tvN STORY's new variety show 'Childcare Intern' stars Lee Kyung-kyu and Ahn Jung-hwan, who start their first day as childcare 'interns' today (the 9th). Expectations are running high to see whether the two legends taking on twilight childcare can make it back from childcare hell alive.
The new tvN STORY program 'Childcare Intern,' which premieres today (the 9th), is a real growth variety show in which prospective grandfathers with little childcare experience spend a day with children and learn childcare from the beginning. The project began when 'the dads of that era' Lee Kyung-kyu and Ahn Jung-hwan, whose career peaks overlapped with their children's childhoods and therefore could not fully share their children's growth, decided to experience 'twilight childcare' in advance for the grandchildren they will one day meet. Narration by actress Nam Bo-ra, the eldest of 13 siblings and an expectant mother, adds empathy and immersion, and Kim Gu Ra, who is deeply immersed in raising his late-born daughter, joins as a field assistant for Lee Kyung-kyu to double the fun.
In the first episode, before heading into real duty, the two 'interns' receive babysitter training. They retrace childcare memories stuck 30 years and 20 years in the past respectively, train basic attitudes and learn the "Childcare Intern ten commandments."
Lee Kyung-kyu's first mission is to care for a 9-month-old baby and a 46-month-old child at the same time. Amid nonstop care—feeding formula, changing diapers, putting them down for naps—the "godfather of variety" who knows how to work a show faces unexpected situations, and the resulting fun becomes the kill point. Ahn Jung-hwan takes on one-on-one care of a 28-month-old child. Having thoroughly prepared by bringing various childcare items himself, he launches into the field and tries a variety of play suited to the child's level. Having led the field and received the nation's support, it is intriguing whether he can also win over a child's heart.
The two 'interns' shared viewing points ahead of the premiere that also draw attention. First, Lee Kyung-kyu said, "Please watch closely to see whether I am truly doing childcare or not," expressing ambitions befitting the "godfather of variety." But production staff reported eyewitness accounts, saying, "He said he was putting in more effort than in any program he had done. Staff were actually worried we might give up from the first episode, but he cared for the children with full enthusiasm," and asked, "Please watch to see whether that enthusiasm leads to mission success."
Ahn Jung-hwan said he discovered a new side of himself in the process of dealing with children. Production staff added, "We were surprised by his unexpectedly gentle voice and his ability to handle situations," deepening curiosity. It is also encouraging that Ahn possesses national team-level stamina, a must-have for childcare interns. From energetic play that spares no effort to child-tailored responses, attention is focused on whether he can grow from a novice intern into a childcare pro.
Producers said, "The two prospective 'grandpas,' who had been refused by their daughters who said they would not entrust their children to their fathers, took on this challenge with great determination, but as soon as they were put in the field they faced a wall far larger than imagined. Still, the process of not giving up until the end and growing through clashes with the children will be portrayed. If you enjoy the two 'interns''s struggles with amusement, you will be healed by empathy and your heart will be warmly filled. Please join us for the first broadcast."
tvN STORY's 'Childcare Intern' premieres tonight (the 9th) at 8 p.m. Thursday.
[Photo] tvN STORY
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