(Following Interview①) ‘Gian Isseyo’ visits different companies each episode to listen to the concerns of CEOs and provide solutions. In the first episode, they visited The Hyundai in Yeouido, in the second episode, a tungsten mine in Chungju, in the third episode, InBody, and in the fourth episode, a company specializing in idol costumes. Due to the nature of the program, the main industries or products of the companies appear. This has led to speculation about whether it involves product placement (PPL). However, Producer Hwang emphasized, “There is absolutely no PPL. It’s a PPL-free zone.”
“Since the companies featured tend to stand out, it was a concern. However, not a single one has received PPL. I believe this is a matter of authenticity, which is why we did not accept any PPL at all. Even the drinks in the studio are not PPL. Thanks to having no conflicts of interest with any of the companies, we can freely contact them. We selected companies based on where viewers are curious, where Gian84 can shine, and where there is a message to convey, as well as considering factors like owner risk and diversity.”
Recently, many entertainment programs have used provocative issues or so-called ‘aggressive’ tactics to gain ratings or buzz. However, ‘Gian Isseyo’ is a program that can be watched comfortably without discomfort. Producer Hwang laughed and said, “It seems there are people who are good at that kind of thing. I don’t think I can do that.” He continued, “I want to create a program that is easy to watch and simply fun. In the midst of that, I want to throw in something to think about. My pursuit is for a harmless program.” He added, “There are so many channels and programs that one might pursue something provocative to stand out. However, the purpose of our program is to understand each other’s positions rather than reflect conflicts. While we may not be able to provide realistic solutions to the companies we visit, if we can expand the framework of perception and provide small insights, that alone could have a positive influence.”
After the broadcast, there were reactions suggesting that ‘Gian Isseyo’ is underperforming due to its ratings being in the 0% range. In response, Producer Hwang stated, “The first broadcast recorded a rating of 0.7% (Nielsen Korea, based on paid households). This is a fairly good figure,” and added, “It’s not an era where ratings are everything, and since our target audience is younger, it’s difficult to achieve high ratings during the live broadcast. The rerun ratings are also doing well, so there are positive reviews within ENA, and the production team is encouraged.”
As Producer Hwang mentioned, this is not a low rating when viewed through the lens of the channel. Considering that there hasn’t been a program on ENA during the Thursday night time slot that has exceeded 1%, ‘Gian Isseyo’ is achieving respectable ratings. Additionally, it is available on multiple OTT platforms such as Netflix, Wavve, Tving, and Watcha, which also contributes to the dispersion of live viewing ratings.
Producer Hwang noted, “The target ratings are increasing every week. As soon as it was uploaded to Netflix, it reached the top 6 within a day. We are excited about the good results, but when people say ‘0% ratings,’ the negative connotation of that phrase seems to convey a sense of underperformance to viewers, which is disappointing.”
Finally, Producer Hwang Ji-young expressed, “I want this program to support everyone who is making a living,” and added, “Personally, I would like to continue with a seasonal format. Eight episodes feel too short. Many companies want to participate after the broadcast, and there are many places we wanted to go but couldn’t. For a season 2, we need more interest and love from the viewers.”
Meanwhile, ‘Gian Isseyo’ airs every Thursday at 8:50 PM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
