'Single's Hell' Turns 200 Episodes: PD Seo Ha-yeon Eyes 'Next Chapter of Life' Storytelling

SBS's popular variety show ‘Shoe Off, Single Men’ (DolSing4Men) has celebrated its 200th episode, with chief producer Seo Ha-yeon sharing insights into the show's enduring success and its future direction.

In a recent interview, PD Seo reflected on the show's beginnings, noting, "Initially, there were many reactions like, 'Who would watch if they only talk about themselves?' But viewers said it felt like their own stories, and they’ve stayed with us, laughing and crying along."

The secret to ‘DolSing4Men’s' longevity lies in its unvarnished authenticity, according to Seo. "While not live, we minimize editing and aim to capture genuine conversations, like a real chat room, even including mistakes," she explained. This raw and unfiltered approach is key to making viewers feel the show is genuine.

Guest casting also follows this principle. PD Seo highlighted that the most explosive reactions come when guests with seemingly no common ground with the MCs create unexpected chemistry. "We consider if a guest can create synergy with the ‘DolSing4Men’ members and make them laugh within the first 10 minutes," she stated.

PD Seo also expressed deep affection for the show's four main MCs: Lee Sang-min, Kim Jun-ho, Tak Jae-hoon, and Im Won-hee. "Every week in the editing room, I feel that these four are truly 'variety show material.' It's not easy for variety members to maintain the same tone over years, but when they gather, they always return to their initial spirit. I'm truly grateful."

However, recent marriages of original members Lee Sang-min and Kim Jun-ho led to some criticism about the show's premise being compromised. Addressing this, PD Seo stated, "Their new beginnings have expanded the narrative. It's no longer just about the pain of divorce, but about finding love again and discussing life from a different perspective." The show aims to pivot its focus to the 'next chapter of life.'

"I think the show's identity will shift from the label of 'singles' to telling the stories of people preparing for their second act in life," Seo added. Hitting the 200-episode mark, ‘DolSing4Men’ is poised to prove itself as a program exploring the 'second act of life.'

PD Seo Ha-yeon identified the cast's unadorned honesty and unexpected guest chemistry as key factors for the show's success. She also plans to leverage the recent marriages of Lee Sang-min and Kim Jun-ho as an opportunity to broaden the show's scope to encompass the 'next chapter of life,' aiming to forge new relatable narratives. Attention is now focused on how 'DolSing4Men' will demonstrate its potential as a 'second act of life' variety program.