tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' Faces Criticism for Losing Original Concept

'You know what?' Lee So-jung from TenAsia captures intriguing issues in the broadcasting world to stimulate the public's dopamine.

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tvN's variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' (hereafter 'You Quiz'), which has been drawing high ratings and buzz with celebrity guests like Kim Soo-hyun, Lee Byung-hun, and Ju Ji-hoon, is facing criticism for straying from its original concept.

First aired in August 2018, 'You Quiz' was designed to meet people on the streets and listen to their genuine stories. Hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho engaged in spontaneous conversations with passersby, highlighting their lives, which resonated with many viewers.

However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the street interview format became challenging to maintain, leading to a shift towards pre-arranged guests and studio recordings. Regular viewers hoped for a return to the original street interviews post-pandemic, but the altered format persists.

A 'You Quiz' representative stated, "Currently, the focus is on sharing 'the lives of our neighbors,' and while the show is now studio-based, the format could change at any time." However, they admitted that returning to street interviews is "uncertain and ambiguous."

Despite the production team's emphasis on content over format, many fans lament that the original street interview format better highlighted 'the lives of our neighbors.' The current format, featuring high-earning celebrities, raises questions about whether it truly represents ordinary lives.

Viewers also criticize the show for becoming more of a celebrity talk show, diminishing the significance of the quiz element. Originally a core part of the show, the quiz's difficulty and importance have decreased as celebrity appearances increased, making the prize money seem like a mere participation reward.

A broadcasting insider noted, "As 'You Quiz' continues to secure high-profile guests to boost ratings and buzz, returning to the street interview format seems unlikely. With celebrity talk shows dwindling, 'You Quiz' is seen as a unique alternative, further complicating a return to its roots." They added that the convenience of studio filming also hinders a return to street interviews.

One viewer expressed, "I feel 'You Quiz,' which once deeply resonated by sharing diverse life stories, has lost its original spirit. While it has succeeded in securing high ratings and buzz, it has lost its uniqueness in the process."

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr