Beyond coexistence with animals, a new animal-themed variety show that brings awareness to proper companion culture is coming to viewers.
KBS2’s new variety program ‘Animals Are Great’ (directed by Lee Hyung-jin and Son Soo-hee) explores the daily ups and downs with animals, who are our friends and family, through animal cams, and covers the overall companion culture.
At the online production presentation held on the morning of the 15th before the first broadcast, director Son Soo-hee PD introduced, “Animal cams are a symbolic device,” and said, “It’s a program that looks at the world from the perspective of animals, but it’s also a program where you can reflect on your daily life.”
Regarding the differences from other animal programs, she explained, “We cover everything that happens with animals, particularly focusing on companion culture.”
She explained the program as addressing “how to care for and coexist with animals” and added, “While ‘TV Animal Farm’ (SBS) is doing well, we want to be with them and create a healthy ecosystem together.”
‘Animals Are Great’, which was confirmed for regular broadcasting after receiving positive feedback during the pilot, features Defconn, Eun Ji-won, and Jang Do-yeon as MCs.
Defconn, who took the MC position instead of Seo Jang-hoon, said, “I was thrilled to join a new program.”
Unlike other animal programs, this show is different.
He appreciated the emphasis on awareness and responsibility.
“I’ve always liked observing animals since I was young, so I was honored to accept the offer of a good program,” he said. Defconn added, “I don’t have anything new to show.”
“I will just react as I am.”
He noted, “As a non-pet owner, I think true companion culture can be formed when there is understanding and support for pet owners,” and promised to react honestly based on what he sees and feels.
Calling himself a ‘dog boy’, Eun Ji-won said, “I grew up with dogs since I was born.”
When I parted with my first dog, I was around the same age as it.”
I had many dogs from birth, so I grew up reading their moods.
We raised the dogs in the yard, and I couldn’t go near when they were eating.
They used to growl at me,” he said, “because I grew up with dogs, I think I know them very well.”
Eun Ji-won added: “I watch a lot of animal videos, so dog videos frequently appear in my algorithm.”
However, through this program, I could look back on what humans should not do to animals, and why such animal abuse occurs.”
Jang Do-yeon, who joined ‘Animals Are Great’ despite a busy schedule as a popular variety show host, said, “I couldn’t find a reason not to do it.”
Thankful for the offer, I joined with gratitude.
There is a lot to learn during the recordings, and I’ve resolved to study more,” she said.
Regarding the reaction of crying and laughing while watching animal cams during the pilot, she said, “The most impressive part was the issue of stray dogs.”
If I had just seen it on the news, I would think it was just an issue, but looking deeper, I felt that we shouldn’t delay and that other actions should have been taken.”
I cried because I was angry and upset,” she said.
In addition to these MCs, animal behavior expert Go Ji-an, animal case lawyer Jo Chan-hyung, and cat specialist veterinarian Kim Myung-chul, who shared useful knowledge during the pilot, will join the regular program as the ‘AniVengers’.
PD Son added, “Even non-pet owners can benefit from watching this program.”
We are a program that tries to understand animals and seeks coexistence, and by trying to understand different species, understanding and acceptance of humans can also deepen and widen.”
In that regard, I promise to work harder, so please watch over us,” he said. Eun Ji-won also expressed, “I hope you learn about legal issues we were unaware of.”
“Even amidst a busy daily life, it heals the heart,” he shared his thoughts, while Jang Do-yeon shared her determination to “share good information because we need to understand each other to live together.”
Defconn also said, “We prepared hard, and I also want to gain great help in understanding animals.”
May you continue to have a happy life, healing with animals,” he said. ‘Animals Are Great’ airs every Saturday at 10:35 AM.
Reporter Park Se-yeon psyon@edaily.co.kr