Dex Calls 3rd Season of 'The Zone: Survival Mission' Tough Nut to Crack

연합뉴스 / 2024-08-06 14:30:27

▲ Korean entertainer Dex attends the press conference for Disney Plus' reality show "The Zone: Survival Mission" season 3 held in Seoul on Aug. 6, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 6 (Yonhap) -- "I thought it would be easy until I actually tried it. All the 'tough guy' facade I've built up crumbled," laughed Dex at the production presentation for Disney+ original variety show 'The Zone: Survival Mission' Season 3.

Joining as a new member, he admitted, "The missions were so challenging that I had to muster all my strength just to endure," at the Conrad Hotel in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul.

Premiering on the 7th, 'The Zone 3' features four "representatives of humanity" surviving extreme situations crafted by the producers within a set time. This season sees the departure of Lee Kwang-soo, who appeared with Yoo Jae-suk and Kwon Yuri in previous seasons, with Kim Dong-hyun and Dex stepping in.

▲ From left: Korean entertainers Kim Dong-hyun, Yuri, Yoo Jae-suk, and Dex show off their camaraderie at the press conference for Disney Plus' reality show "The Zone: Survival Mission" season 3 held in Seoul on Aug. 6, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Dex highlighted the show's immersive nature as its biggest draw. "The scenes felt so real that the cast couldn't help but get fully engaged. Initially, I thought I might have to lose on purpose to keep things interesting, but that was arrogant of me. I didn't realize how scared I'd be, and all my 'tough guy' pretense will be exposed on this show," he joked.

He added, "It's a fun show, but it also carries social messages, which makes me proud to be part of it."

While past seasons of 'The Zone' focused on surviving extreme disasters like viruses, fires, and floods, the new season integrates social issues.

In 'The Zone 3,' the cast faces missions like evading robots resembling Yoo Jae-suk created using deepfake and deep voice technology and surviving in a house with severe penalties for not repaying rent loans every 30 minutes.

Yoo Jae-suk reflected on the first episode featuring AI Yoo Jae-suk, "Filming that episode made me think a lot. The production team has cleverly incorporated potential issues arising from the rapid development of AI technology."

He noted, "The addition of Kim Dong-hyun and Dex is the biggest change this season. Our new dynamic will bring fresh entertainment," pointing out the key aspect to watch for.

Director Jo Hyo-jin shared, "We planned to incorporate social issues like AI and mortgage loans to resonate with viewers and have strengthened the missions for this season to show more intense survival scenarios," promising a more gripping experience.

▲ Korean entertainer Kim Dong-hyun attends the press conference for Disney Plus' reality show "The Zone: Survival Mission" season 3 held in Seoul on Aug. 6, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)