'My Little Old Boy' Marks 10th Anniversary: PD Credits Longevity to 'Mom-vengers' Warm Gaze, Hopes to Cast Shin Seung-hun

SBS's flagship variety show 'My Little Old Boy' celebrated its 10th broadcast anniversary, sharing the secrets behind a decade of love from viewers and the show's future direction.

SBS's 'My Little Old Boy' (hereafter 'My Little Old Boy'), which first aired in 2016, marks its 10th anniversary of broadcasting this August. Having established itself as a leading Sunday variety show over the past ten years, 'My Little Old Boy' recorded a peak viewership rating of 28.5% in 2018 (Nielsen Korea, metropolitan household basis), holding the highest figure among all variety programs launched since 2016.

Marking the 10th anniversary, Producing Director (PD) Jeong Seong-won shared his thoughts: "In an era where trends change daily and memes are constantly created, for a single program to receive unchanging love for ten years is like a dream for the production team and a rare honor that is hard to encounter even once in a lifetime. This was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Mom-vengers mothers, the cast, the production team, and most of all, the viewers."

▲ "Secret to 10-Year Longevity? The Warm and Honest Reactions of the 'Mom-vengers'"

PD Jeong cited the 'family's unique perspective' as the most distinctive feature of 'My Little Old Boy.' He explained, "No matter how immature or mischievous the cast members behave, the power that keeps them from appearing purely unlikable is the gaze of the 'Mom-vengers' mothers watching over the studio. When a mother's sigh, an affectionate scolding, or a chuckle is added, what could have looked like strange behavior transforms into a scene of understanding and empathy."

He added, "A 'warm and candid perspective unique to family,' which is different from the gaze of strangers, has been the biggest differentiator and secret that allowed 'My Little Old Boy' to exist over the past ten years."

▲ "Shin Dong-yeob Is like Mom, Seo Jang-hoon Is like Dad"

He also expressed special gratitude to MCs Shin Dong-yeob and Seo Jang-hoon, who have anchored the studio for a decade.

PD Jeong defined Shin Dong-yeob as "a mother-like figure responsible for the harmony and peace of the 'My Little Old Boy' household," adding, "Even on set before shooting begins, he eases the tension through warm small talk with the mothers, and whenever the conversation goes off track, he serves as a reliable presence who gently redirects it. The fact that the cast members can joke around freely and the Mom-vengers mothers can showcase their wit in front of the camera without getting nervous is more than 90% thanks to senior Shin Dong-yeob's considerate hosting."

PD Jeong also compared Seo Jang-hoon to a "warm yet strict father-like presence." He explained, "From his position of deeply understanding the life of a single person, he understands the cast's feelings better than anyone, yet does not hesitate to deliver refreshing, sharp advice that scratches the viewers' itch. Senior Seo Jang-hoon's genuine sighs and realistic advice serve as the core pillar that always keeps the tension of the studio talk taut."

▲ "Hoping to Welcome Shin Seung-hun as 'NEW My Little Old Boy'… Will Evolve into a 'Young and Trendy Human Sitcom'"

Regarding changes in casting criteria, PD Jeong said, "While in the past we looked into the poignant daily lives of older bachelors, now we look at how self-directed and honest people are in their lives, and whether there is a contrast between their public appearance and everyday life," naming singer Shin Seung-hun as a candidate for 'NEW My Little Old Boy.' PD Jeong expressed his wish, saying, "I definitely want to invite senior Shin Seung-hun, who has an unmatched artistic color. Behind his gentlemanly side, I want to show viewers his humane and witty charm."

PD Jeong also shared his aspirations for the next ten years. Stating, "I will guard against the inertia that long-running programs easily fall into," he emphasized, "In tune with current trends where single-person households and remaining single are becoming natural, we will expand our scope toward respecting diverse lifestyles and preferences, rather than trapping the cast's daily lives into being simply 'poignant and pitiful.'"

Lastly, expressing gratitude toward viewers, PD Jeong said, "We will maintain our position as a 'young and trendy human sitcom' where whole families across generations can laugh together, and we will become a program like a steadfast friend that offers a comfortable end to an exhausting Sunday night."

〈Full Interview with PD Jeong Seong-won of 'My Little Old Boy'〉

Q. 'My Little Old Boy,' which has enjoyed steady love as a flagship Korean observational variety show, marks its 10th anniversary. How do you feel as the director?

In an era where trends change daily and memes are constantly created, for a single program to receive unchanging love for ten years is a dream-like accomplishment for the production staff and an honor that is hard to come by in a lifetime. I want to say that this was possible thanks to the Mom-vengers mothers who have warmly guarded the studio every week for ten years, the cast, and the efforts of the production staff who ran around the field day and night. Above all, I sincerely thank our viewers who have affectionately watched over the cast's mischievous daily lives by our side for the long period of ten years, laughing and crying with us.

Q. What is the secret behind 'My Little Old Boy' receiving steady love for ten years?

Over the past ten years, we have engaged in a truly wide variety of mischievous antics with the cast. However, no matter how immature or frustrating their actions may be, 'My Little Old Boy' possesses the power to make them not look entirely unlikable. I believe that is precisely the gaze of the 'Mom-vengers,' the mothers in the studio. The mothers let out a deep sigh, offer an affectionate piece of scolding, or sometimes chuckle in disbelief. With the addition of each such reaction, scenes that might have otherwise seemed merely like 'odd behavior' transform into moments of deep understanding and empathy in one's heart. This very aspect is the greatest strength unique to 'My Little Old Boy.'

I think it is the same when looking at our own families. Just as an older brother who seems perfect can be clumsy among friends, or a sharp mother might forget trivial things. While there are bound to be flaws in front of others, family looks at one's shortcomings through a completely different lens. Sometimes they scold much more strictly than others would, but in the end, it is family that delightfully embraces even those shortcomings. I believe that a 'warm and honest gaze unique to family,' which is entirely different from the eyes of strangers, is the biggest differentiator and secret that has sustained 'My Little Old Boy' over the past ten years.

Q. Were there any moments or episodes that generated unexpectedly huge buzz or surprised the production staff after airing?

Unanticipated iconic moments emerge in every episode, but if I had to pick the most memorable recent moment, it would be the 'Billiards Special' that featured a thrilling match between senior Shin Dong-yeob and senior Tak Jae-hoon. Filming senior Shin Dong-yeob on location rather than in the studio was refreshing in itself, and watching the 'Match of the Century' between the two on site was a great honor, but what surprised me even more was how the mothers watched that footage.

In fact, because billiards as a sport is somewhat unfamiliar to the mothers, the production staff worried beforehand whether they would be able to stay engaged and enjoy watching it. So on that day, I was truly nervous inside right until we played the video for them. However, as soon as the video started, the mothers were clasping their hands tightly and fully absorbed in the screen. Seeing the mothers tilt their heads back in genuine disappointment when a ball narrowly missed made me truly amazed and grateful. I also sincerely thank senior Shin Dong-yeob and senior Tak Jae-hoon for bringing the game of billiards to life in such an entertaining way suited to the mothers' perspective, preventing it from becoming tedious.

Q. Is there anyone you would especially like to work with as a 'NEW My Little Old Boy'?

I really want to invite senior Shin Seung-hun, who has his own unmatched color both musically and in life, and whom 'My Little Old Boy' has consistently sent love calls to. Since he is someone who rarely appears on variety shows, I think viewers would also be very curious. I had the opportunity to meet and chat with him briefly at a few filming locations. When I met him, behind his nice and gentlemanly demeanor, he secretly harbored an ambition for humor. I really want to show viewers the humane and witty charm hidden behind his signature warm and gentle smile.

Q. What is the most important factor you look for when casting a 'NEW My Little Old Boy'?

In the past, we looked into the 'poignant daily lives of unmarried older bachelors,' but now we focus on 'how self-directed and honest they are in their lives' and 'whether there is a gap between their outward image and daily life.' We are looking for individuals who appear perfect to others but obsess over quirky things at home, or whose firm personal tastes result in delightful shortcomings (mischievous antics) when communicating with others. We prioritize an unlikable yet utterly endearing charm, along with the authenticity of sharing concerns similar to those of contemporary viewers.

Q. Having worked with Shin Dong-yeob and Seo Jang-hoon for a long time, what are their unique strengths and charms?

Senior Shin Dong-yeob is like a 'mother' responsible for the harmony and peace of the 'My Little Old Boy' household. Even on set before filming begins, he eases tension through warm small talk with the mothers, and whenever the conversation strays, he is a dependable presence who gently guides the direction. The fact that the cast members can joke around freely and the Mom-vengers mothers can converse without stage fright in front of the camera is more than 90% thanks to senior Shin Dong-yeob's thoughtful hosting.

If senior Shin Dong-yeob is the mother, senior Seo Jang-hoon is like the 'father.' Based on a deeper affection than anyone else, he is a 'warm yet strict' figure who delivers hard truths that no one else easily dares to say. While understanding the cast's mindset better than anyone from his perspective of deeply relating to single life, he readily offers sharp, refreshing advice that relieves viewers' frustrations. Senior Seo Jang-hoon's realistic sighs and practical advice are the core axis that always keeps the tension of the studio talk taut.

Q. What side of 'My Little Old Boy' do you want to show viewers going forward?

It seems that social perceptions and values have changed significantly compared to when 'My Little Old Boy' first started ten years ago. We want to be a program that guards against the 'inertia' that long-running shows easily fall into, and breathes together with the ever-changing flow of the current era. Aligning with the trend where single-person households and staying single are becoming increasingly natural, we aim to expand our horizons to respect diverse lifestyles and tastes rather than confining the cast's daily routines to being merely 'poignant and pitiful.' We will steadily maintain our place as a 'young and trendy human sitcom' where entire families across generations can laugh together, finding new, unexpected charms every week even within familiarity.

Q. Please say a word to the viewers who have been with you for ten years.

Today's 'My Little Old Boy' exists because of our viewers who welcomed the show's cast into their homes every Sunday night and laughed with us throughout these ten years. The generous hearts of the viewers, who clucked their tongues at the cast's immature behavior yet always discovered small warmth within it, have been the greatest driving force behind our production team. Going beyond ten years, we will continue to be a show like a steadfast friend that brings a comfortable and pleasant conclusion to your exhausting Sunday nights. Thank you always, and we ask for your continued interest and love.

Reporter Kang Sun-ae

(SBS Entertainment News | Reporter Kang Sun-ae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.