In a year already brimming with high-profile entertainment projects and personal milestones, actor Jang Jae-ho is stepping into the spotlight once again—this time as part of an ambitious new variety program. The show, announced on August 8, 2025, by the Chinese variety show brand 'Riki' through its official social media channels, promises to inject fresh energy into the genre with a blend of entertainment, dance, and even fight scenes. The announcement, made in partnership with Jeollabuk-do Broadcasting Station, has generated considerable buzz across both South Korean and Chinese fan communities, eager to see what this innovative project will deliver.
According to EPN Now, the official word came with a flurry of activity: videos, posters, and behind-the-scenes images showcasing Riki—already a household name in the region—donning a sleek black-and-white suit. The visual concept, described as both chic and sophisticated, is a deliberate signal that the program is aiming for a more polished, modern image. Riki's adaptability is on full display, as the star easily transitions between classic and contemporary styles, suggesting the show's themes will be just as versatile.
The new variety show, whose first episode is titled 'Never Say Never,' is slated for release on September 1, 2025, at 6 PM across major music streaming sites. This timing is no accident: it aligns with the much-anticipated comeback of the group ZeroBaseOne, of which Riki is a member. The group's first full-length album, also named 'Never Say Never,' is expected to drop the same day, creating a synergy between music and television that could prove irresistible to fans.
But Riki isn't the only name drawing attention. The program's production boasts a roster of notable entertainers, including Lee Da-hae, Kim Mi-jin, and Park Geun-young. Their involvement signals a commitment to quality and star power, and each has brought their own fanbase—and style—to the project. Lee Da-hae, for instance, has been actively sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses on her social media since July 31, 2025. In one post, she expressed her excitement about the filming process, giving fans an intimate look at the set and her co-stars. Park Geun-young, who revealed on August 5 that Lee Da-hae would be taking the lead actress role, also posted images from the set, further fueling anticipation.
The show is set to be broadcast as part of the 2025 Autumn Super Live 3-round event, a detail that ties it into a larger entertainment ecosystem and ensures a broad audience. Actor Dang Seung-ji, who shared his own photos from the filming site on August 16, 2025, described his satisfaction with the production, noting the positive atmosphere and the creative energy on set. "The team is working seamlessly," he wrote, echoing the general sense of excitement that seems to permeate the cast and crew.
Jang Jae-ho, meanwhile, has been candid about his journey to this point. In an interview published on August 8, 2025, he discussed his recent activities, including his involvement with the new variety show. Jang, who has made a name for himself playing intense and often villainous roles in dramas like 'Squid Game' and 'Salon de Holmes,' revealed that he is eager to explore the lighter, more dynamic side of entertainment. "I didn't expect to only play villains," he admitted, referencing his now-iconic 'bad pink guard' character from 'Squid Game.' He went on to describe the challenges and surprises of filming such roles, noting, "When I auditioned for 'Squid Game,' I thought I'd be a contestant, not a guard. The security on set was so tight, I didn't even know which episode I'd be killed off in!"
Despite his tough on-screen persona, Jang's real life is a study in contrasts. The actor, who recently became a father with his wife, actress Gong Min-jung, spoke warmly about balancing his career with family life. "When I'm not filming, I focus on parenting. That's one of the perks of being a freelancer," he said with a laugh. He described the joy of spending time with his daughter and the simple pleasures of watching TV with his wife at the end of a long day. "It's become one of the biggest sources of happiness in my life," he shared.
Jang's reflections on acting are equally heartfelt. He didn't originally train as an actor; instead, he discovered the craft after his military service and made his debut in the 2008 stage play 'Regret Under the Blanket.' Since then, he's found genuine fulfillment in the art. "There's a moment when you truly connect with your character," he explained. "It's brief—maybe half a second to a second—but the catharsis is real. That's why I can't give up acting. I want to keep building slowly, without trying to stand out too much. I just want to be a good person."
Behind the scenes, the production of 'Never Say Never' appears to be a collaborative and creatively charged environment. Lee Da-hae's frequent updates have given fans a window into the camaraderie among the cast, while Park Geun-young's posts have highlighted the technical and artistic efforts going into the show. The program's blend of entertainment and competitive elements is designed to appeal to a wide audience, combining the spectacle of dance and fight scenes with the charm of celebrity personalities.
The anticipation is further heightened by the show's strategic placement within the 2025 Autumn Super Live event, which is expected to draw significant viewership. The integration of music, variety, and live performance is a testament to the evolving landscape of entertainment, where boundaries between genres are increasingly blurred. For fans of Riki, ZeroBaseOne, and the other stars involved, September 1 promises to be a landmark day.
As the countdown to the premiere continues, the excitement among cast, crew, and fans alike is palpable. With its fresh concept, star-studded cast, and cross-genre appeal, 'Never Say Never' is poised to make a splash in the autumn entertainment season. The show's success will hinge not only on its innovative format but also on the chemistry and authenticity of its performers—qualities that, if the behind-the-scenes reports are any indication, are in abundant supply.
For Jang Jae-ho and his colleagues, this project represents both a professional challenge and a creative opportunity. As viewers await the debut episode, the only certainty is that expectations are sky-high—and, if the early glimpses are anything to go by, 'Never Say Never' just might deliver on its ambitious promise.
