Netflix is back with a stronger lineup of entertainment.
On the 2nd, the 'Netflix Entertainment Festival 2025' took place at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul.
Over the past year, Netflix has released a diverse and fresh array of entertainment, including 'The Influencer', 'Rookie Singer Jo Jung-seok', 'Comedy Revenge', 'Culinary Class Wars', 'Zombieverse: New Blood', 'Ultimate Rugby: Fight or Win', 'Single's Inferno 4', 'Kian's Bizarre B&B', 'Devil's Plan: Death Room', and 'Better Late Than Single'.
During the event, creators and Director Yoo Gi-hwan attended to discuss the upcoming Netflix shows. Director Yoo noted, "I mentioned four years ago that we would present three or four entertainment shows each year, and it seems we have reached a relatively stable trajectory. Rather than just a few projects, I would like to talk about the next stage of Netflix entertainment."
Director Yoo Gi-hwan announced plans to release new shows every month from September until 2026. He mentioned that 'Crime Scene Zero' will be released on September 23, followed by 'Physical: Asia' in October and 'Three Meals in Kenya' in November. Notably, he said, "The highly anticipated 'Culinary Class Wars 2' will be released in December." Additionally, 'Single's Inferno 5' is slated for January, 'Mystery Investigation Team 2' for February, and 'Kian's Bizarre B&B 2', 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp', and 'Better Late Than Single 2' are all set to premiere in 2026.
The first show, 'Crime Scene Zero', which is set to premiere on the 23rd, will be directed by PD Hwang Seul-woo. He stated, "This season of the Crime Scene series has expanded in terms of theme, story, and set scale due to its collaboration with Netflix. It's significant that many legendary players are reuniting for this season."
Regarding player casting, he explained, "Meeting global viewers through Netflix, some may already know the series, while others may find it unfamiliar. We felt the need for cast members who could embody the identity of Crime Scene. Therefore, we have chosen Park Ji-yoon, Jang Jin, Jang Dong-min, and all are suitable members."
Additionally, the guest system has been revived. PD Hwang added, "The guest system has returned this time. Each episode features delightful guests who engage in detective games and actively participate, including actor Park Sung-woong and Joo Hyun-young. Joo Hyun-young, being an experienced member of Crime Scene, excelled, while Park Sung-woong surprised us with his immersive performance, so I appreciate your anticipation. There will also be some amazing guests, so please look forward to it."
PD Jeong Jong-yeon, who is in charge of the upcoming release of 'Mystery Investigation Team 2' in February, stated, "In the first season, the episodes were short, and we faced a lot of pressure. This time, we have created three episodes, each with its unique charm. We have tried hard to ensure that no one feels like they just 'watched something.' We also plan to shoot in the field as well as in the studio to add more visual appeal."
He shared about his chemistry with the new members. Returning for Season 2 are Lee Yong-jin, John Park, Hae-ri, Kim Do-hoon, Karina, and the new investigator Gabee. PD Jeong remarked, "In Season 1, the chemistry among the six was evident, and despite it being the first season, they all performed very well. Entering Season 2, the six had established histories independent of our production, and since everyone eagerly awaited the recording, it felt like we were experiencing a show featuring long-time members from the very start. This is definitely something to look forward to."
PD Jang Ho-gi, who is directing 'Physical: Asia', explained, "This time, we wanted to present an expanded format with a national competition. Eight countries will participate, including the Philippines, where athlete Pacquiao will also take part. As there's pride in representing one's country during team competitions, it has become much more competitive, and viewers will have to hold their breath while watching. You can expect great things from it."
Including Korea, a total of eight countries – Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Mongolia, Japan, Indonesia, and Turkey – are expected to participate. PD Jang added, "Selecting countries was indeed challenging. We had to meet the expectations of what comes to mind when thinking of Asia, and I wanted to reflect the unique characteristics of various regions while considering many factors to make our decisions."
PD Kim Hak-min, who is directing 'Culinary Class Wars 2', mentioned, "Fans of the chefs who appeared in Season 1 really liked them, and we have participants who are no less than those from last season, and I think they will bring even more entertaining moments. Since the end of Season 1 and while preparing for Season 2, I received the question, 'So which restaurant should we visit? Please let us know in advance' the most often, particularly from my mother. I can't reveal any names, but I assure you that they will be just as impressive as last season, if not more so. Season 1 had participants that even I could not have imagined, so I hope you look forward to it."
Regarding the participation of Paik Jong-won as a judge, Director Yoo Gi-hwan stated, "We have confirmed the release for December. I've mentioned before that we must carefully consider the impact of this choice on the many people involved in this project. The show involves 100 chefs, close to 300 or 400 staff members, connected to the production. Therefore, we believe it is right to release it as planned and leave that decision to the audience."
PD Kim Ye-seul, who directed 'Three Meals in Kenya' and 'Lee Seo-jin's Dalla Dalla', stated, "The three of them had a promise to 'go see the giraffes'. It's a story about their travel together, and since they all get along very well, their spontaneous ad-libs will be a major point of interest. Moreover, as they traveled in the vast nature of Kenya, many breathtaking landscapes will be featured." He added that in 'Dalla Dalla', he had an enjoyable trip with his long-time friend Na Young-seok. "One point of interest is that the two of them traveled across various platforms, and now that Netflix, a major OTT platform, has come aboard, they felt thrilled. I believe it will be very enjoyable for viewers."
PD Kim Jae-won, who is directing 'Single's Inferno 5', said, "We have thought it would be interesting to eliminate participants, but we have faced harsh criticism from viewers, so this season will feature a larger cast than any previous season. Consequently, the characters will naturally diversify, and love lines will not be concentrated on just a few people as before; we aim to present a variety of love stories from different characters. Therefore, I believe this season will have many diverse and interesting stories."
He also shared insights into casting. PD Kim mentioned, "I visited places with many young people, but there were hardly any candidates. So, I made flyers and put them up at gyms or restaurants where participants are likely to visit and waited. Fortunately, a surprisingly impressive idol applied. I was so surprised and excited that I couldn't sleep, but when I contacted them, they said it was 'a joke,' which left me feeling disappointed. Furthermore, regarding the anticipated highlights of the show, I would predict that there will be a 'battle of the Teto girls' this season. Many female characters with outstanding and interesting characteristics will appear, and I believe a star will shine among them."
PD Kim No-eun, who is directing 'Better Late Than Single 2', stated, "Now that the number of applicants has significantly increased compared to Season 1, you can expect a greater variety of characters. We are also in the process of conceptualizing it as a closer, more intimate experience, learning from past trials and errors. Currently, we have recorded 12,000 applicants."
He continued, "I am grateful that Season 1's characters were loved so much, and while the goal is not to surpass them, the aim is to present a different kind of participant. I can't really mention who they are while scanning through the applications, but I am searching as thoroughly as possible."
For 'Kian's Bizarre B&B 2' and 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp', PD Lee So-min first talked about 'Kian's Bizarre B&B 2', saying, "Kian's impressive performance in Season 1 was noteworthy. He presented a combination of a raw, unpolished persona alongside a perfect host mode that guided his guests. After filming, he expressed a desire to do it again to improve further. Director Yoo also kindly pushed for Season 2 to happen, allowing for this progression." He added that Kian has been considering how to construct the house this season, feeling pressure to meet high expectations after the intense first season on Ulleungdo, and has even brought in sketches, which look quite bizarre. However, I have not yet decided if we will let Kian handle the design again, so it remains only his idea for now."
Regarding 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp', he commented, "Yoo Jae-suk has participated in numerous entertainment shows, but this will be his first in a lodging format. I believe that the lodging entertainment format reflects the host's philosophy and preferences. I am looking forward to seeing the new aspects he will reveal as he runs his inn. While I trust Yoo Jae-suk's leadership role, I also anticipate seeing his more casual, unguarded side, which we haven't seen before." He shared that, "So far, 55,000 teams have applied, and we have interviewed around 2,000 teams, approximately 3,500 individuals. While doing so, I realized what Yoo Jae-suk means in Korea. We're gathering people who want to have fun with him, which I believe conveys his charm. I expect it will be an inn that we create together."
[Photo] Provided by Netflix.
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