Lee Hyori Challenges as MC for Survival Variety Show 'Just Makeup'

Singer Lee Hyori embarks on a new challenge based on her special affection for makeup. She stated, "Makeup has always been like a friend to me," as she takes on the role of MC for the Coupang Play variety program 'Just Makeup'.

At the production presentation for 'Just Makeup' held at a hotel in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on the 1st, Lee Hyori explained her background for participating, saying, "I had such a strong affection that I suggested I wanted to be the MC for this program myself." 'Just Makeup' is a massive survival program where makeup artists representing K-beauty compete with their own unique styles.

Lee Hyori expressed her desire to see makeup artists, who have been behind the scenes making her look good, become the main characters this time. She said, "I have received a variety of makeup over the years, and more than half of the participants were the ones who did my makeup," adding, "While I used to be in the spotlight, this time I hope the makeup artists become the stars of the stage."

Being the MC for a survival variety show was also a new challenge for Lee Hyori. She shared, "The variety shows I have participated in before were often filmed naturally without a script, but this time I had to follow the script exactly." She admitted, "I was confident in understanding the flow and making it fun in the moment, but delivering precise lines and hitting the points was not easy." She continued, "I tried to learn from the survival hosting styles of Jeon Hyun-moo and Kim Sung-joo."

This program features famous makeup artists such as Jeong Saem-mool and Lee Sa-bae as judges.

Makeup artist Jeong Saem-mool, who participated as a judge, shared, "I have spent a long time as a makeup artist, but I haven't had many opportunities to observe the work processes of other artists." He expressed, "I was so immersed that I shed tears while empathizing with the participants' performances, and I was thrilled to witness moments where true beauty was revealed through details."

Lee Sa-bae also mentioned, "I participated with a desire to learn, but since I was given the role of a judge, I thought a lot about how to provide good evaluations." He predicted, "Viewers will be surprised. It will definitely be makeup beyond imagination."

Lee Hyori picked the 'Drag' mission as the most memorable round. She said, "It was a topic that is usually hard to approach, so it felt unfamiliar and fresh," adding, "I realized once again that makeup can be a powerful performance that liberates oneself and reveals identity, beyond just a simple expression of beauty."

Jeong Saem-mool remarked, "The scene where 60 makeup stations were lined up in a massive space was truly overwhelming," adding, "I have experienced many spaces while operating beauty salons, academies, and retail shops, but this was the first time I saw such a large-scale setup."

Director PD Shim Woo-jin explained, "I wanted to create a space where 60 artists could simultaneously showcase their colors," stating, "Makeup can be done in small spaces, but I hoped to expand the stage to maximize the artists' energy." PD Park Sung-hwan revealed the intention behind the planning, saying, "I wanted to expand the realm of makeup beyond simple beauty to art and performance."

Coupang Play's variety show 'Just Makeup' will be released on the 3rd at 8 PM.