Producer TEO on the Future of G-Dragon's Good Day & Park Bo-gum’s My Name is Gabriel

As one of South Korea’s most influential variety show producers, Kim Tae-ho has built a reputation for delivering groundbreaking formats, from Infinite Challenge to Hangout With Yoo. However, his latest projects—JTBC’s My Name is Gabriel (Gabriel) and MBC’s Good Day—have faced unexpected setbacks.

Gabriel, an ambitious reality format where celebrities experience life as ordinary citizens in different countries, has struggled to gain traction domestically.

Good Day, a highly anticipated music variety show, has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun, whose alleged past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron has led to public backlash.

Amid these issues, speculation about Kim Tae-ho’s “career crisis” has surfaced, raising questions about the future of his shows.

During a press event for ENA’s Earth Marble World Tour 3 (Jigumabul 3) on March 20, Kim Tae-ho addressed these concerns, clarifying the status of his projects while also teasing exciting future developments—including G-Dragon’s much-anticipated segment in Good Day.

‘Gabriel’: A Strategic Format with Long-Term Potential

Kim Tae-ho emphasized that Gabriel was never just about its initial ratings—it was developed with global format sales in mind. “We approached it with high expectations for international distribution, and while the domestic response wasn’t ideal, the show has already recouped its production costs through advertising and licensing deals,” he stated.

With ongoing negotiations with multiple international companies, Gabriel could still see a second life on global platforms—potentially in a remade version tailored to overseas markets.

JTBC’s My Name is Gabriel, Now Streaming on Disney+—Starring Park Bo-gum & Ji Chang-wook

JTBC’s latest reality series, My Name is Gabriel, now available on Disney+, features top singers and actors like Park Bo-gum, Jennie and Ji Chang-wook, as they embark on a unique social experiment in a foreign country. The show challenges celebrities to step into an entirely new identity, experiencing life as an ordinary local without the privileges of fame.

Park Bo-gum’s participation has particularly intrigued fans, who are eager to see how he navigates unfamiliar environments, embraces a new persona, and connects with people through genuine human interactions.

With its immersive storytelling and thought-provoking concept, My Name is Gabriel offers a fresh perspective on cultural experiences and human connection, making it a must-watch for viewers seeking something beyond traditional reality TV.

Nevertheless, other shows like Salon Drip 2 remain strong. In a recent episode, IU takes center stage, captivating viewers with her signature charm, wit, and heartfelt stories. She opens up about her music, career milestones, and personal growth, while also sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes that fans have never heard before. With host Jang Do-yeon’s sharp humor and IU’s effortless charisma, the episode delivers a perfect mix of laughter, candid conversations, and emotional moments—proving once again why people are absolutely crazy about IU.

Despite internal challenges, Good Day has secured strong global rankings. “While we faced difficulties in managing the timing of music releases, the show has still performed well among viewers aged 20-40 and has ranked No.1 in multiple international markets,” Kim Tae-ho revealed.

He also reassured fans that Disney+ has reported positive results for the show’s performance in South Korea and other key regions.

A major draw for Good Day has been G-Dragon’s guest appearance, marking his first major TV return since his legal battles. Fans have been eagerly awaiting his segment, which is set to air in the latter half of the show.

Kim Tae-ho hyped up the upcoming episodes, stating, “The second half of the show will reveal the results of G-Dragon’s interactions with the cast. I hope viewers will look forward to it.” Given G-Dragon’s influence, his segment could elevate Good Day to new heights—potentially turning it into a global sensation despite its rocky start.

‘Earth Marble World Tour 3’: The Producer’s Next Big Bet

While Gabriel and Good Day navigate their respective challenges, Kim Tae-ho is shifting focus to his newest project, Earth Marble World Tour 3. This adventure reality show follows top travel YouTubers Pani Bottle, Wonji, and Kwak Tube, who embark on a global journey dictated by the roll of a dice, much like the classic Blue Marble (Burumabul) board game.

The third season premieres on March 22 at 7:50 PM KST on ENA, with expectations that it will solidify Kim Tae-ho’s reputation as a pioneer in reality content.

Despite rumors of a “crisis”, Kim Tae-ho remains one of the most sought-after producers in the industry. While My Name is Gabriel and Good Day have had mixed receptions, they both have global potential, and Earth Marble World Tour 3 is already generating buzz.

With the upcoming G-Dragon episodes on Good Day and continued negotiations for Gabriel’s international format sales, Kim Tae-ho’s projects still have significant momentum—proving that his storytelling and creative vision continue to shape the future of Korean variety entertainment.