Lee Seo Jin shifts persona for 'Secretary Team 2' comeback

SBS variety show 'Secretary Team' is returning for Season 2 after seven months. While Season 1 successfully established itself by capturing both viewership ratings and buzz, the first thing that catches the eye in the new season is the program's changed subtitle. Instead of the existing 'A Manager Too Grumpy for Me,' it has introduced a new name: 'I Will Do Anything.' Some interpret this change as a conscious effort to address the mixed viewer reactions surrounding Lee Seo Jin's signature 'grumpy character.'

'Secretary Team' is a reality variety show where actor Lee Seo Jin and Kim Kwang Kyu act as managers and secretaries, providing close care for stars' daily lives. Season 1, which aired last year, was a massive success, recording a peak viewership rating of 5.3% and surpassing 170 million cumulative views on broadcast clips. The two solidified their status as representative SBS variety stars by winning the Grand Prize in the Show/Variety category at the '2025 SBS Entertainment Awards.'

However, there was as much controversy as there was buzz.

Lee Seo Jin's grumbling 'grumpy manager' character, which was the core fun of the program, received praise such as "it's funnier because it's so authentic" and "realistic tiki-taka," while simultaneously drawing criticism that it "felt rude" or that "the jokes went too far."

In fact, when actor Ji Chang Wook and D.O. appeared, scenes where Lee Seo Jin grumbled, "I told you not to call men," or directly retorted to the cast's opinions served as comedic points, but also led to uncomfortable reactions among some viewers.

Furthermore, even at the '2025 SBS Entertainment Awards,' his characteristic honesty once again became a hot topic when he remarked regarding a congratulatory performance, "It was unsightly, but it was fun," and during his acceptance speech, "It was so boring I almost cursed." While fans welcomed it as "typical Lee Seo Jin wit," there were also many pointing out that "it was excessive for an official setting."

As if conscious of these mixed feelings, Season 2 has changed its atmosphere from the very beginning.

Set to premiere on August 28, the new season has boldly set aside the previous subtitle that highlighted 'grumpiness' and instead chosen a warmer concept: 'I Will Do Anything.' The first guest has also been confirmed as singer BIBI. The two are known to have attended the 'Waterbomb Festival Seoul 2026' together last month, drawing interest into what kind of chemistry they will show from the very first episode.

The changes teased by the production team are also distinct.

In Season 2, the concept will move beyond being a manager who simply assists a star's schedule to a 'real secretary' who meticulously takes care of personal schedules and daily life. PD Kim Jung Wook, who is in charge of directing, also stated in an interview after the end of Season 1, "I wanted to expand the concept from just a manager role to a secretary who solves any problem."

Ultimately, analysts suggest that this change in subtitle carries more meaning than a simple name change. It reflects the production team's direction to evolve from Season 1, which created laughter through 'grumpiness,' into a relationship-centered variety show with more colors of consideration and empathy.

There are still many who evaluate that his sharp tongue and grumbling are part of Lee Seo Jin's unique charm. However, since that personality sometimes caused divided opinions, attention is focused on how 'Secretary Team 2' will preserve Lee Seo Jin's signature realistic wit and character within its much softer concept.