MBC’s popular variety program ‘How Do You Play?’ is undergoing another major shake-up, as beloved cast members Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo are set to leave the show. The announcement, made by the production team on May 22, has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and viewers across the internet.
Why Are Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo Leaving?
According to the official statement from the production team (directed by Kim Jin-yong, Lee Joo-won, Ahn Ji-sun, YIDO, Bang Seong-soo, and writer Noh Min-sun), Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo will film their final episode on May 22, with their farewell segment airing on May 31. The decision follows discussions that began earlier this year, as the show prepares to reorganize into a four-male-member format.
Lee Mi-joo joined ‘How Do You Play?’ in August 2021, and Park Jin-joo became a regular in September 2022. Both have played key roles in the show for nearly three to four years, earning the affection of viewers with their wit and charm.
Viewer Reactions: Mixed Feelings and Concerns
The news of their departure has led to a variety of responses online:
- Some viewers expressed sadness, noting that the roles of the female members had become ambiguous, with differences in screen time and unclear positioning. Comments included, “It’s sad, but it’s true that the roles of the female members have been ambiguous,” and, “I hope Jin-joo is seen in a project, and I think Mi-joo has a better-suited show.”
- Others criticized the show’s direction, questioning the decision to keep only male members and expressing concerns about the program’s overall entertainment value. One user remarked, “It’s ironic that only the male members remain,” and, “If the program itself isn’t enjoyable, what does changing members even mean?”
- Some pointed out recurring issues, suggesting that frequent format changes and member reorganizations have made it difficult for the show to regain its original charm. “It feels like they’ve lost direction in production,” wrote one viewer, echoing a common sentiment that the show’s chemistry and intent need to be rethought.
Is History Repeating Itself?
This isn’t the first time ‘How Do You Play?’ has seen major changes. In June 2023, former members Jung Jun-ha and Shin Bong-sun left, and the show underwent a significant overhaul, including a change in main director. Despite these efforts, viewership ratings did not see a notable rebound, and some viewers are skeptical that the latest changes will have a different outcome.
What’s Next for ‘How Do You Play?’ in 2025?
Following the farewell episode with Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo on May 31, the show will transition to its new four-male-member format in June. While some fans are hopeful that the reorganization could bring fresh energy, others remain cautious, suggesting that the show’s success will depend on how well the new format resonates with audiences.
The departure of Park Jin-joo and Lee Mi-joo marks the end of an era for ‘How Do You Play?’ and highlights ongoing challenges for long-running variety shows in maintaining chemistry and viewer interest. As the program enters its next chapter, all eyes will be on whether the new lineup can recapture the magic that made the show a hit in the first place.
