Celebrity Yoo Jae-seok on May 19 gives a big smile at a news conference for the production of his series "Jae-seok's B&B Rules!" at the hotel JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul in the city's Jongno-gu District.

By Xu Aiying

Photos = Lee Jeongwoo

The original Netflix variety show "Jae-seok's B&B Rules!" features the signature sensibility and chaotic camp management of celebrity host and personality Yoo Jae-seok.

Premiering on May 26, the reality show is set at a three-day camp with Yoo as the director and three staff: actors Lee Kwang-soo and Byeon Woo-seok and comedian Ji Ye-eun. Though dubbed "the country's emcee," Yoo this time plays a clumsy novice camper who chats and plays with an ordinary cast to make viewers laugh.

At a news conference for the production on May 19 at the hotel JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul in the city's Jongno-gu District, Yoo explained why he agreed to do a variety show with ordinary participants. "I’ve done so many variety shows over the years, so I thought it'd be fun to try playing the games from such shows with the audience."

"In our daily lives and at work, we often don't get many chances to play such games," he added. "I thought this could be a fantasy-like moment for viewers."

The cast of the original Netflix variety show "Jae-seok's B&B Rules" -- (from left) actor Lee Kwang-soo, host Yoo Jae-seok, comedian Ji Ye-eun and actor Byeon Woo-seok -- on May 19 pose for photos at a news conference for the production at the hotel JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul in the city's Jongno-gu District.

The show has garnered much buzz since the early stage of production as the first variety program on Netflix bearing Yoo's name in the title in his 35-year entertainment career. He is most famous for hosting hit programs such as "Infinite Challenge" and "Yoo Quiz on the Block."

Supporting cast members Lee, Byeon and Ji will also bring their skills to the show.

On his chemistry with the cast, Yoo expressed satisfaction, saying, "As everyone can imagine, Lee Kwang-soo and Ji Ye-eun are variety show veterans. I was curious over how Byeon Woo-seok would handle this, but it was really interesting."

Lee, who has worked with Yoo on many shows, said, "When I first saw the casting call for guests, I was certain that it'd be fun."

"Because this is my first time doing a camp-style show, I think I can offer a different sort of fun."

Byeon, who appears as a regular in a variety show for the first time, said, "My fans love my daily routine, so I thought this program could present this side of me."

"I took on this challenge with a mix of fear and excitement."

The cast and staff of the original Netflix show "Jae-seok's B&B Rules" on May 19 pose for photos at the hotel JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul in the city's Jongno-gu District.

The show's crew cited the large cast and a tight schedule as what differentiates the program from other homestay variety shows.

Yoo and the cast run an activity-packed 24-hour schedule to offer guests a special experience. As soon as they get up, the cast dives into a nonstop series of games starting with a wake-up mission and followed by morning yoga, a cushion quiz and campfire.

The production team said they added fun and fantasy elements based on Korea's unique "retreat" culture.

"Even with language and cultural differences, viewers can deeply relate to the process of people meeting for the first time, laughing and clashing to build relationships," a staff member said. "We hope that the show conveys the joy of finding the strength to return to the daily routine while laughing lightly."

xuaiy@korea.kr