Agents of Mystery, upgraded in both scale and fun, returns for season 2.
On the 19th at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul, the Netflix variety show 'Agents of Mystery' season 2 production press conference was held.
Park Kyung-rim appeared as MC, and the event was attended by PDs Jeong Jong-yeon, Kim Seo-gu, Lee Won-gi, Lee Yongjin, John Park, Hyeri, Kim Do-hoon, Karina, and Gabee.
Agents of Mystery season 2, which will be released worldwide on Netflix on Fri., Feb. 27, is an adventure mystery variety show that tracks and resolves strange incidents that cannot be explained scientifically. Jeong Jong-yeon, who has received great love for unique genres such as the Netflix brain survival game The Devil's Plan, The Great Escape, and High School Mystery Club, presented the work in 2024 that caused a stir.
Agents of Mystery season 2 promises a mystery investigation on an even larger scale, raising fans' expectations. The expanded outdoor incidents within the deepened mystery world are expected to provide a different sense of tension and immersion. As the difficulty has been upgraded, the investigative instincts and teamwork of the 'Agents of Mystery,' who become agents of the secret organization "XIN" to uncover supernatural incidents and complete missions, have also leveled up. Lee Yongjin, John Park, Hyeri, Kim Do-hoon, and Karina are ready to act with seasoned investigative instincts befitting experienced members, and the energetic new investigator Gabee adds vitality.
PD Jeong Jong-yeon said, "One of the criticisms season 1 received was that it was too short. People said it was over when they tried to watch it. So one mystery was added. The number of episodes increased a bit. And to bring more varied stories and more active storytelling, we did a lot of outdoor filming. We explored many stories, so I hope people will watch," adding, "Also, a new investigator, Ms. Gabee, joined, and while I can't say the atmosphere changed 180 degrees, she fit in with the members as if she had always been there, so we had a very fun shoot."
About Gabee's addition, he said, "I felt she was a character missing from OTT variety shows. If she joined, we would gain a very cool character. Also, hearing from the production staff who worked with Ms. Gabee before, the praise was abundant. So I had a vague desire to work with her. As expected, it was delightful. She did so well. This isn't an ordinary variety show, and cast members could act differently when appearing — they could suddenly get angry or not sync with other cast members — but she fulfilled her role very well."
Asked about Lee Eunji's departure, he said, "A performer's role and activity on a program can vary. We naturally wanted Ms. Gabee to join to help this show and bring more fun," and added, "There can be reasons (for Ms. Eunji leaving). We had various discussions with Ms. Eunji and her management. It's not that anyone did something wrong. The genre has peculiar aspects. Please see it as an extra effort to make a better show," he said, withholding further comment.
He also mentioned the possibility of season 3. PD Jeong joked, "We assembled such a solid cast; wouldn't it be a shame to part now? The confirmation for season 3 is up to Netflix. I think they'll handle it appropriately. We also really want season 3."
PD Kim Seong-gu said, "This season had the intention of adding dynamism, so we chose outdoor locations. In the last season we brought stories about teleporting at the investigation headquarters, which gave a feeling similar to breaking into someone else's house and undercover investigation, so I felt their energy was being wasted. I wanted to let them release their energy flamboyantly from the start, so I thought of outdoor settings. Also, when you scout outdoor locations, there is an atmosphere you feel on site. We added outdoor shoots to convey that vivid feeling to them."
He continued, "We spared no effort on sets to help immersion. Many people were involved. The investigation tasks require a lot of hands-on interaction, so we paid attention to prop details. The production team tested things at the company to realize that. If something sticky existed, we tried it on our bodies. We wanted to provide the maximum possible discomfort," adding, "Season 2 is definitely fun. Many worry because of its scary imagery, but it's cheerful and entertaining," urging viewers to watch.
PD Lee Won-gi said, "Thinking of mysteries viewers haven't experienced, we composed three episodes. The first includes new members and experienced members, structured as missions that require cooperation to pass. The second episode was prepared because many people like creature stories; we developed that into an episode. You will see members thrown into chaos by large-scale, meticulously crafted creatures. The final episode maximized outdoor location filming, unraveling the secrets of bizarre events that occurred in one village," and added, "This time some cast members were really serious, and some praised the show. We prepared hard with many writers and PDs, so I hope viewers enjoy the experience."
Lee Yongjin said, "When season 1 ended, I was looking forward to season 2. Now that season 2 is here, the larger scale increased immersion. Even as I speak now, I'm waiting for season 3. Honestly, I thought this event was where we get a promise for season 3, so I hope they tell us soon," drawing laughter.
Asked about his role as the 'leader' among the investigators, Lee Yongjin said, "I focused on cooperation and teamwork rather than individual ability. I thought about my position carefully and decided I should organize situations and direct focus. Within the team I'm called the leader, but I tried to be close to a leader. For example, if there's a rock on the roadside that could be an obstacle to an individual, team members should see it as a stepping stone," and when cheers erupted he added, "That was a line I prepared since yesterday," emphasizing and prompting more laughter.
He also mentioned the chemistry among team members. Asked about this season's keywords, Lee Yongjin said, "We stick together. It seems unavoidable. In situations where we rely on each other, a lot of chemistry emerged. In the end, nothing could be done alone; it was possible only because of the team members," adding, "The upgrade was in the youngest-line friends. If there's something scary or dangerous, they don't step forward. They've become more upgraded. It was like that in season 1, but even more so this time. They know their positions precisely. In their minds, they probably think I'll live a little longer; they consider themselves members for whom dying now would be a loss. Anyway, I liked it more. Compared to the members I am relatively less fearful. Seeing pictures and other things, I hoped there would be a member who got very scared, but they were more upgraded, so viewers will enjoy it."
John Park said, "I waited a lot for season 2, and while filming the joy felt by the cast seemed much greater. The immersion and the teamwork of the six stood out this season. The night before shooting I'd be excited and couldn't sleep. But yesterday I slept well," he joked. Asked about preparation before filming, he said, "We did many brain-warming games — puzzles and mystery games. We solved them whenever we had spare time," conveying his unique mindset.
Hyeri said, "On the contrary, I tried to get a really good night's sleep. I realized in season 1 that more concentration was needed, so I wanted to perform well in season 2. I approached it with the determination to show what I couldn't in season 1," raising expectations.
She continued, "Honestly, I couldn't tell what was implemented and what was real. Because I couldn't distinguish whether this place was the actual site or a recreation, immersion was much better. What surprised me was that just when I thought it would end, it didn't. I thought the production team really ground their teeth. As someone who likes to solve mysteries, I appreciated the attention paid to the quality and plausibility of the problems, and I valued that highly," expressing satisfaction.
She also spoke about the chemistry among members. Hyeri testified, "Working this season I realized Park oppa is such a coward. I'm worried about Do-hoon. As an older sister I worried and kept asking about his well-being, wondering if he'll be okay in life," and Lee Yongjin also testified, "I'm worried about Do-hoon too. You know those friends. When you enter a house you shout, 'I know you're there, come out!' Do-hoon is that kind of friend," prompting laughter.
Kim Do-hoon said, "In the trailer Karina says, 'Would you rather do worse than die?' and I really thought I was going to die. I approached it with the resolve that I might die. Season 1 left a strong impression, and this time it's even more, so I think viewers will find it fun," he said.
Asked what he worked on before season 2 filming, Kim Do-hoon said, "After season 1 I thought I shouldn't recklessly ruin things by being overly brave. So I underwent harsh training to build courage. For example, showering with the lights off, sleeping to horror radio, and training to suddenly imagine ghosts. If I hadn't done it, it would have been a big problem," he said, drawing laughter.
Kim Do-hoon said an impressive episode was "the second episode, the secret of Baeksu-dan. I never want to film that again. I blamed the PDs a lot. After filming I couldn't go home and went to my parents' house. It's true. It had such an impact. Going home and reflecting on what I did, I realized the episode was so well made. Even if it were written as a drama it would be very entertaining; the story was well crafted," adding, "I stayed at my parents' house for a few days on sick leave and tried to see only good things. I gained trauma from filming, and to overcome it I didn't need to get close to scary things. I tried to stay in bright places and even slept at friends' houses using boredom as an excuse," causing laughter.
Karina said, "I thought I showed a lot of raw moments in season 1, but this season feels even more raw, so I'm worried. From the viewer's perspective it might be more entertaining. These days people need dopamine, and I think our show can fill that need well."
Asked about preparations before filming, Karina said, "I've actually been to several escape rooms. But the scale was much bigger than I expected. If there's a season 3, I plan to try more renowned escape rooms. Also, I usually don't watch horror films at all because I get very startled. So I skipped many films while trying to watch more," she joked.
About the most impressive episodes she said, "First, I was stressed to the point of wondering if I'd ever been that stressed. Baeksu-dan — I was a cup scout, and after boarding a ship for the first time in a while I felt a bit good. The last episode, during the pre-meeting I said the zombies were scary, and then they actually were zombies. I shouldn't say this, but I felt the production team was so cheeky. So the most memorable was the final episode 'The Other.' I fell while doing it, and I wondered, 'What if you don't include this scene?' but they did, so I was happy," she said, drawing laughter.
Gabee, who joined as a new investigator, said, "When I first received the offer for 'Misudan 2' I really wanted to try this kind of program. Watching it I wondered how I would act if I were there, and I was so excited and curious. When I watched the show I thought about what role I could play, and I'm definitely someone who overimmerses. I thought maybe I should do that, so I was very excited," sharing her reasons for participating.
She added, "I actually don't have anything I'm particularly good at. I'm not good at math, nor particularly brave. I cried while playing VR horror games. So I focused hard with the mindset of just doing my part. One thing for sure is I concentrated well. I tried to give energy. That's all I have, so I tried to share it well," describing her contributions.
Finally, asked about viewing points, Hyeri said, "In season 1 we needed time to get close, but this time we showed perfect chemistry from the first shoot. There are so many points. Although season 2 has more episodes, viewers may feel they are even shorter," she previewed, and Kim Do-hoon said, "My small wish is that if the program is loved by many, a pop-up store where people can experience it in person would open. You should try it yourself so you can prove I'm not a coward," he said. Karina urged viewers to watch, saying, "It's more fun and dynamic than season 1. We approached it sincerely, and I hope viewers can feel the sincerity of the production team and cast beyond the screen."
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]