'Kill It' predicted an intense fashion war full of twists.
On the 19th in the afternoon at the CJ ENM building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, a media talk event was held for tvN's new variety program 'Kill It: Style Creator Grand War.' Present at the event were CP Lee Won-hyung and Jang Yoon-ju, Cha Jung-won, and Ahn Ah-reum, who talked about the show.
'Kill It: Style Creator Grand War' is a survival show that discovers the next-generation figures who will lead K-fashion trends, 'style creators,' in other words 'next-generation style icons.' Through countless unpredictable missions, the one surviving 'next-generation style icon' will receive as the winner's prize 100 million won, a digital cover model spot for global fashion magazine B, an exclusive model contract with Cephalab, and a contract payment of 100 million won.
When CP Lee Won-hyung was asked about the background of producing the program, he said, "Although the title could literally be thought to mean 'to kill,' it is used to mean 'so good' or 'stylish.' We named it 'Kill It' because we wanted to make a program that selects very stylish people. Think of it as a program that, like a slogan, aims to pick who the next-generation style icon is." He added, "In planning, we actually thought that after K-pop, beauty, drama, and food, which are all trending worldwide, fashion would be next. So when we focused on researching and discussed with label leaders, we planned it as choosing the best among creators to pick the next icon of the fashion world."
He continued, "CJ previously produced pioneering lifestyle content such as 'Challenge! Supermodel Korea' (hereafter 'DoSuCo'), 'Project Runway,' and 'Get It Beauty.' After a hiatus, I think this is planned to take the lead again."
When asked how it differs from existing fashion survival shows, he said, "Looking back, the last time we did 'DoSuCo' was 10 years ago. Fashion trends have changed a lot in 10 years. When trying to make a new fashion-related program, in the past supermodels or star designers led the fashion industry. The clothes they promoted set trends worldwide. Now, considering what a fashion program should be, with SNS active, many people with various jobs that can't be precisely categorized are leading fashion trends with their own styles. We gathered 100 of those people. It's a program to pick the top style icon among them."
Regarding the selection criteria for the 100 people, CP Lee Won-hyung said, "We are trying to pick the next style icon. They are not fully formed; they are people who show potential. The basic conditions are having a personal style and, even if not luxury brands, receiving some seeding from brands and being somewhat recognized for value in the market. Followers alone are not the criterion. We selected people whose value is recognized in the market and whom our staff and mentors regard as having a certain degree of personal style."
Within the program, each label participates as mentors to lead and compete with the contestants. Black label leader Jang Yoon-ju said, "I worked on 'DoSuCo' for five years. Back then the format was clear: a single photo determined pass or fail and models were selected for high-end fashion. 'Kill It' reflects how much has changed in 10 years. Now it's an era where you have to be your own brand and be able to create content yourself to play in this field. Also, because 'Kill It' is divided into three labels, we inevitably compete as well. As episodes go on you'll understand what I mean. We laugh, but we are competitors. In some ways it has a bit of the feel of 'Show Me the Money' and also 'Street Woman Fighter.' How many survivals has tvN and CJ made? Think of it as a compilation of all survivals. Our label is also competing."
White label leader Cha Jung-won agreed, saying, "It is a war," and added, "These days young people watch a lot on SNS, and opportunities go to people who create their own content and PR for brands. Not only celebrities but ordinary people can collaborate with brands and build fans based on what they show on SNS. Some contestants have many fans. Viewers will see friends they liked and saved on SNS appear on TV and will watch with fandom interest to see how they handle the process and what these contestants think. What sets 'Kill It' apart is that the current brand market and the public create it together to choose someone. It's not just for us; viewers, the public, and brands all create it together, which I think is a novel process."
Red label leader Ahn Ah-reum said, "Before coming here I actually did online voting. We have to win," showing her enthusiasm, and added, "As a model who also works as a stylist, it's difficult to succeed in this field with just one charm, so I empathize and mentor my team to show more diverse charms. Unlike other programs, showing a variety of styles is a fresh and new point. It's extreme competition."
When asked about each label's appeal, Jang Yoon-ju said, "Our black label is 'Janacase.' We will focus on and mentor people who are natural, know themselves well, have clear characters, and have star quality. With me are actor Lee Jong-won and Yeonjun from TOMORROW X TOGETHER, whose tastes differ yet are similar, and we focused more on discovering newcomers. As you can see, many experts appeared. Some are powerful influencers I had seen before, and because they now create their own content so well, while established creators are good, we focused more on participants who were hidden gems like pearls or raw stones." She added, "You will see the black label's elegant, pure, and unspoiled contestants."
Cha Jung-won said, "Our white label focuses on naturally sensitive friends who retain their original sensibilities. Although not yet revealed, among the contestants there are many who are natural and have a firm personal style. We take a mentoring role so that their natural style, without forcefully breaking it or following trends, is shown and their character and style are understood and accepted. I discussed with Shin Hyun-ji that it must be about broad appeal. From the public's perspective, it should be easy to imitate and make people want to dress that way, making it accessible and simple. It shouldn't feel like wearing someone else's clothes or be contrived; it pursues naturalness. There are contestants who make you think 'Is that person on the white label?,' so please be sure to check them out."
Ahn Ah-reum added, "The focus is on contestants with identity. These friends have worked a lot in their respective fields. They also want to show a new side to viewers, so we always talk like career counseling. We discuss what kind of vibe or style they want, and even when collaborating with artists we incorporate that work process for the contestants." She continued, "We have styled various artists in diverse ways and created many trends. The advantage is that viewers will see iconic styles they'd want to follow, not something too eccentric or off-putting. Each contestant has a clear taste, so you can see cultural aspects and learn a lot. They have diverse styles."
CP Lee Won-hyung noted, "From the production team's perspective, the black label has a celebrity feel in the fashion industry. Yoon-ju is such a top figure, and Yeonjun and Jong-won are also ambassadors for luxury brands. It feels like watching celebrities. From a contestant's perspective, the white label represents someone they want to be; Shin Hyun-ji actually won first place in a survival show, so she is someone they aspire to be like. The red label consists of people who have created for numerous idols and celebrities, so it is the label that can provide the most practical help."
When asked what influence she wants to convey through 'Kill It,' Jang Yoon-ju said, "I decided to do this program because I wanted to support how many friends want to do work that fits today's era and become their own brands with influence. I wanted to encourage that dream, and if I can be of any help, that's why I chose to do this program."
Especially returning to fashion variety shows after a long time since 'Follow Me,' Cha Jung-won said, "It's been a long time since I've done variety shows, and this is a survival variety show, so I'm very nervous and prepared a lot, but because I love fashion, doing what I love made me happy. I'm enjoying the filming." Regarding the reaction of Ha Jung-woo, who is in a public relationship with her on the premise of marriage, she said, "He watched the first episode. He monitored it and cheered and encouraged me. He told me not to be too nervous and to be comfortable, to say what I originally thought, not to dress up, and to show myself as I am," showing affection.
Finally, Jang Yoon-ju said, "We are still filming. We don't know how it will turn out. That seems to be the biggest viewing point. And in the end, you all must participate. I hope a star is born through 'Kill It.'" Cha Jung-won added, "None of the boring missions we knew before appear. With repeated unexpected missions, as much as you enjoyed the first episode, we are still filming up to episode 7. We don't know who will be chosen. I think a wonderful contestant will be born. It would be a shame if only one person emerges. Please show a lot of interest."
Ahn Ah-reum also said, "'Kill It' has not only style but many ingenious missions and twists, so please watch until the end," and CP Lee Won-hyung emphasized, "Watching the filming, these contestants are not simply good at dressing and charismatic; their lifestyles and thoughts are solid. In today's broadcast there are moments that choke you up. They want to prove their thoughts and values, and when that leads to results there are emotional points, so if you catch those you will enjoy it even more."
Meanwhile, 'Kill It: Style Creator Grand War' airs every Tuesday at 10:10 p.m..
[Photo] OSEN reporter Min Kyung-hoon
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