Is Na Yeong-seok's Healing Variety Show Reaching Its Limit? Signs of Change in 'Kongkong Pampam'

Where does the power of Na Yeong-seok's variety shows come from? At one time, his programs were a 'must-watch brand' that transformed ordinary daily life and chemistry between relationships into the most powerful content. However, as tvN's 'Kongkong Pampam' (Kong Sim-eun De Kong Na-go Gampam Hago-pam Dongmul Nongjang) enters its fourth season, it appears that the past formula for success is no longer working with the same intensity.

The second episode, broadcast on the 26th, recorded a viewership rating of 2.9% nationwide, a 0.1% point drop from the first broadcast. Although the peak viewership rating reached 3.7%, it is a somewhat disappointing trend considering the anticipation that built up from the start and the brand power of a 'Na Yeong-seok variety show.' In particular, it is possible to analyze that viewer fatigue and familiarity are acting simultaneously, given that 'Kongkong Pampam' is the fourth installment in a series that includes 'GBRB: Farm Operation,' 'Green Bean, Red Bean Spin-Off: Cafeteria Operation,' and 'Kongkong Pangpang.'

The focus of this second episode was the adaptation of the 'KKPP Food' members to the dairy farm. Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Woo-bin, and D.O. adapted to the new environment by performing actual farm duties, ranging from cleaning large cowsheds to mixing feed and experiencing the milking parlor. The scene of directly feeding milk to a newborn calf aligned perfectly with the warm sentiment the program pursues.

The unique charm of Na Yeong-seok's variety shows comes from moments like these. Even without massive events or dramatic conflicts, the show demonstrates how participants accumulate small experiences in an unfamiliar environment and naturally form relationships in the process. Viewers focus on the process rather than the result and discover the human side of the cast.

However, the problem is that this 'slow fun' has now become too familiar. The structure of rural experiences, labor, food, and the 'tiki-taka' between cast members has already been repeated through several seasons. Even when new spaces and new missions appear, the emotional line felt by viewers is not significantly different from previous works. A format that was a strength due to its 'comfort' is, at some point, turning into 'predictability.'

Nevertheless, the freshest variable in this episode was the joining of Moon Sang-hoon. As an unfamiliar person entered the space where existing members had naturally adapted, a small amount of tension arose. The scene where Kim Woo-bin asks Moon Sang-hoon, who is acting awkward like a new transfer student, "Are you acting right now or what?" and Lee Kwang-soo suspects, "Is all of this just a skit?" well demonstrates his unique character.

Moon Sang-hoon is different from typical variety show guests. Rather than leading the atmosphere, he instead turns the awkwardness itself into a character. His words, "Don't force me to be comfortable. That makes me more uncomfortable," induce laughter while capturing the subtle psychology felt by someone entering an unfamiliar organization. Perhaps the new vitality needed for 'Kongkong Pampam' could be found in the input of such heterogeneous characters.

Additionally, D.O.'s performance was another highlight of this episode. In a situation where 17 bags of garlic peels had to be spread in the stable, his use of an air gun turned a simple labor scene into a story of efficiency and problem-solving. D.O.'s characteristic calm and diligent image fits well with the labor narrative of the program.

On the other hand, Moon Sang-hoon's appearance is the exact opposite. While he has the will to help, his clumsiness and the way he keeps missing the timing despite his efforts create a contrast with the existing members. Such tension in variety shows is created when skilled people and clumsy people are together. For 'Kongkong Pampam' to thrive in the future, it needs to more actively utilize this contrast between characters.

The Yut Nori betting is also a typical device in Na Yeong-seok's variety shows. Although it is a simple game, the amount of labor is determined by the result, and the competitiveness and relationships of the cast members are naturally revealed. However, this too is a familiar method. The structure of 'penalties through games' and 'growth through labor' has been repeatedly used in variety shows produced by the Na Yeong-seok crew.

Ultimately, the current position of 'Kongkong Pampam' lies between success and stagnation. The completeness of the program and the charm of the cast still exist. The sentiment of being able to watch comfortably without stimulation, the human side of the cast, and the small joys created in nature are still the strengths of Na Yeong-seok's variety shows.

However, viewers are no longer moved simply by "comfortable variety shows." In the content competition of the OTT era, a familiar format can quickly become a weakness. As seasons progress, what is needed is not repeating the same sensibility, but a change that creates new relationships and new narratives within that sensibility.

It is too early to judge 'Kongkong Pampam' as a failure. However, the downward trend appearing in just the second episode may be a signal that Na Yeong-seok's variety shows also need change. The reason his variety shows were special in the past was that they showed the ordinary in a new way. Now, what is needed is to find that 'newness' once again.