The average age of 52.8 years old, Sung Dong-il, Kim Kwang-gyu, Jang Hyuk, Um Ki-jun, and Shin Seung-hwan's left-handed English challenge JTBC Shalashala
Feb 03, 2025
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JTBC's new entertainment show 'Before It's Too Late, Language Training-Shalashala' (hereinafter 'Shalashala') has been unveiled. At the production presentation held at Stanford Hotel in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 3rd, various stories ranging from the intention of the program to the behind-the-scenes filming of the cast were revealed.
'Shalashala' is a program about five actors of an average age of 52.8 years, including Sung Dong-il, Kim Kwang-gyu, Um Ki-jun, Jang Hyuk, and Shin Seung-hwan, leaving for the UK to challenge themselves in English.
Producer Jeong Seung-il, the director of the production, said "English is a familiar language worldwide, but learning is still burdensome in Korea. Especially for the middle-aged, English is like a challenge." "Considering the age of the cast, I thought it would be interesting to learn in an environment different from the existing English education method." Above all, I wanted to show the process of learning the language of English by bumping into it in real life", he explained.
There was also an explanation as to why the production team chose the UK. Producer Chung said, `Britain is also a suzerain state of English and has not been covered much in entertainment. I thought that British English's unique accent and cultural charm would add freshness to the actors' challenge"In my actual exploration, I discovered a lot of unexpected parts" he added.
The cast also revealed why they jumped into a difficult challenge. Sung Dong-il "I felt the need for English while traveling abroad with my children. I also encountered English while learning the alphabet when I was in middle school, but using it in my life was another problem. I wanted to experience firsthand how the 40s and 50s who are not familiar with English can communicate in foreign countries," he said, revealing the reason for his appearance. He then emphasized that "this program is not just learning English, it is showing how you live in a foreign country"."
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When asked if the 14 days of language training actually helped, the cast said in unison "It really helped a lot." Sung Dong-il "There were few people who spoke Korean in the language school. It was an environment where I was naturally exposed to English, and when I was in that environment, I started to hear English little by little." Eom Ki-jun realized the change, saying, "Originally, I used to avoid foreigners when they approached me, but now I'm not afraid."
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There were also talks about the possibility of entering the English language. Shin Seung-hwan said, `While filming, I became more interested in English-speaking works, and I intend to knock on the door in the future.' Kim Kwang-kyu trembled, saying, `I have a vague feeling that I will be shooting abroad someday.' Um Ki-jun said, "My ears felt like they were open, but they closed again," he said with a smile.
One of the factors that raises expectations for the program is the chemistry between the cast. Producer Jeong Seung-il recruited a close cast to ease the burden of learning English. Sung Dong-il was cast first, and Kim Kwang-kyu was so curious and worked hard in club activities that I wondered what he would look like when learning English. Um Ki-jun had a strong elite image, so I was looking forward to what he would look like in real life, and Shin Seung-hwan seemed to play the role of the youngest. Jang Hyuk is famous for studying English for a long time, so I thought it would fit well with the combination", he explained.
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The production team emphasized that 'Shalashala' is a program that includes educational elements beyond simple entertainment. Producer Jeong Yoon-ah was able to confirm the actual learning effect because it was a way to follow the regular curriculum. Not only the cast but also the production team stopped speaking English on the phone after filming," he said, explaining the positive impact of the program. Then "The cast practiced hard while preparing for the graduation speech, and there were many touching moments in the process. This part will make viewers think that they can try it."
JTBC 'Shalashala' will premiere at 10:20 p.m. on the 5th.
mj.cho@sportschosun.com
