According to the SBS Friday variety show ‘Whatever You Wish – Secretaries’ production presentation held on August 28, 2026, at the Kensington Hotel Yeouido in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, cast member Lee Kwang-kyu expressed sharp dissatisfaction with the program’s demanding production schedule, stating that the recording is too long and inefficient while threatening to quit if a movie offer arrives.
Production Presentation and Cast Frustrations
The press event brought together the core creative team and cast members to discuss the trajectory of the upcoming season. During the session, Lee Kwang-kyu didn’t hold back regarding the grueling hours required for the reality program. “The recording is too long and inefficient,” Lee Kwang-kyu stated, adding, “It often starts early in the morning and ends late at night. Senior Lee Kyung-kyu would have hated it. Still, since the drama and movie markets are bad, I’m trying hard. If a movie comes in, I’ll quit.”
Co-star Lee Seo-jin offered a similarly pragmatic view of the production process, addressing the show’s title and his evolving role. According to Lee Seo-jin, the production team chose the subtitle ‘Whatever You Wish’ recklessly. “I have no new resolution,” Lee Seo-jin said. “I adapted to being a secretary during the last season, but I disliked that version of myself, so my resolution is to avoid adapting. However, during filming, I end up adapting despite feeling annoyed.”
Expanding the Scope of ‘Secretaries’
Producer Kim Jung-wook outlined the conceptual shift for the new episodes, aiming to capture the dynamic between the cast and their responsibilities. “After Season 1, Lee Seo-jin’s slave-like dedication started to emerge but then receded,” Producer Kim Jung-wook explained. “We wanted to observe this process, hence the subtitle ‘Whatever You Wish’.”
Unlike standard celebrity helper formats, the upcoming season expands beyond basic assistance and standard manager duties. The cast handles official schedules alongside deeply personal routines that traditional managers cannot accompany. This evolution positions the participants as genuine assistants navigating private spaces.
Did You Know? Last season, ‘Secretaries’ dominated multiple metrics by securing first place in its timeslot right from its premiere broadcast, pulling in over 170 million cumulative views for clips and highlight reels, and climbing to second overall and first in the variety category on Netflix’s ‘Today’s South Korea TOP Series’.
Setting Expectations for the Premiere
Lee Seo-jin reflected on the psychological toll and ultimate comfort that comes with repetition on set. “The purpose is to do the secretary’s job well and appreciate the manager’s gratitude,” Lee Seo-jin noted. “However, if I adapt, I might lose sight of my feelings toward the manager.” He concluded that as assistance gets easier, the discomfort fades into routine conformity.
The program premieres on August 28 at 11:10 p.m. on SBS, aiming to replicate its previous success across television, digital platforms, and OTT streaming services by blending unscripted reality with candid celebrity interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new season of ‘Secretaries’ premiere?
According to SBS, the show premieres on August 28 at 11:10 p.m.
What did Lee Kwang-kyu say at the press presentation?
Lee Kwang-kyu criticized the production schedule as too long and inefficient, stating that he would quit the show if he receives a movie offer.
How did Season 1 perform across media platforms?
Season 1 ranked first in its timeslot from its debut, surpassed 170 million cumulative views on clips and highlights, and reached second overall and first in the variety category on Netflix’s ‘Today’s South Korea TOP Series’.
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