Netflix variety show 'Agents of Mystery' makes cast members question reality

This six-part series "Agents of Mystery" follows six agents trying to solve mysterious cases in six hours while being stuck in strange locations.

From left, comedian Lee Yong-jin, singer John Park, comedian Lee Eun-ji, producer Jeong Jong-yeon, Girl's Day's Hyeri, aespa's Karina and actor Kim Do-hoon pose for a photo at a press conference for Netflix's adventure mystery series ″Agents of Mystery″ in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday. [NEWS1]

The cast members of Netflix's "Agents of Mystery" said their new mystery adventure variety show has outgrown the traditional genre of step-by-step problem-solving shows. The storyline is so tightly crafted that the cast said they felt like real agents with real cases to solve. The situations were not only realistic but also mysterious and thrilling at the same time, according to the cast members.

The six cast members who feature in the show as agents — comedians Lee Yong-jin and Lee Eun-ji, singer John Park, Girl’s Day’s Hyeri, aespa’s Karina and actor Kim Do-hoon — introduced the new Netflix show at a press conference on Tuesday, prior to the show's premiere at 4 p.m. on the same day. All six episodes were released together on Netflix. This six-part series follows six agents trying to solve mysterious cases in six hours while being stuck in strange locations.

The key was to pay extra attention to the details on set, said producer Jeong Jong-yeon, who has also produced hit variety shows, like tvN’s escape room show “Great Escape” (2018-21), Tving’s mystery series “High School Mystery Club” (2021-) and Netflix’s reality competition show “The Devil’s Plan.”

Producer Jeong Jong-yeon speaks during a press conference of Netflix's adventure mystery series ″Agents of Mystery″ held in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday. [NETFLIX]

Jeong said that he and the staff members on set did their best to make sure the cast members were totally immersed in each situation, making them question as to whether the situation was real or they were still on the set filming.

For example, inside a set depicting a submarine, Jeong said he used salt water for the water droplets falling from the ceiling — just in case one of the cast members tasted it. In other words, not just the storyline, but the setting was also tightly crafted so that the cast members' five senses could be manipulated into thinking that they were doing everything for real.

"It's not scripted of course," said Jeong. "It was important for us to make sure that they just enjoyed the adventurous experiences of the show while expressing their emotions freely. I think this is what makes the show enjoyable for the viewers."

A still from Netflix's adventure mystery series ″Agents of Mystery″ [NETFLIX]

The cast members of Netflix's adventure mystery series ″Agents of Mystery″ [NETFLIX]

There are two main stories within the six episodes. First, the agents are set on a mission to find three people with the same date of birth who go missing at an abandoned factory. The second story centers around six crew members of the submarine Midas as the agents are tasked with determining whether the crew members are alive and well, along with uncovering the truth of the case.

Due to the production crew's hard work on the details, the cast members all agreed that they were totally immersed in each situation.

A still from Netflix's adventure mystery series ″Agents of Mystery″ [NETFLIX]

“Before going into the shoot, I often told the producer that I don’t react dramatically and don’t get surprised easily because I’m a realist,” Hyeri said, after a series teaser screened at the press conference showed her being shocked multiple times.

“I didn’t expect myself to be so absorbed in the situation. But it was inevitable [to do so] during the shoot. I was just in the moment.”

As for aespa member Karina, “Agents of Mystery” is her first reality show.

“I’m often seen as a charismatic member in the group, especially when performing on stage. But through this show, I believe I’ll be able to show a different side of me as the youngest cast member,” Karina said, adding that she hopes her fans will enjoy seeing a different side of her in the show.

A still from Netflix's adventure mystery series ″Agents of Mystery″ [NETFLIX]

The producer also hopes that he can be a part of introducing a new genre of Korean reality show to Netflix and global audiences, adding that he is “not interested in stepping on other programs.”

“Since it's on a global platform like Netflix, the show will be introduced to global viewers," said Jeong. “I want to show global viewers that Korea also has this type of reality show, hoping they will enjoy this genre as well.”

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]