EXO’s KAI is all-in on variety these days―and he’s happy to be teaming up again with veteran comedian Tak Jae-hoon on SBS’s new series “Real Talk”.
Speaking at Monday’s virtual pre-taped press conference for the show, KAI said, “I’ve always wanted to try a talk show, and the idea of playing different characters felt fresh and fun. I wanted to challenge myself and give viewers something entertaining, so I signed on.”
Then he cracked, “Jae-hoon hyung only does the chill gigs. As soon as I heard he was on this, I figured, ‘Oh, this is going to be an easy ride,’” drawing laughs.
“Real Talk” features Tak Jae-hoon, Lee Sang-min, Lee Su-ji, and EXO’s KAI as MCs who jump into wild, self-contained ‘universes’ each week, slipping into character to spark unscripted conversations. Tak and KAI previously worked together on tvN’s 2021 series “Honeymoon Tavern.”
Tak recalled, “KAI and I did a pretty intense variety show five years ago, living together on Udo Island. When I heard he was joining this one, I felt reassured.” KAI shot back, “It was ‘intense’ for us, but Jae-hoon hyung handled it like it was nothing. That’s why I knew this would be comfy, too,” keeping the banter going.
Catching up after years, Tak shared, “We talked about everything back on Udo. When it ended, I was so bummed that we went to my place in Jeju and he stayed over. KAI is exactly the same as back then.” KAI laughed, “And so is hyung―still hilarious.”
Each episode invites guests into a newly built world. In the premiere, the four hosts become inmates for a cheeky “prison” concept, then switch gears to a 2-on-2 group-date setup―promising a talk show unlike anything viewers have seen. Their in-character improv aims to draw out real emotions from guests and deliver unexpected laughs.
“Real Talk” premieres tonight (Mon., the 2nd) at 10:10 p.m. on SBS.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)