The production team of 'Korea-Japan Super Match,' which made the first-ever matchup in broadcast history, said, "On the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations, we wanted to open a new chapter in sports exchange between the two countries," as they explained the企划意도.
TV CHOSUN's 'Korea-Japan Super Match: ssireum vs sumo,' the first-ever sports variety show capturing extreme contests between Korea and Japan that will first be revealed on Oct. 6 and 7, will present the first on-broadcast face-off between 'pro' ssireum and 'pro' sumo wrestlers for the Chuseok holiday. Commentator Kim Gu-ra, caster Jo Jeong-sik, ssireum reserve team member and manager Jeong Jun-ha, and ssireum legendary coaches Lee Man-gi and Lee Tae-hyeon will also appear, raising expectations. The production team recalled the unusually intense recruitment process, saying, "It was literally a 'recruitment war' because the unprecedented conditions of active Japanese 'pro' sumo wrestlers making their first appearance on Korean television and the first official matchup with 'pro' ssireum wrestlers overlapped." Below is a Q&A with the 'Korea-Japan Super Match' production team, who spared no effort for on-location filming in Japan and did not stop shooting even when a typhoon approached, to deliver big entertainment to viewers during the Chuseok holiday.
1. Please introduce the program and tell us what led you to plan it.
The Chuseok special 'Korea-Japan Super Match – ssireum vs sumo' is an unprecedented showdown where two traditional martial arts collide head-on. We wanted to create a stage where culture, pride and human drama explode, beyond a simple test of strength. Especially on the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations, we aimed to open a new chapter in sports exchange between the two countries, and the first project is ssireum vs sumo. We plan to use this project as a stepping stone to expand into various sports and create a 'Korea-Japan Super Match' series that will continue to provide opportunities for exchange between the two countries.
2. The roster mixes ssireum insiders and non-ssireum figures. What were the criteria for selecting the cast, and can you share behind-the-scenes recruitment details?
With the formation of the first national team of pro ssireum wrestlers, we built the Korean team around coach Lee Tae-hyeon and special coach Lee Man-gi. Japan fielded the sumo representative 'Nakamura stable' for a real contest. As a symbol of Korea-Japan friendship, we invited 'Miss Korea' and 'Miss Japan' as goodwill ambassadors. Also joining to convey the on-site intensity were Kim Gu-ra (strategic analyst and MC), Jo Jeong-sik (caster), and the reliable Jeong Jun-ha (ssireum team manager). Above all, with players' season schedules, sudden injuries, and schedule variables, combined with the unprecedented conditions of active professional sumo wrestlers from the Japan Sumo Association making their first appearance on Korean television and the first official matchup with pro ssireum wrestlers, securing permissions and coordinating schedules was literally a 'recruitment war.'
3. We heard you prepared thoroughly even for on-location shooting in Japan. What aspects did you focus on most while preparing for filming?
The main emphasis in preparation was respecting both countries' traditions and ensuring strict fair play. We reflected the unique procedures of ssireum and sumo in competition rules, venues and the drawing of brackets, and the new-format 'mix rule' matches proceeded after negotiations and agreement by the chief directors of both countries. Also, being conscious that the production team was Korean, we did not provide any prior information to the Korean athletes, and kept the athlete lineups and benefit details strictly confidential so that the entire production team maintained a neutral attitude from start to finish.
4. While shooting, do you have any particularly difficult memories or memorable episodes?
It was the day a typhoon was approaching. In an instant, heavy rain covered the arena and lights and cameras were in jeopardy. The cast, staff and tons of filming equipment were placed in a crisis situation. Nevertheless, both the athletes and the production team continued the matches until the end and did their best, and fortunately there were no injuries.
5. As a Chuseok special set to meet viewers, what would you pick as one key viewing point? If you have any message for viewers, please share it as well.
This is not just a sport. It is an art of strength, a clash of cultures, and unexpected friendships unfolding at the same time. Enjoy that moment on Chuseok night when your heart races in the front row of your living room.
The first-ever adrenaline-pumping head-to-head clash set to strike the Chuseok holiday, TV CHOSUN's 'Korea-Japan Super Match – ssireum vs sumo,' will air on the Chuseok holiday nights of Oct. 6 (Mon) and Oct. 7 (Tue) at 10 p.m.
[Photo] Provided by TV CHOSUN
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