TV shows spotlight new ways of communication
In Spike Jonze’s 2013 romantic science fiction comedy “Her,” a man converses and eventually falls in love with the feminine voice of his computer operating system.
Inspired by the film, the tvN show “My Ear’s Candy,” currently airing Thursdays at 11 p.m., is based on a similar premise: celebrities tell intimate secrets to an unknown confidante via their cellphone.
Until their identities are revealed, those on the other end of the phone are nicknamed “Candy” to enhance the sense of “sweetness,” according to the show’s producer Yoo Hak-chan.
Actor Jang Keun-suk speaks intimately on the phone to an unidentified person in “My Ear’s Candy.” (CJ E&M) |
“As our world becomes bigger and more complicated, people want to show who they are without any pretenses. Even celebrities need someone they feel comfortable talking to.”
On the first episode, actor-singer Jang Keun-suk says he feels oddly comfortable discussing everything from the mundane to the private with the unfamiliar voice on the other end -? his cat, what he likes to wear, thoughts he had upon turning 30, his difficult childhood, and the bouts of loneliness in his hectic life.
“I’ve been feeling so lonely until now. When I go home after work, I just stare at the TV. It’s nice to have someone to talk to about my thoughts,” he says.
Actor Jang Keun-suk speaks intimately on the phone to an unidentified person in “My Ear’s Candy.” (CJ E&M) |
His faceless friend, later revealed to be actress Yoo In-na, continue to chat while apart. In last Thursday’s episode, the two shared experiences from far distances -- Jang in Seoul, Yoo in Shanghai.
“I would always get jealous when I see couples walking by,” Jang tells Yoo. “It’s weird. I’m here alone, but it doesn’t feel like I’m alone.”
The cast also includes basketball player-turned-TV personality Seo Jang-hoon, comedian Ahn Moon-sook, actor Jisoo and actress Lee Se-young.
The show has multiple charms, according to culture critic Jung Deok-hyun. It spotlights the smartphone, “a new media device,” heightens the sense of mystery through the sense of hearing in a “visually saturated world,” and reveals the human side of celebrities “whose jobs require them to present made-up versions of themselves,” he said.
Communication through non-language
Another variety program tackling the theme of communication is “Babel 250” -- named after the biblical tower that resulted in the world’s division of languages -- which stars a cast of seven different nationalities.
Participants who speak seven different languages attempt to communicate with each other on “Babel 250.” (CJ E&M) |
Though the members expressed frustration at the beginning, “communication is becoming easier as more words in their new ‘Babel’ language accumulate each day,” according to producer Lee Won-hyung. Moreover, they are learning to communicate “in ways that don’t involve language,” he added.
“Babel 250” Airs Wednesdays on tvN at 9:40 p.m.
By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)