Park Hyun-seok, the producer-director of 'My Child's Romance,' spoke up about some concerns directed at the program.
In a recent written interview with OSEN, Park Hyun-seok, who directs 'My Child's Romance,' a co-produced variety show by tvN STORY and T-cast E Channel, conveyed the program's planning intent and his thoughts on the controversy.
'My Child's Romance,' which premiered on the 20th of last month, is a reality variety show that depicts parents watching their children date and the stories of children who grow through romance.
The cast includes Lee Jong-hyuk's son Lee Tak-su, Kim Dae-hee's daughter Kim Sa-yoon, Ahn Yoo-seong's son Ahn Seon-jun, Lee Chul-min's daughter Lee Shin-hyang, Park Ho-san's son Park Jun-ho, Jeon Hee-cheol's daughter Jeon Su-wan, Lee Jong-won's son Lee Seong-jun, and Jo Gap-kyung's daughter Hong Seok-ju, who have been drawing attention with their fresh romances.
After the broadcast, some viewers reacted, saying "It's nice to see the children of celebrities after a long time," but there were also some concerned views that the show might create a young generation that easily succeeds due to parents' fame, social status or connections, in other words, the birth of so-called "nepo babies."
Regarding this, Park Hyun-seok said, "I think that can certainly be the case," but added, "What matters is the directing intent and the thematic awareness we tried to express through the program."
He went on to emphasize, "'My Child's Romance' is not simply a dating show about second-generation celebrities, but a story about children who grow through romance and the parents who watch that process. I wanted to show that it is a story any parent with children can relate to."
He also addressed situations in which cast members, who are close to being ordinary people, have their past actions re-mentioned online. Park said, "I regarded the program's identity as a 'warm coming-of-age story.' I tried to cast accordingly, and I frequently met and talked with the parents and cast before filming," and added, "All the friends I met in person were warm people, not sharp or abrasive," drawing attention.
Meanwhile, 'My Child's Romance' airs every Wednesday at 8 p.m.
[OSEN]