Choi Woo-soo-san faces 'boring' criticism as viewership rating hits 1%

MBC variety show 'Choi Woo-soo-san' has entered a period of self-reflection following low viewership ratings and harsh criticism from viewers. The cast members have taken desperate measures to turn the tide, including analyzing the causes of their poor performance and filming a public apology video.

In the 9th episode of 'Choi Woo-soo-san' broadcast on the 19th, members including Jang Dong-min, Yang Se-hyung, Boom, Heo Kyung Hwan, and Yoo Se Yoon were shown holding an emergency meeting to discuss viewership rating countermeasures.

'Choi Woo-soo-san' originally launched with a survival-style concept set in the mountains. Following a seven-episode extension, the show attempted various format changes, such as chase sequences, daily bandit experiences, and challenges running a sashimi restaurant. However, despite these attempts to expand the format, the show has failed to rebound, with all three episodes of the extension remaining in the 1% range.

During the meeting, Jang Dong-min convened the group in a somber atmosphere. He emphasized the urgency of their situation, noting, "I am talking with the writers for one hour every day," implying that their remaining broadcast opportunities are limited.

The viewership rating records presented to the members highlighted the harsh reality: the 6th episode recorded 1.1%, and the 7th episode recorded 1.6%. Boom reacted bitterly to the numbers, saying, "It has become just like Gag Concert," while the production team provided analysis comparing the show to its same-time competitors, '2 Days & 1 Night' and 'Running Man.'

The members admitted that the show's entertainment value was missing the mark. Heo Kyung Hwan noted, "The moment the peak viewership rating went up was when we started eating Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)," and Boom added that the scene of finishing the soup actually drew more viewers than their own "one-shot" drinking scenes.

The atmosphere grew even more tense while reviewing viewer feedback.

Sharp criticisms included comments such as, "It was the least fun," "They filled 30 minutes with a boring opening," "Aren't they just trying to film comfortably?", "It would be better to go back to the mountains," and "I miss Season 1.'

The cast chose to view these not as mere malicious comments, but as legitimate demands regarding the program's direction. Analyzing the difference between their show and hit variety programs, Heo Kyung Hwan remarked, "We have too many midfielders and need a striker. Someone needs to push forward.""

He continued, "In 'Hangout with Yoo,' Yoo Jae-suk pushes forward, but we all start from the same position. We all play the same and appear the same." Yoo Se Yoon also admitted the show's lack of a decisive impact, stating, "We are just constantly passing the ball in front of the goal."

Ultimately, the members produced a video to apologize directly to the audience.

Jang Dong-min bowed his head, saying, "I am deeply sorry to everyone who spent their precious Sunday time watching MBC and 'Choi Woo-soo-san.' Everyone in the world has a mission they are assigned, but we five ignorant people have only just realized it. Please do not change the channel and save us."

Despite the sincere apologies, the recent performance remains grim. The 9th episode of 'Choi Woo-soo-san' recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 1.2%, a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from the previous week.

As the variety market becomes increasingly crowded with observation, travel, and relationship-based content, 'Choi Woo-soo-san' is facing the reality that a strong cast lineup alone is not enough to retain viewers. Attention is now focused on whether the members' self-reflection and upcoming changes can lead to a genuine rebound in viewership ratings.