? I'm also curious about your thoughts on any concepts for season 3.
Park: Rather than a specific junior, I want to meet as many juniors as possible. But Evra kept insisting that season 3 should be in Korea during the filming. If given the opportunity, I also thought it would be nice to invite my friends Evra and Tévez to Korea to create special memories.
7. If there are any changes in this season, please let us know and tell us one point to watch while viewing.
Park: In season 1, we provided a coffee truck to the club, but this time we added a Korean food truck. We also had special games with the players. There will be a variety of fun activities more than season 1, so I hope for your great expectations.
Ev: I think viewers should pay attention to whether the Korean players become strict and generous while also turning into 'killers.' I don’t want to use the word 'killer,' but I hope Korean players become strong like killers. If they do, I believe they could win the World Cup along with the new generation. Also, one more thing - the idea that Ji is a good person is a misconception. I’m the good person and Ji is the bad person, so focus on that.
8. If you have any comments you'd like to share with your viewers, please do.
Park: First of all, I want to thank you all for the love you showed for season 1 of 'Man In Europe.' I visited our junior players this season and gave them a lot of support. I ask that you enjoy it and support our players a lot again. Thank you.
Ev: There will be amazing excitement, laughter, and many things to learn in 'Man In Europe 2025,' so don’t miss it. Expectations for season 3 are already high. Each season gets better. There will be a lot of amazing moments, and you will love this program. You will also see how 'Man In Europe' spreads your culture around the world, how much I love Korea, and how great Ji is as a royal representative of Korea.
[Photo] Provided by STUDIO X+U.
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