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| "Infinite Challenge" producers and cast will take time out to relax, starting next week. / Courtesy of MBC |
By Lee Jin-a
Popular MBC reality show "Infinite Challenge" will be suspended for seven weeks to give directors and cast time to relax and refresh themselves.
The weekly show has been aired since 2006 with only a handful of exceptions, mostly caused by external disasters such as the Sewol sinking, leaving producers and cast chronically short of ideas.
The temporary suspension was made public during the show's latest episode on Jan. 21.
"We have decided to take some time to revamp and reorganize our show," said Yu Jae-seok, the main host of the six-member program. "For seven weeks, we will focus on ‘normalizing' the program. We will do our best to return with more entertaining episodes."
"Infinite Challenge" is one of Korea's longest-running TV programs, which has among the highest viewership ratings for Saturday prime-time shows.
Despite this, the show's main producer Kim Tae-ho has often said those involved were under great pressure getting the show ready on time.
"It usually takes two weeks to prepare for an episode, but we have to air the show each week," Kim said. "I just want to have enough time to provide fun and worthwhile experiences (for the viewers)."
Accepting Kim's request, MBC decided to stop airing his show temporarily and to broadcast a pilot program starring comedian Jeong Joon-ha and Hallyu star Kwon Sang-woo for the first three weeks from Jan 28.
For the rest of following weeks, MBC will air special editions of "Infinite Challenge" consisting of clips from past episodes.
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