‘The Butler’ Yang Se-hyung vs. ‘Running Man’ Yang Se-chan Different concerns

As SBS' 'All The Butlers' returns for Season 2, 'Running Man', which was scheduled in a new time slot, is actually benefiting. On the other hand, 'All The Butlers 2' without Lee Seung-gi is still wandering without being able to find its center. Coincidentally, Yang Se-chan appears in 'Running Man' and Yang Se-hyung and brothers appear in 'The Butler'. The younger brother, Yang Se-chan of 'Running Man', may be laughing, but his older brother, Yang Se-hyung of 'The Butler' is in an awkward situation.

'All The Butlers', which aired on the 8th, recorded a viewership rating of 1.9% (based on Nielsen Korea's nationwide households), the same as last week. On the other hand, 'Running Man' continued its viewership rating at 5.8%, similar to last week's 5.9%, which is about 1.7 percentage points higher than the 4.2% (broadcast on December 25th) before the programming change.

'Running Man', which was previously broadcast at 4:50 PM on Sundays, moved to 6:20 PM, the 6th era, for the first time in 6 years. This is a change in programming as ‘All The Butlers’ returned for Season 2.

In the case of 'Running Man', the existing members' chemistry is already firmly established, centering on Yoo Jae-seok. By delaying the broadcast time from before, we benefited from securing a larger audience. In addition, the broadcast on the 8th stimulated viewers' memories with 'Running Man Outing', which took the motif of the past variety show 'Family Outing'.

On this day's broadcast, 'Running Man' members stayed together in a rural village, cooked food, and played games. The love line between Jeon So-min and Yang Se-chan, who were making breakfast, also brought laughter. Yoo Jae-seok asked Jeon So-min, “Don’t you think you married Se-chan?” In response, Jeon So-min immediately called Yang Se-chan “honey” and made everyone laugh. When Ji Seok-jin asked, “If I introduce Se-chan to the house, will the family like it?” Jeon So-min responded, “Mom likes it very much.” Yang Se-chan said, "I think you'll be surprised," but also added, "You'll like it." Although it was boring, it was also an episode that brought back memories to viewers.

On the other hand, in the case of 'All The Butlers 2', changes were attempted with the addition of new members Lee Dae-ho and BamBam, but there was no significant gain. Among the current members, Yang Se-hyung is the only original member of 'All The Butlers'. In the case of Yang Se-hyung, who led 'All the Butlers' while assisting Lee Seung-gi, the sense of responsibility and burden for 'All the Butlers 2' without Lee Seung-gi is bound to be greater.

'All The Butlers 2' revealed Lee Dae-ho and BamBam's house for the first time on air in the episode on the 8th, but it did not receive much attention from viewers. The topic covered that day was ‘marriage vs. non-marriage’. BamBam revealed that he is a non-married man, and Lee Dae-ho showed off his side as a loving husband and father by enjoying a sweet date with Ha Won-ha's son and kissing his wife who came to meet him at the elevator. However, this was a scene reminiscent of 'My Little Old Boy' and 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2'.

There is a possibility that ‘All The Butlers 2’ viewer ratings will increase. Since it is still in the early stages, there is potential if chemistry between members is formed and the concept of '2023 close trend' attracts young viewers. ‘Running Man’ also cannot be reassured by its current achievements. This is because, as it ages, it has the problem of depletion of materials. Yang Se-chan, who took his place after being introduced as a new member of 'Running Man' in 2017, and Yang Se-hyung, who has maintained his position since 'All The Butlers 1' in 2017. Attention is being paid to whether the brothers will be able to laugh together.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr