Broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo leads a team including Kyuhyun, Nucksal, and Heo Yeong-ji to uncover shocking true stories of "real-life psychopaths" hiding around us.
On the morning of the 10th, the production presentation for the new MBN·SBS Plus thriller variety show "I met a psychopath," held online, was attended by Jun Hyun-moo, Kyuhyun, Nucksal, Heo Yeong-ji and producer Joo Hee-jin, who discussed the program.
"I met a psychopath" is a true-story-based thriller talk show that deals with real experiences of encountering antisocial personalities such as psychopaths, sociopaths and narcissists who hide in everyday life. High-quality reenactments in an anthology dramatized format are combined with vivid talks from storytellers and sharp analysis from experts to deliver an immersive experience different from existing crime shows.
Producer Joo Hee-jin explained the difference from existing crime shows: "This is a program that recreates frightening events people experience in their everyday lives as drama and discusses how such events can be prevented. If existing crime programs focus on how shocking an incident is, this program shows how we became entangled in such incidents, which I think is the difference. Also, because these are things that happen around us, it covers a wide range of episodes from incidents caused by family or relatives to urban crime."
Jun Hyun-moo, who is juggling as many as 11 regular programs, is taking on his first challenge as MC of a thriller variety show through this program. Explaining why he joined, he said, "What attracts me is that the content itself is close to our reality. These are cases close to our reality and they serve as a warning that we need to know and prepare for them." He added, "Personally, although I was said to be doing 11 programs, I can't help but like this one the most because my Netflix algorithm is all thrillers and horror. It's a genre I particularly love, and because the stories touch our reality, I find it more interesting."
Afterward, Jun Hyun-moo confessed that even his way of looking at people changed after the recordings, saying, "I used not to trust people. It could have become more severe, but even when people approached me with goodwill, I couldn't trust them. Now I can't trust anyone. The vigilance has become so strong that it could be a side effect, but losing one's humanity is the downside," revealing the program's sense of reality.
Kyuhyun, Nucksal and Heo Yeong-ji, who joined as a solid group of storytellers, also vividly shared the shock and impressions they felt through repeated filming.
Kyuhyun, marking his 20th year since debut and having experienced various human types while working in the entertainment industry, said frankly, "There have been many moments when I felt someone was unusual among managers, deputy ministers, company presidents, producers or writers. In fact, I could understand them as having some stress or selfish personalities, but here it's beyond words, it can't be real. I thought there was someone I met before who seemed unusual or maybe a psychopath, but this program made me realize those people were actually ordinary people."
Nucksal, a father of two, said his worries for his children came first, saying, "There are so many. In fact, every episode was like that. Each episode is so scary." He added, "If those kinds of psychopaths met not me but our young children and those children became entangled in such incidents, I can't help but think about it. That's why I'm always afraid. When experts give opinions and tell us measures or ways to prevent them, I really pay attention and take them to heart."
Heo Yeong-ji said, "My YouTube algorithm is also full of thrillers. I've been secretly watching them to learn how to prevent things. The topic itself was interesting, and knowing the stories are based on true events made it more intriguing. I thought it was good to do because they even tell you how to prevent things. I'm coming to the recordings with interest and enjoyment," and she also confessed to deep aftereffects. She said, "Usually after recordings, I forget over time, but these episodes are so vivid that I tell everyone around me. I warn them to be careful. I tend to approach people easily, but now I think twice when I meet someone new."
Regarding these stories, producer Joo added, "All the stories were shocking, and many were so shocking that reality felt more like a movie. What surprised us the most was not only that these incidents themselves are shocking, but that many similar incidents occur. It was shocking to realize there are multiple people who behave like this. I felt that such things happen a lot around us," expressing bitterness.
Finally, the cast said in unison, "Because everything is based on true stories, it's a program that allows viewers to immerse themselves, empathize and pay attention while being alert." They added, "Thriller maniacs usually turn off most things because the twists are too obvious. But this program has many true stories you couldn't even imagine. Reality is more hellish. Those fans will probably like ours. Optimists should watch it too. Vigilance is needed," urging viewers to tune in.
The new MBN·SBS Plus thriller variety show "I met a psychopath," which will deliver a new dimension of terror and insight, will premiere on the 12th at 10 p.m.
[Photo] MBN
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