Producer of 'I Live Alone' Discusses Ki-an 84's New York Marathon Journey and Viewer Response

The production team behind MBC's popular variety show 'I Live Alone' (나 혼자 산다) has shared insights into Ki-an 84's recent completion of the New York Marathon, highlighting the genuine effort behind the segment titled 'Running 84.' In a phone interview on November 23, PD Heo Hang discussed the challenges and intentions of capturing Ki-an 84's marathon experience authentically.

The 572nd episode of 'I Live Alone,' which aired on November 22, showcased Ki-an 84's journey through the New York Marathon, sparking ongoing discussions about 'Running 84.' PD Heo emphasized that both the Cheongju Marathon and the New York Marathon were approached with a sincere desire to portray Ki-an 84's dedication to running. He noted, "The starting point for us is always listening to Ki-an's daily life and considering how to present that to our audience."

The heartfelt portrayal resonated with viewers, as evidenced by the episode's impressive 7.6% rating according to Nielsen Korea, marking a notable increase from the usual 6-7% range the show typically maintains. This rating is particularly significant as it is the highest since the 560th episode aired on August 30, three months prior.

PD Heo expressed his delight at the audience's response, stating, "It seems that the sincerity of 'Running 84' was felt by many. Ki-an's genuine desire to improve his running and the rare opportunity to showcase the New York Marathon were both overwhelming for us during production. Seeing so many diverse individuals running was also a great source of inspiration for us."

He further acknowledged the hard work of the local production team, who braved the cold to capture Ki-an's efforts authentically. "We made significant efforts to portray Ki-an 84's dedication without any embellishments. I am grateful to our production team, and it seems that viewers have recognized our sincerity, which has been incredibly rewarding for us."

'I Live Alone' is a documentary-style variety program that reflects the growing trend of single living, featuring the daily lives of celebrities who live alone. The show airs every Friday night at 11:10 PM.