(Continuing from interview ①) The PD of "Just Makeup" mentioned the possibility of season 2 and the desired cast to be recruited.
On the 18th, an interview with Coupang Play variety show Just Makeup PDs Shim Woo-jin and Park Sung-hwan was held at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul.
Coupang Play variety show Just Makeup is a mega makeup survival show in which makeup artists who represent K-beauty worldwide, beyond Korea, fiercely compete with their own colors.
The finale released on the 7th (Fri) spectacularly concluded the long journey of the survival contest fought for the single K-beauty legend seat. Since its release it topped variety show viewer satisfaction (source: Consumer Insight), was Coupang Play's most popular work for five consecutive weeks, received an IMDb rating of 8.5, entered the OTT top 10 rankings in seven overseas countries, and sparked global reactions, closing out with the title of "the most talked-about variety show of the second half of 2025."
In particular, generating buzz with 'makeup masters' from first-generation makeup artists to influencers appearing, PD Shim Woo-jin shared the behind-the-scenes of casting the cast.
Shim PD recalled, "When I first joined the pro team, a junior PD's older sister was a makeup artist. I frequently contacted that junior, asking 'who's the hottest these days,' and the writers also did searches. There were three categories: the currently hottest people, those we could actively find, and first-generation figures. Those from Get It Beauty, or we'd call shops in Cheongdam and ask. 'Who are the good ones?' and kept searching like that."
He continued, "When we contacted first-generation artists, the reactions were mixed. Some said, 'Of course I'll go on,' and others wondered, 'Can I go on?' Especially Kim Sun-jin, who has been 'Jini' for 37 years, was the most grateful. When I called at first, I was a little cautious. She's almost first generation. But she said, 'I'll go to the makeup shop now and practice my skills.' She actually attended a short-term academy after being cast and before filming," drawing attention.
He also described the casting process for artists active overseas. Shim PD said, "For the 'New York master,' there was an advisory committee member; I asked the owner of the Gowon shop in Cheongdam-dong, and when I asked if there was a talented junior, they said, 'There's a junior who is in New York,' so we cast them. We also went to see someone famous in Paris. They happened to come to Korea, so we cast them then. We made inquiries or received recommendations."
Given its explosive buzz, discussions about season 2 are also positive. Shim PD said, "Coupang was positive, and there was a big reaction internally. It was number one for several weeks in a row. They are discussing it positively," and added, "There are quite a few people who didn't appear domestically. There are people we discovered while searching who are really good but shy. I think those who watched the show might appear. This work shows how good someone is. There are first-generation figures who didn't appear, and many people overseas whom we didn't know at all might come forward."
He added, "We also received tips: a friend who works in Apgujeong went to a shopping center where there was a beauty salon, and the ajummas said, 'This person does makeup so well; they should enter the competition.' They said everyone in the neighborhood gets their makeup there. Or the student at a high school who's the best at makeup. If such people appear, a different picture would emerge. There were many comments, including about people like Kim Ki-soo. We really want to invite them."
(Continued in interview ③)<
[Photo] Provided by Coupang Play
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