By Han Sang-hee
Staff reporter
Summer is here, and this means more exercise, less food and the resultant fatigue. For those who need some advice and companionship, tune in to cable channel Story On’s fourth season of its popular program ``Diet War.’’
Led by model and host Hyun Young, the show will bring a total of 12 contestants and follow them on the toughest journey of their lives.
Losing weight can be a grueling task, especially for some contestants who weigh over 100 kilograms. The best way to understand them was to go through the ordeal together and that was what producer Lee Jin Min did.
``I needed to understand the mechanism of losing weight, so I started working out and lost three kilograms in the past three months,’’ she said laughing during a press conference at the Seoul Press Center, central Seoul, Tuesday.
``By working on the last three seasons, we have learned so much about losing weight. Dieting is a nationwide interest and we are planning to share our know-how with viewers this season as well,’’ Lee added.
The slogan for this season is ``Smart Bible,’’ and the show is planning to offer helpful tips and advice in every episode.
``We don’t want viewers to just watch and forget about the program after it’s over. We want viewers to follow the dieting steps and find themselves lighter than before,’’ Lee said.
Hyun Young, 33, is known for her slim figure and bubbly personality, and it was her job to keep the contestants’ hopes up and help them overcome their fears.
``(Losing weight) is not something that should be done temporarily. It’s a life time commitment and we try to teach and help contestants understand this through the program,’’ she said.
The main goal for the contestants may be to shed the most weight, but the show offers a bit more drama than just numbers on the scale.
One contestant shares her story as a single mother, while others had to go through the death of loved ones.
``An important part of the show is humanism. We want to show how and why the contestants became overweight and the sufferings they have been through. We are also planning to check on their lives after the show is finished, so it’s just not about lowering their weight, but how much change can come by doing so,’’ the producer added.
The biggest difference from the last three seasons is the male contestants. The producer explained that after three seasons, they received many calls and emails from male viewers that wanted to join the show as well. By adding four males, the missions and tasks have become tougher, adding more intensity and drama.
The 12 contestants will be divided into two groups, led by two of the most famous trainers in the business: Arnold Hong and Kim Ji-hun. The two trainers have very different styles and the show will be the perfect chance to learn their training techniques and pick what is better for you.
``I’m a believer in the `emotional diet.’ I join the contestants every session and they get to feel that I’m a part of their journey, not just someone who tells them what to do and eat. We are in the same boat, and by working, talking, crying and enduring the process together, I’m sure my team will be able to reach their goals,’’ Hong said.
While Hong is a believer of positivity and the power of emotions, Kim believes in precise results.
``I believe your body can be designed just like clothes. There is an exact answer and the perfect way to achieve that goal. Through my systematic programs, I’m sure the winner will come from my team,’’ Kim said, looking at Hong smiling.
So what is the bottom line when you want to lose weight?
``Exercising and watching what you eat! You need to do those two things together to get the best results, I promise,’’ Hyun Young said, smiling.
``For the contestants, it’s not just about losing weight. This can be a life changing experience for them and it’s great that we can be a part of that. We hope viewers feel the same way,’’ she added.
``Diet War’’ season four starts July 3 at midnight on Story On.