Survival S (Part 2)
Let's take a moment to introduce the six MCs first.
The first one up is the lone guy, I Hwan. He was a failed idol who switched to acting, scraping by with bit parts here and there until his jealous little brother role on Survival S fit him like a glove. That's the character he's been playing ever since. He couldn't generate much buzz as an idol, and as an actor, he was always one step away from being forgotten—until he found his answer in variety shows.
All the MCs on Survival S come off as a bit immature and silly big sisters, and he plays the role of the protective or jealous little brother type, adding that perfect comedic spice.
The second is Hong Eunjeong, the main MC and host of Survival S. She always shows up in her signature red suit. Her hosting skills are top-notch, her wit is sharp, and she's got such a solid fanbase that calling her a national MC wouldn't be an exaggeration. Even if you don't know hot idols, everyone knows Hong Eunjeong. Just the number of variety shows she fronts—over nine—gives you an idea of her popularity.
Third is Tae Huigyeong. She's a former athlete who won gold at the World Judo Championships back in the day. After retiring, she got introduced to Hong Eunjeong through a mutual friend, and once Eunjeong realized Huigyeong's killer banter skills, she started dipping into TV. On Survival S, she plays the cool, reliable big sis who'll have your back. True to her judo roots, she dominates any physical challenges, always landing in the top ranks.
Even post-retirement, she never stopped training—focusing on weightlifting she couldn't do as a competitor—and built herself a female bodybuilder's physique. 'In person, it's not as intimidating as the photos make it seem.' Her muscles were way better sculpted than even Boksun noona's, who loves working out. That tanned, ripped look oozed healthy sex appeal rather than anything off-putting, constantly stealing my gaze.
The fourth is the oldest at 50, Shin Yeongju. A comedienne who ruled the roost about 30 years ago with massive popularity, but to kids today, she's just some random auntie they don't recognize. On Survival S, she's the fool old-timer. A straight-up boomer would rub viewers the wrong way, but slapping "fool" in front makes her antics hilarious—especially when the other MCs roast her for it.
Fifth is Na Yeonghui. She guested on Survival S, blew everyone away with her variety instincts, and got added as a regular. As an actress, she's stunningly pretty. The problem? Pretty faces are a dime a dozen in this world. Despite her looks and decent acting chops, she couldn't break out. So she pivoted to variety, boosting her name recognition—but she's still stuck in supporting roles as an actress.
Her actress pride makes her ham it up as the pretty one, and she loves when the others fawn over her. She's the official "wasted talent" character on Survival S, using her solid acting to scam the members left and right. Lies so often she's earned the nickname "scammer."
"Looking forward to working with you."
The sixth, Gong Jeongseon, is the total opposite of Tae Huigyeong. Tall but skin-and-bones skinny, always seeming weak—she gets tossed around in physical games and finishes dead last. But the gods are fair: her body stats suck, but her brain is genius-level. She pairs perfectly with "scammer" Na Yeonghui to backstab the team constantly.
Hong Eunjeong, Tae Huigyeong, Shin Yeongju, Na Yeonghui, Gong Jeongseon, I Hwan. These six unique personalities have Survival S locked down as national TV gold.
Jeki, as leader, picked his team first, splitting us into two groups of six.
Team A: Jeki, Tae Huigyeong, Kang Jun, Nam Eungyu, Shin Yeongju, Gong Jeongseon
Team B: Hong Eunjeong, Jin Haesol, I Hwan, Ki Uyeon, Na Yeonghui, Kang Kyungtae
I was on Team B, and personally, I think our lineup's stronger. Team A got stuck with physically weak Gong Jeongseon and the older Shin Yeongju, who can't handle the action as well.
Survival S hands out toy guns before kickoff. The game's simple: scavenge bullets via minigames inside the rented building, then tag the other team to eliminate them and win.
We boarded a bus to head to the game zone.
"Uyeon's totally glued to Haesol, huh?"
I Hwan teased, eyeing Uyeon hogging the seat next to me. He'd been needling my good looks since the opening, but it felt half-joking for the cameras. No real malice.
"Uyeon's still a kid."
"I'm not a kid! I'm a full-grown 18!"
He was 17 when we met; two comebacks later, he's 18. I'm 21 now too. From my perspective—having lived to 30—17 or 18 is baby territory, and 20 or 21 is just green.
"It's not the age. Uyeon just seems super dependent on Haesol."
"Feel free to drop the formalities, sunbae."
Failed idol or not, I Hwan's industry vet status shines through. Calling him "sunbae" politely melted his guarded vibe instantly.
"Uh... sunbae?"
"Oh! Does it bother you?"
"Nah, it's just been forever since an idol called me that."
I Hwan bombed as an idol, struggled as an actor with bit roles and acting flak, then switched to variety. No big wins anywhere meant no respect—as an idol from comedians, as an actor from idols with tinted glasses. He got bounced around everywhere.
Cameras were rolling, but that confession won't air. Hong Eunjeong, next to him, poked his side.
"Same old routine? Aren't you sick of it?"
"Noona, you don't get a guy's delicate feelings!"
"Don't take what he says too seriously. He just whines for attention when someone plays along."
...I'd wondered why he'd spill that to near-strangers on a bus full of mics. Turns out it's his go-to. Her casual roast of his sore spots screamed self-deprecating humor from someone who'd overcome it all. Lacking talent didn't stop him from idols to acting to variety—relentless grit worth admiring.
Uyeon, stuck to me like glue, eventually loosened up chatting with the Survival S crew. Back to his hyper self, he owned the bus. He clicked hard with I Hwan—both high-energy types.
'I'm exhausted. My ears are bleeding.'
I sighed inwardly, ears burning from Uyeon's nonstop squeals the whole ride. Cameras zoomed in on their chaos.
'Uyeon's a natural variety star.' Shy at first, but opens up fast, drawing out anyone's charm. Perfect for shows needing instant rapport—his cheeky persistence would shine.
'Hope this nets him variety invites and stamps his territory.' He claims no big ambitions yet, but I know he's the most serious about gigs like this.
The bus rolled to a stop after a bit.
"Whoa~ We filming here?"
"The whole mall."
"Survival S is on another level."
We'd arrived at a four-story shopping arcade. Filming disrupts business, but the promo's worth it—they rotate spots often. Bustling merchants, crowds browsing and buying: prime chaos for today's shoot.
The bullets we needed? Probably with the shopkeepers.
'I've watched enough variety to guess that easy.'
But with all these people, filming seemed dicey.
'Nah, mostly older folks—might be fine.' More Survival S fans than Airplane recognizes here. We'd leech off the MCs' fame.
Quick huddle for rules recap, then teams blew whistles to launch the survival proper.
Bweeeep!
"Go!"
The crowds who'd heard about the shoot parted as Teams A and B scattered.
"Uh... what now?"
Uyeon, Kyungtae hyung, and I—variety newbies—floundered post-start. Hong Eunjeong took charge.
"Find bullets first."
"Scatter and search?"
"Four floors—pair up, each take one, regroup for the last. Sound good?"
"Perfect!!"
No objections; smooth sailing.
'This is why leaders matter.'
Remembering college group projects, I shuddered, handed Uyeon to I Hwan (perfect comic duo), paired Kyungtae hyung (shy cam hog risk) with guest-whisperer Hong Eunjeong, leaving me with Na Yeonghui.
"Ooh, you picked me?"
"Please take care of me."
Not 'cause she's hot. Strategic: buddy the variety pros for screen time, shield the camera-shy.
She played it up big.
"Love at first sight? Oh no, can't do that—mind if noona gets serious?"
(P.S. She's the one who bought my Fracas pictorial at opening.)
"Get too serious, and I won't take responsibility if you cry later, noona."
Variety rules: clap back playful. She gasped, then burst laughing.
"Thought you were just pretty—didn't expect the wit too? Got it all. Hahaha!! This'll be fun. Keep that energy; you'll film great."
"Thanks. Lead the way."
Her cheeks flushed.
"Shall we hit floor 2?"
"Sure."
Team B scattered; Na Yeonghui and I climbed to our zone—floor 2, packed with clothing shops.