Korea's First Alien Mukbang Variety Show 'BaeBulRiHills' Kim Ki-tae PD's Written Interview Released

Disney+ has boldly introduced a new concept variety project 〈Weekly Entertainment Show: A Comprehensive Playground for Entertainment Held Over a Week〉, and has released the written interview with PD Kim Ki-tae, who is directing 〈BaeBulRiHills〉. Set to be released on the 24th (Sunday) on Disney+, 〈BaeBulRiHills〉 is a variety show featuring six aliens called 'BaeBulRians' who can only return to their home planet 'BaeBulRiHills' by consuming high-calorie food. Led by PD Kim Ki-tae, who directed 〈Dungchi Survival - MukJjiPpa〉, along with writers Yook So-young and Kim Bo-ram, this new concept mukbang variety show is expected to deliver strong entertainment as the leading figures in Korean entertainment, including Seo Jang-hoon, Shin Gi-ru, Shin Dong, Lee Gyu-ho, Pung Ja, and Na Seon-wook, come together to perform missions that exceed imagination every week. Here, we present the full interview containing the behind-the-scenes insights of PD Kim Ki-tae, who leads 〈BaeBulRiHills〉.

Q1. The production team and cast from 〈Dungchi Survival - MukJjiPpa〉 (hereafter 'MukJjiPpa') have come together again. What was the motivation behind planning this project?

A1. Since 'MukJjiPpa', the affection of the cast, including Seo Jang-hoon, for the program was truly exceptional. After filming, I saw them getting along like a real family, and I thought, 'It would be a shame to just bury this chemistry.' In fact, after 'MukJjiPpa' ended, viewers expressed their disappointment, saying, 'My precious meal friend has disappeared,' and 'When is the new season of MukJjiPpa coming out?' Seeing those reactions made me want to continue this special relationship in some form. I thought about creating a new format of entertainment with the 'MukJjiPpa' members, and the planning and production happened quickly. This was possible solely because of the participants. When I reached out to them again after a year, everyone was really willing to join, and I was moved. This project could not have started without the affection and support of the participants, and I am still very grateful.

Q2. This work was produced in a mid-form format of about 30 minutes. What is the biggest difference in direction, and what points did you pay special attention to or struggle with?

A2. The key to the direction was the 'harmony of familiarity and novelty.' The challenge was to reinterpret the long-form variety that aired for over an hour during prime time on weekends into a compressed 30-minute OTT mid-form. The ultimate goal we set was to create a variety show that is easy and comfortable, allowing viewers to let go of complex thoughts and laugh freely.

In this process, the most important thing was not to lose the essential elements. I thought that the intuitive mission structure, which can be understood immediately without complex explanations, and the joy of mukbang that fills you up just by watching were the appealing points. The strategy was to add a unique worldview and concept suitable for the OTT mid-form to this familiar structure.

In the editing part, I focused on creating a rhythm that feels like connecting addictive shorts videos, in line with the current viewing trends that have become accustomed to short-form content. I emphasized immersive editing that allows viewers to burst into laughter continuously without a moment to catch their breath throughout the short 30 minutes. I believe it is a variety show that is perfect for watching on the subway on the way home or while having a meal with friends.

Q3. The concept of the cast being aliens called 'BaeBulRians' who crash-landed on Earth from the planet 'BaeBulRiHills' is intriguing. What was the starting point for this concept?

A3. Initially, I had a lot of concerns about what differentiated new concepts to pursue. Looking at recent trends, I noticed that many people are attracted to mid-form structures, unique worldviews, and the fake documentary format. I wanted to naturally incorporate those elements, and after numerous brainstorming sessions, the concept of 'BaeBulRiHills' and 'BaeBulRians' was completed.

At first, I honestly worried, 'Isn't this too absurd?' But the more I thought about it, the more I was convinced that this concept really suited the personalities and characters of our members. I was especially surprised that the members immersed themselves much more seriously than I expected. I believe that as the first alien variety show in Korea, viewers will find it even more interesting to approach.

Q4. There are many programs themed around food and mukbang, but what do you think is the competitive edge of 〈BaeBulRiHills〉?

A4. There are many good programs that eat deliciously and enjoyably, but I think there aren't many programs that eat as 'urgently' as we do. Because of the concept that we must gather one million kilocalories to return to our home planet, the members really approached the missions with desperation and intensity. If they failed, they would actually go hungry. Especially, while filming throughout the hot summer, I felt both sorry and amazed watching the participants struggle against the heat. Even in the face of missions and experiences they had never done before, the members participated with great fun and enthusiasm.

Each episode prepared special missions in really diverse and unique locations such as prisons, gyms, amusement parks, and ice rinks. By watching how they gather calories through missions in various locations, you will definitely feel a different kind of fun compared to other mukbang programs.

Q5. Top entertainment stars like Seo Jang-hoon, Shin Gi-ru, Shin Dong, Lee Gyu-ho, Pung Ja, and Na Seon-wook have gathered. What was the actual chemistry like among the cast on set?

A5. The chemistry among the cast has a strong bond that has continued since 'MukJjiPpa', so there was no need to worry at all. Even though it had been a while since they met, they remembered a lot about each other. Since it is being released through an OTT platform, they could freely express themselves in a way that was difficult to attempt on existing terrestrial broadcasts, making the chemistry even more delightful.

As for behind-the-scenes stories, there were many surprising moments. For example, while performing missions on a Viking ride, there were members who couldn't even start because the safety bar didn't fit. I also remember thinking we had prepared enough food as a reward for the missions, but it looked so shabby in front of them that I had to quickly place additional orders.

Among them, the most impressive was Seo Jang-hoon completely immersing himself in the alien concept. I was worried about how he would accept such a quirky and new concept from the first shoot, but other members passionately immersed themselves to the point where they joked, “Jang-hoon oppa is possessed by a ghost.” After filming, the members kept joking, “When are we going back to BaeBulRiHills?” which was really adorable. Even though he complained that he didn't know he would be appearing as an alien before participating, he gradually got into the concept, and the members' transformation into 'BaeBulRians' is a key point to watch in 〈BaeBulRiHills〉.

Q6. Without giving away spoilers, which episode should we pay the most attention to?

A6. I recommend episodes 1 and 2. The unique worldview of the program is introduced in earnest, and the attractive characters of the members who have become aliens are clearly revealed. Additionally, there are thrilling and fun missions where the members' weights are openly disclosed, providing a variety of visual treats. I am confident that if viewers naturally immerse themselves in this special concept through these two episodes, they will enjoy the subsequent episodes even more. After that, underwater missions and the 'BaeBulRians' hungry prison life will unfold like a roller coaster, so after watching episodes 1 and 2, you will surely enjoy the following episodes as well.

Q7. Please say a word to the Disney+ subscribers who are waiting for 〈BaeBulRiHills〉.

A7. Nowadays, there are many fun variety shows and unique content, but I confidently say that there is no variety show that makes the participants suffer as much as 〈BaeBulRiHills〉. From dragging a 700kg tire under the scorching sun to extreme alien missions, both the participants and the production team worked hard, sweating throughout the summer for the viewers' laughter. It may sound cheesy, but I believe that the more effort the creators and participants put in, the more entertaining the variety show becomes, and I hope that belief resonates with you. We will serve you well.