Director Park Hyun-seok Addresses 'Nepo Baby' Concerns on 'My Kid's Romance'
Park Hyun-seok, the director of the reality dating show 'My Kid's Romance,' has spoken out regarding some viewer concerns about the program. The show, a joint production by tvN STORY and E Channel, explores the dating lives of the children of celebrities.
In a recent written interview with OSEN, Director Park shared his thoughts on the show's initial concept and recent controversies. 'My Kid's Romance,' which premiered on September 20th, allows parents to watch their children date, focusing on the children's growth through romantic relationships.
The cast includes children of well-known figures such as Lee Jong-hyuk's son Lee Tak-su and Kim Dae-hee's daughter Kim Sa-yoon, generating buzz with their budding romances. However, some viewers have raised concerns about the show potentially fostering a 'nepo baby' environment, where offspring benefit from their parents' fame and connections.
Director Park acknowledged these concerns, stating, 'I understand those perspectives,' but emphasized, 'What matters most is the directorial intention and thematic message we aim to convey through the program.' He clarified that 'My Kid's Romance' is not just a dating show for celebrity offspring but a story about children growing through dating and parents observing this process, aiming for a relatable narrative for all parents.
Addressing issues where contestants, who are close to being regular citizens, have had their past actions brought up online, Director Park explained, 'We viewed the show's identity as a 'warm growth story'.' He highlighted that efforts were made during casting to align with this theme, and he met frequently with parents and contestants beforehand. 'The friends I met personally were all warm and well-adjusted individuals,' he added.
'My Kid's Romance' airs every Wednesday at 8 PM, with its final episode scheduled for October 1st.
Director Park Hyun-seok has a notable track record, having worked on popular variety shows like the 'Three Meals a Day' series and 'New Journey to the West.' His signature directing style is known for its delicate touch and warmth, which has earned him a strong following. With 'My Kid's Romance,' he aimed to capture the genuine moments of the contestants by leveraging these directorial strengths.