'Choi Hwa-jung and Kim Ho-young's 'I Missed You' Set to Compete with 'Treasure Island'
The new ENA variety show 'Choi Hwa-jung and Kim Ho-young's I Missed You' is gearing up for its premiere, set to air at the same time as the drama 'Treasure Island'. The production conference took place on March 7, 2025, at Brookfield Hall on the third floor of IFC Seoul in Yeouido, attended by ENA's PD Ahn Je-min, producer Kim Hee-dong from In&In, and hosts Choi Hwa-jung and Kim Ho-young.
'I Missed You' features the beloved 'foodie sister' Choi Hwa-jung and versatile entertainer Kim Ho-young as they visit the favorite restaurants of top stars, sharing food, philosophy, and encouragement in a cozy talk show format.
PD Ahn explained the unique approach of the show, stating, "Viewers can be startled if a program is too new; it needs to be slightly different. Many shows have the hosts inviting guests to restaurants they have selected, but we will be visiting restaurants introduced by our guests. This subtle shift changes the dynamics of the invitation."
Choi Hwa-jung, known for her distinctive food philosophy and as a hot creator enjoying a second wave of popularity, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the talk show genre. Joining her is Kim Ho-young, a well-known socialite in the entertainment industry, who promises to add an energetic vibe to the show.
Choi Hwa-jung, who has showcased her trendsetting abilities through 'Bob Bless You' and her YouTube channel, expressed her excitement about the new show, saying, "In both 'Bob Bless You' and my YouTube channel, I eat what I want naturally, often forgetting the cameras are rolling. People seem to love that authenticity."
She humorously noted, "I appreciate being called a trendsetter, but I actually wore my own clothes today, as some items are not sponsored. I prefer to wear what I feel comfortable in." Kim Ho-young chimed in, "That’s where our chemistry shines. I also wear my own clothes, and sometimes I wonder how she has such unique pieces in her wardrobe!" He jokingly added that Choi Hwa-jung spends 120% of her income on clothes.
Their chemistry is evident even in their fashion choices. Kim Ho-young remarked, "Our styles are distinct, and that authenticity comes through in our outfits. Sponsored clothes can feel constraining." Choi Hwa-jung shared her initial desire to showcase luxury brands in the first episode but ultimately decided against it, humorously mentioning that the first episode will feature a gopchang (grilled intestines) restaurant instead.
With Choi Hwa-jung's previous shows highlighting her love for food, viewers are curious about what new elements 'I Missed You' will bring. She stated, "I want to keep it natural, but sometimes the broadcast environment can hinder that vibe. I hope we can maintain that authenticity without feeling pressured. I find myself shying away from mainstream broadcasting lately because it feels too serious. I want to approach this as if the cameras aren't there, which has proven successful in the past."
The show will invite stars to their favorite restaurants, where they will enjoy delicious meals and engage in candid, lively conversations. Additionally, they will invite close friends or colleagues from the industry to share heartwarming stories and unexpected revelations about the stars.
Producer Kim expressed confidence in the comfort level provided by Choi Hwa-jung and Kim Ho-young, stating, "Our greatest asset is the relaxed atmosphere they create."
Ahn PD mentioned potential guests, saying, "We are considering both food enthusiasts and those who know the best restaurants. I suspect that Sung Si-kyung might have some hidden gems, but true hidden restaurants often remain undisclosed. I would love to invite Ha Jung-woo, who is known for his great appetite."
Kim Ho-young also shared his thoughts on the dynamic with more introverted guests, saying, "If I approach it with the intention of showing a different side, I feel it might stray from the show's direction. In my experience, guests often share things they wouldn't elsewhere, which makes me wonder how that will translate on air."
He added, "If it were just 'Kim Ho-young's I Missed You,' it would be more lively, but with Choi Hwa-jung leading, I find myself taking a more supportive role. People might be surprised to see me not taking the spotlight. I’m curious to see if the MCs will be more prominent than the guests."
Choi Hwa-jung also commented on the competing drama 'Treasure Island', expressing her hopes for its success, saying, "I’m worried about it. 'Treasure Island' has been really entertaining lately, and Park Hyung-sik has been doing an amazing job. I’d love to have him as a guest!"
Ahn PD concluded, "Typically, dramas are binge-watched on OTT platforms. We hope 'I Missed You' receives a lot of love every Saturday night."
In summary, 'Choi Hwa-jung and Kim Ho-young's I Missed You' promises to be a unique and comforting talk show experience, focusing on the joy of sharing meals with friends and stars. The show is set to premiere on March 8, 2025, at 9:40 PM.
