'The birth of a worker' returns as season 2 with new members Kim Min-kyung and Ahn Sung-hoon joining youth leader Son Heon-soo.
On the morning of the 11th, the production presentation for the KBS 1TV entertainment program 'The Birth of a Worker Season 2' was streamed via YouTube. This event was recorded at the filming location of 'The Birth of a Worker Season 2' conducted earlier. Son Heon-soo, Kim Min-kyung, Ahn Sung-hoon, and Director Lee Won-sik, who are fixed grants for the program, attended to showcase the event.
'The Birth of a Worker 2' is a program that returns as season 2, where 'The Birth of a Worker' resolved complaints anywhere there were grievances over the past three years. In season 2, the scale of the grievances and the target of the complainants have also expanded. The project depicts the infinite challenges of workers for a better world in Korea, where help is needed in factories, corporations, local governments, and anywhere assistance is required.
Returning about a year later after airing from 2021 to 2024, following youth leader Son Heon-soo from the first season, comedian Kim Min-kyung and 'Mr. Trot 2' winner Ahn Sung-hoon joined as new members. In this regard, Kim Min-kyung noted, "I often heard from those around me why this good program disappeared, and that it was a program that needed to be revived."
Director Lee Won-sik expressed, "It wasn't easy not doing it after three years. I am glad to be back." He emphasized the rewards unique to 'The Birth of a Worker' series when he stated, "There is a sense of fulfillment that can be felt here. We choose towns we don't usually go to and actually go to hard-hit areas."
Kim Min-kyung also revealed her reason for joining 'The Birth of a Worker 2' by saying, "I realized that it feels good to help someone and be of service. I wanted to do a program like this. After coming here and filming, I wondered, 'Why did I think that? It's not just about watching. Shouldn't I enjoy that happiness somewhere else?' It makes you feel like it's impossible alone, and you really need many people to help to make this program a reality. I am approaching it joyfully with that warm heart."
He said, "I have done many difficult and hard programs, but 'The Birth of a Worker 2' is no ordinary program." Ahn Sung-hoon added, "Sister cried from the first recording," expressing his sympathy. In response, Kim Min-kyung said, "Son Heon-soo is truly amazing," and Son Heon-soo responded, "The more we sweat, the more the elders smile," evoking emotion.
Ahn Sung-hoon expressed, "Since season 1, it has been a program loved by many elders, so I wanted to participate. But I didn't receive any casting calls. I want to help many people. After coming here and experiencing it, we are working hard, but the production team is also working really hard. Whether it rains or snows, the production team works hard."
He emphasized, "The production team, who suffer in any inclement weather, is truly amazing. Therefore, this program depends heavily on the audience's support. Please watch us and cheer for us to keep our spirits up."
Son Heon-soo expressed pride, saying, "We block it as long as the sun is out. But the camera crew can't even raise their hands. Many people suffer. This program is uniquely dedicated to return to the viewers after all this hard work."
Can we expect a singing scene from Ahn Sung-hoon as well? He responded, "Wherever I go, if there are songs people like, I sing them," adding to the anticipation.
There were also differentiation points between season 1 and season 2. Director Lee Won-sik explained, "In season 1, we only visited one village, but in season 2, we included corporations and local governments that strive for the region as bases, thinking about how to help with labor shortages for those involved. There are many warm people and beautiful places in the region, so I hoped viewers could bridge that emotional distance and embraced the significance of regional coexistence."
Then, what about Son Heon-soo, who has been with the show since season 1? He shared, "Our reason for existence is to do the things that elderly people living alone cannot do by themselves and to take on tasks amidst their practical circumstances. There were elderly people whose three children had passed away in either the first or second episode. I felt that helping such people is our reason for existence. It was during those moments that I felt rewarded."
He continued, "Also, when we succeeded just by putting our bodies into it, the sense of accomplishment grew. When the mothers showed tears of gratitude, I thought, 'I have to do this.' I felt our purpose in being here." Reflecting on how difficult season 1 was, Son Heon-soo added, "Now local governments and regional corporations are also helping, so it has improved."
Son Heon-soo also admired Kim Min-kyung's communication skills. Kim Min-kyung stated, "The mothers simply say, 'You're pretty, you're pretty,' and I genuinely appreciate that. So I think I genuinely try to do my best for them." In response, Son Heon-soo remarked, "That's why our Min-kyung must be there. Don't start the engine to leave (for Seoul)," adding to the humor. Ahn Sung-hoon also chimed in, "I feel much more comfortable with mothers and fathers than with younger people."
Director Lee Won-sik said, "I knew Mr. Kim Min-kyung was strong, and I also thought he had sensitivity. I believed he had a warm ability to empathize. Our mothers seem to receive a lot of comfort when he speaks, not only through work. Also, Mr. Ahn Sung-hoon brings happiness just by being seen, so I thought of him as a dopamine source and cast him," he laughed.
Son Heon-soo expressed surprise, saying, "I was shocked. The mothers were happy to see me as 'the youth leader,' and when they saw Ahn Sung-hoon, they pushed me aside to see him. I realized how much Ahn Sung-hoon means to them." Ahn Sung-hoon, who said he received a lot of criticism during the first episode, responded, "That means there is potential for growth," creating anticipation for the next season.
On another note, Son Heon-soo joked, "I froze the pay. I've been requesting it to be reduced so I can cling to it." Kim Min-kyung said, "No. You are important. We need to be together to support each other, and I feel that our hearts are united." Son Heon-soo added, "Honestly, I am a bit clumsy. But he manages everything for me." Ahn Sung-hoon remarked, "I feel like I've gained a sister and brother as I'm an only child."
In response to the question, 'Do you really do all the work?' Son Heon-soo said, "Until I came here, I didn't know. I repeatedly ask, 'Is this real?' 'Is this reality?' But if we do our work carelessly or half-heartedly in front of the elderly who have entrusted us with grievances, their expressions and words of appreciation will not emerge sincerely later on. They won't even shed a tear. For them to truly be grateful to us, we must put in genuine effort; there shouldn't be even a hint of deceit."
Director Lee Won-sik emphasized, "I always hear that kind of remark: 'I thought they just pretended to work and left.' No. Please recognize that we genuinely do the work." Kim Min-kyung also requested, "During the first episode, an elderly person kept telling us to leave the field. We couldn't do that, so we wrapped up the work and came out. Please understand that it's sincere and watch us with the same heart as ours."
Finally, about the reasons to watch 'The Birth of a Worker 2', Son Heon-soo emphasized, "The only thing that is the same between season 1 and 2 is me. Everything else, the places we go, the grievances, the visuals, and the members have all changed. Whether it's strength, fun, or warmth, I hope you will watch Kim Min-kyung, who has it all tightly grasped, along with the healing presence of Ahn Sung-hoon."
'The Birth of a Worker Season 2' will premiere tonight (the 11th) at 7:40 p.m.
[Photo] Provided by KBS.
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