It was previously reported that the second episode of MBC’s variety show “Good Day”, featuring G-Dragon and produced by Kim Tae-ho, experienced a ratings decline. According to Nielsen Korea on Feb 24th, the episode recorded a nationwide rating of 3.6% and a metropolitan area rating of 4.3%, down from the premiere’s 4.3% and 4.9%, respectively. The key 2049 (viewers aged 20~49) demographic rating was 2.6%, with the highest viewership moment (7.3%) occurring when G-Dragon showcased his flexibility in front of his friends, demonstrating gymnastics and breakdancing.
“Good Day” received a lot of attention even before it was aired. This is because it is the first entertainment show that ‘Infinite Challenge’ PD Kim Tae-ho is presenting on his home show in three years since leaving MBC. With GD, who is called the “celebrity’s celebrity”, as the central member, and news of Kim Soo-hyun, Jung Hae-in, Im Si-wan, Kian84, Hwang Jung-min, and Kim Go-eun appearing one after another, it has become the center of attention.
On the other hand, there were also concerns. This is because of the industry’s recent assessment that PD Kim Tae-ho’s entertainment performance is not what it used to be. His other shows featured stars such as Lee Hyo-ri, Park Bo-gum, and Jennie, but they received responses that the entertainment value was below expectations. There were also critical opinions that PD Kim Tae-ho was relying on big-name stars.
The unveiled “Good Day” brought up these concerns again. The lineup was splendid, but the chemistry of the cast with G-Dragon was uneven. The meeting with Jung Hyung-don and Defconn, who met through “Infinite Challenge”, was pleasant. However, the chemistry of the 88-line was below expectations. GD, Kim Soo-hyun, Hwang Kwang-hee, Im Si-wan, Jung Hae-in, and Lee Soo-hyuk came together, but it was hard to find a point of laughter. Kwang-hee was the only host, but he couldn’t speak properly because he was embarrassed. The production team probably didn’t want them to be funny, but it’s a shame that they ended up wasting this lineup that was hard to get together.
Compared to the high-profile lineup, the current performance of “Good Day” is below expectations. Although it is maintaining high ratings in terms of topicality, this also seems to be a result of the public’s interest in GD. The public’s disappointment with Kim Tae-ho’s variety shows is growing. If the production staff, who are the chefs, cannot avoid responsibility if they cannot make a proper dish with good ingredients.
Meanwhile, episode 2 of “Good Day” featured a long-awaited “88-liners” reunion with G-Dragon, Kim Soo-hyun, Lee Soo-hyuk, Im Si-wan, Hwang Kwang-hee and Jung Hae-in, modeled after the reality show “I’m Solo”. They shared candid stories, and Kim Soo-hyun even showed his surprising impersonation skills.
The episode ended with a preview of an unexpected evening mission for the 88-liner group. “Good Day” airs every Sunday at 9:10 PM (KST).
