tvN STORY & E Channel 'My Child's Love 2' finally premieres today (25th). As parents cannot watch or teach directly, the immersive dating show that observes their children's relationships from a parental perspective returns with a deeper story.
While season 1, which aired last year, concentrated on the unfamiliarity and surprise parents felt when first facing their children's dating and their unexpected reactions, tvN STORY and tcast E Channel's co-produced entertainment show 'My Child's Love 2' captures an even deeper emotional texture. With children more honest in their direct romantic advances and parents increasingly immersed in that flow, the depth of relationships is expected to rise. In response, the production team frankly revealed everything from reactions to season 1, the expansion points of season 2, to behind-the-scenes stories of filming.
The parents' reactions and the emotions of youth will become another narrative in tvN STORY & E Channel 'My Child's Love 2', which premieres today (25th) at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The following is a straight Q&A with director Park Hyun-seok PD
Q1. Last year's season 1 drew attention and gained much sympathy. What was the most impressive reaction the production team felt? And was there anything that influenced the production of season 2?
A. Above all, the moments when parents encountered new sides of their children that they had never seen before were the most impressive. Parents think they know their children better than anyone, but the expressions and behaviors during dating are areas that are not easily observed. The parents who appeared in the studio also said it was a time to understand their children more deeply. Many viewers responded that they felt similar emotions. From the viewpoint of parents with children, some said they had a vicarious experience, and I remember stories of families watching together and naturally having conversations. These reactions became an important driving force for continuing to season 2.
Q2. What is the biggest change or expansion point unique to season 2?
A. The biggest change is the cast's dispositions. This season features many friends with dating experience, so emotional expression is more honest and direct. As a result, the flow of relationships has become more dynamic. The setting has also changed. If season 1 was a refreshing summer, season 2 is a romantic winter. The structure is to meet for the first time at Christmas and make a final choice before the year ends. The excitement that the season brings is woven throughout the program. To continue the program's original intention that 'parents look back on their youth through their children,' we prepared a 'letter room.' Writing letters, exchanging them, and mistimed checking create another narrative.
Q3. During filming, were there any parental reactions or moments that surprised the production team?
A. The newly added 'late-night date' in the latter half is particularly memorable. It is a date that starts at midnight, where the participants leave the existing accommodation and spend time alone together in a different space. Because the time itself is late, the parents' reactions were the strongest. Scenes where the parents' perspective and the children's emotions dramatically intersected were impressive.
Q4. Given that the show captures children's dating as content, what was the most important standard you upheld during production?
A. We tried not to forget that the participants are all someone's precious sons and daughters. We wanted to avoid consuming a particular person as a villain or a bad character. Dating in a shared living environment can make anyone emotionally sensitive. Mistakes or awkward moments are not just a facet of a person but part of the growth process. We focused on portraying growth within relationships rather than sensational direction.
Q5. Yoonhoo's appearance was revealed and caused a big buzz. Was there a casting criterion applied to season 2 participants?
A. We did not proceed with casting based on a single specific criterion. However, we composed similar age groups and hoped to gather individuals with different charms without overlapping characters. We believed that when youths of various dispositions meet, relationships can be depicted more three-dimensionally.
Q6. Finally, what viewing points would you share with viewers awaiting the first broadcast?
A. I thank those who loved season 1. We humbly accepted feedback on the parts that were regrettable and prepared season 2. I want to say we have returned in a stronger form. I hope you watch the moments when parents' perspectives and the emotions of youth intersect, and the relationships that grow within them. I hope it becomes a warm time for families to laugh and talk together.<
[Photo] tvN STORY & E Channel
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