A lot has happened since the start of 1 Night 2 Days’ Season 4 in December of 2019. Again, just like every other seasons, controversy and drama followed this season’s cast of members. The wrongful ending of Kim Son Ho is something that many will always regret, as it turns out that he wasn’t the villain in his real-life drama; The criminal case of Ravi, a former beloved member, that adds another blurred face and erased episodes to the show’s archive; And the departure of the amazing Bang Geul Yi that a lot of us was, and some still, very sad about. There was a dread, a fear, that Season 4 is coming to an end. I know we all felt that way at one point. However, as Arsenal fanbase said, I trust the process and keep watching. Now, I can confidently say that I have found my weekly dose of happiness back. Gone are the ghost and fears of the past. This Season 4 is staying in my watch list.
When they announced that Na In Woo is joining the team, I was excited. One particular video about how he wanted Kim Jong Min to invite him to the show that was spreading like wildfire had fueled my excitement. You can see that he’s a real fan and genuinely wanted to be a part of the show. And, honestly, he’s not disappointing at all. He was a little awkward at first, but I can see a lot of variety show potential in him. Then Lee Jeong Gyu came along. As he is someone who’s not new to 1 Night 2 Days, I put my trust in him to keep the show running and he, too, is a great addition. However, when I heard about Yoo Seon Ho, I was puzzled. First of all, he’s way younger than the members. I was doubtful of how he could match the older members. I was also not familiar with him as I didn’t watch his popular drama. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when he was funny from the get go. Maybe having Na In Woo as a senior in the same company made him a little more comfortable filling the maknae role. But, I think, it was his personality that blend in seamlessly with the older members. He’s not afraid to challenge them, not shy to went up against everyone, and very competitive. One thing I do enjoy from these cast members is that Kim Jong Min often really took the role as the experienced senior of the show. His know-hows, as silly as they may seem, put him in the spotlight and earn him respect from the other members. I like this Kim Jong Min better.
I know a lot of fans still yearning for former members, previous seasons dynamic, but I personally think that it’s unfair to the show if we keep on comparing this seasons with its predecessors. This brand new Season 4 has its own unique OB v. YB dynamic, Married Men v. Bachelor competition, Dindin versus everyone, even Yeon Jung Hoon and Kim Jong Min war. It may not be the same with Jong Min – Jun Ho silliness or Adequate v. Less Adequate team competition, but it definitely has its own charm. For me, I love how the younger members are more comfortable in engaging with the older ones, but not to the point of disrespect. Team YB has evoke the competitiveness of team OB and made games a lot more challenging and fun. I admit, sometimes Dindin went a little overboard in his little boy tantrum, but it’s just a character that he’s portraying in the show and not his real self. Their brotherhood isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. At the end of the day, they managed to patch things up and it even strengthen their bonds. Oh, how dramatic I am. But it’s true, and you know it. My point is, this brand new Season 4 is still 1 Night 2 Days. There are still beautiful places, fun games, funny twists, heart-warming brotherhood, and nerve-racking bokbulbok. Kim Jong Min is still the main babo of the show. Watch it, laugh and enjoy it, but don’t take it seriously. It is a variety show after all.
Aiko Takes Notes 