CCTV in Lee Hyori’s House? Mnet’s Bold Experiment, the Start of “Real Variety”
To reflect on Mnet’s journey and evolution into a leading global music channel, Xports News sat down for an exclusive interview with Yoon Shin-hye, head of Mnet’s business division. A key figure behind the success of mega-hit content like “MAMA AWARDS”, “Superstar K”, “Show Me The Money” and “Street Woman Fighter”, Yoon has played a pivotal role in shaping Mnet’s identity and global influence since joining the company in 2002.
She said, “I always feel the weight of responsibility. Though we’ve launched many programs, the core concern is always the same: where should the Mnet brand go next? The music industry is changing rapidly, with trends shifting every year or even every six months. Mnet, being highly sensitive to trends, must constantly adapt and refine its direction.”
Over her two decades at Mnet, Yoon has persistently sought innovation, adapting to trends while striving to preserve what makes Mnet unique. She explained that Mnet’s evolution breaking out of the traditional “music channel” mold to deliver freshness, excitement and innovation is what shaped its identity today.
“In the early days, Mnet mostly introduced music through VJs. But over time, we expanded into the then-unfamiliar genre of reality variety. One of our boldest experiments was “Off The Rec., Hyori”, where we installed CCTV cameras in superstar Lee Hyori’s house to reveal her daily life. It generated massive buzz for showcasing her honest and free-spirited self. It wasn’t just observation it was storytelling through a clear portrayal of the artist’s character, a hallmark of Mnet’s style.”
Mnet also pioneered romantic reality shows long before they became a mainstream trend. Shows like “Dizzy Blind Date” opened a new frontier, introducing the idea that romance could be enjoyed as entertainment. Viewers resonated with the authentic, unscripted emotions shown by participants.
From “Somebody”, which explored genuine love among dancers, to “Love Catcher”, where participants chose between money and love, and “Couple Palace”, a large-scale couple matching survival show now in its second season, Mnet has continuously redefined romantic reality programming, tapping into evolving social norms and dating trends.
Yoon noted, “Even love-themed shows follow trends. It’s critical to understand what topics resonate with people at a given time. We also consider what social issues are emerging and how we can incorporate them into our programming. We’re constantly developing new ideas to create shows that viewers can deeply relate to.”
