tvN's new variety show "We Are Not a Loving Couple" has finalised its first broadcast date for June 30 (Monday) at 10:10 p.m., and has exclusively revealed a Q&A with Choi Soo-jong and Ha Hee-ra.
"We Are Not a Loving Couple" is a program that provides careful solutions to couples' problems, where Choi Soo-jong and Ha Hee-ra authentically portray real couples' stories restructured in the form of a drama from the perspective of husbands and wives. As a mirror therapy drama therapy for couples in crisis, the shocking teaser video released before the first broadcast has elicited explosive reactions, surpassing 10.22 million cumulative views on social media. Additionally, in the recently released "Q&A teaser" video, they showed a loving couple appearance while also presenting the reality of couples through questions such as "When it seems we hate each other," "How would you rate your wife or husband?" and "If we were to be reborn, I would marry this person again."
With great interest, Choi Soo-jong and Ha Hee-ra will share their honest thoughts on being selected as the MCs for "We Are Not a Loving Couple" and their role in reenacting the troubled couples.
Full text of the Q&A interview with Choi Soo-jong and Ha Hee-ra from "We Are Not a Loving Couple"
We have taken on the challenge of couple clinic variety through tvN's "We Are Not a Loving Couple" (hereafter "Loving Couple"). What prompted you to become MCs for "Loving Couple," and how do you feel about it?
(Common answer) Yes, after much contemplation, we hoped that by indirectly experiencing the lives of couples who need solutions, we could provide practical advice. So, we began with the wish that troubled couples can make progress step by step and recover. However, portraying their lives turned out to be more challenging than expected. (laughs)
The pre-teaser video reenacting the stories of troubled couples has generated incredible buzz immediately after its release. Did you feel any pressure about having to act, and if so, what made you take on the challenge of acting?
(Ha Hee-ra) Until now, when acting in dramas, we have created characters from our imagination based on a defined synopsis. However, this drama therapy required us to portray real people, which was more difficult. Emotions had to be expressed neither overly nor insufficiently, so I felt that we were meticulously discussing and contemplating everything in detail with the production team and Choi Soo-jong.
(Choi Soo-jong) I think the burden was even greater since we were acting characters we had never played before. I paid a lot of attention to hair and makeup to resemble the real people as closely as possible, and fortunately, when we recorded the first episode, the troubled couple watched the monitor and were surprised, saying it looked just like them, which was somewhat comforting.
What was your impression of meeting the couples whose stories are featured?
(Common answer) It was very difficult to reflect their outward and inner appearances as closely as possible. Nonetheless, the reason we took on acting was that we are serving as the emotional friends for the troubled couples. By looking at the dialogue and situations, we develop empathy regarding why these words and actions were made. While it might seem on the surface that certain things were said or done sharply, once we perform, we find the rationale behind those characters, making it easier to empathize and understand their deeper inner selves. When we met those individuals during studio recordings, I felt as if they were another version of myself. It was quite nerve-wracking.
What was the atmosphere like on the recording set?
(Common answer) When we watched the videos with the troubled couples, I recall that we, as a couple, were even more nervous than the troubled couples about our performance. It allowed for more empathy and support through discussions.
Many couple clinic variety shows are being produced and gaining attention. What do you think sets the 'Loving Couple' program apart?
(Common answer) Our program is a mirror therapy drama therapy focused on couples' issues. It allows couples to see aspects of each other they might not notice through the drama, fostering empathy and understanding. Above all, it's great that we can indirectly experience their lives and, as emotional friends, provide advice with deeper understanding and empathy.
I definitely think advice and counsel are perceived differently from the listener's perspective. Counsel conveys a sense of authority, like saying, "I can't stand you anymore; you must live like this," while advice comes from the listener's point of view and is offered with genuine love for that person. In our program, since there are experts like lawyers and doctors, I believe they can provide that professional guidance. Our couple, on the other hand, shares small practical steps, not something monumental, but tangible actions they can begin right at this moment. We each write letters from the perspective of the husband and wife. Those letters and gifts have provided significant comfort to them.
As representatives of a sweet couple and the faces of loving couples in Korea, known for being married for 33 years, have you learned anything new or reflected on yourselves through this program?
(Common answer) Initially, to be honest, while reading the script, my first thought was, 'Why are they fighting? Why are they saying such harsh things?' However, as we act and analyze their hearts, I was able to give validity to my role, realizing that 'we could have fought, but we chose a different path, that's why we live well without fighting.' This made me more inclined to empathize and consider my partner's feelings, even regarding words that flowed out of my mouth, which could hurt them. It has led me to think about living better by allowing for more compromises with each other.
If there is a point that you hope viewers do not miss while watching 'Loving Couple,' what would it be?
(Common answer) Our program unfolds drama therapy through three perspectives. The first is an objective viewpoint showing the troubled couples' appearances, followed by the husband's perspective and finally the wife's perspective. Although the same situation is presented, viewers can experience varying perceptions of hurt or pain based on each perspective. We believe this will help the troubled couples realize the aspects they may have overlooked. We believe that viewers will also witness how different perspectives can change the way they see the other person in similar situations through our couple. We hope for great anticipation for the first broadcast.
[Photo] provided
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