“Park Ji-sung is nice? Illusion… King-like existence” Unstoppable revelation (Man in Europe) [Q&A]
’Man in Europe 2025’, a junior assist project jointly produced by STUDIO X+U and Shoot for Love, is expected to thrill soccer people around the world with the upgraded chemistry of Park Ji-Sung and Evra, as well as the added K-support of ‘Traditional K-games’, which has become even hotter with the popular entertainment show ‘Squid Game’.
Meanwhile, ‘Fathers’ Park Ji-Sung and Patrice Evra talked about their feelings when they heard the news that ‘Men in Europe 2025’ was returning, as well as spoilers about the special guests, in a Q&A session.
- Park: Actually, I didn‘t expect that we would be able to meet again this quickly. I heard that many people loved us, but there can be many variables when starting a new season. However, I heard that the new season will start sooner than I thought. When I heard this news, the first thing that came to mind was the junior players I met last season. There must be players who have similar concerns to the players I met back then, and there must be players who have different concerns, so I thought that I would prepare well this season and hope that it would be of some help to the younger players.
- E: I didn’t know I would come back this quickly. I think the viewers really liked it. Honestly, I really like this program. I enjoyed Season 2 more than Season 1. I didn‘t expect it either, but this series is getting better and better. When I heard that Season 2 was confirmed, I was really excited. I was happy like a little kid. Because this program is more than just that. Season 2 means I can spend more time with Ji (Park Ji-Sung), and it also means I can learn more about Korean culture and Korean players.
2. What did the two of you, the ‘Best Duo’, talk about when you heard the news of ‘Men in Europe 2025’?
- Park: First of all, I really liked Evra. We talked about how to prepare better to make it more fun and more helpful to our juniors than last season.
- E: I immediately said, “Gee, we have to do it!” We have to do it, and we have to do it better. As you know, Gee and I have quite different personalities, but I was really happy. I was excited to come up with ideas for special guests this year. Rio Ferdinand came last year, and we have another special guest this year. So I thought a lot about how we can do better this season.
3. I’m curious to know what kind of partners you two think of each other.
- Park: Evra and I have different personalities, cultures, and environments, but we seem to be comfortable and have a good time when we‘re together. Even though we don’t see each other often, it feels like we‘re always together. That’s why I think of us as family rather than partners or friends.
- E: Of course we see each other as partners (laughs). Ji-hoon always says that he‘s the good guy and I’m the bad guy, but I think that I‘m the good guy and he’s the bad guy. People might not know this, but we fit together really well. Ji-hoon is a bit more calm and I‘m a fiery, passionate person, so we balance each other out well. Ji-hoon secretly has a good sense of humor and I’m always full of energy. Ji-hoon tries to calm me down, but it doesn‘t work well. And he loves me so much that he can’t refuse me when I ask him to do something. Because I love him equally.
4. Is there anything that has changed after doing ‘Men in Europe’?
- Park: Before, I hardly ever had a chance to meet and talk to my juniors one by one, but through ‘Men in Europe’, I got to spend more personal time with my juniors and got to know them better, and I was also able to look back on my old self. Of course, since then, I have been watching and cheering for my juniors with more interest and affection.
- A: A lot has changed. My perspective on young players and the culture of Korean players. They are really disciplined and humble. That‘s really good. But sometimes, I learned that it can be disadvantageous to them. That’s what I learned. Also, some young players I saw who have a more European culture, and they think, “I have to score goals, not just pass the ball all the time.” Their culture is one where they feel really grateful and blessed. That‘s why I have confidence in the new generation of young players. That’s why I‘m sure that if I coach the Korean national team with Ji, we can do really great things. I think it makes a big difference.
5. Last season, I was invited to the ’Manchester Derby‘ match and had a great time meeting Manchester United legends, which was a hot topic. Could you please give us a little spoiler on whether we can see some unexpected faces this time?
- Park: I think you can look forward to it this time too. You’ll be able to meet legendary players who played with me. Legends of foreign football that we met with Evra will also make a surprise appearance.
- E: Last season was really great. It was the moment when I got to meet other Manchester United legends at the ‘Manchester Derby’. But there will be another big surprise this season. He’s a club legend and we’ve prepared everything for him to be involved. We had a really good conversation. Well, I don’t want to give away a spoiler, but I have to tell you one thing: he’s not a blonde. He’s not blonde, nor is he black (laughs).
6. Is there a junior you’d like to meet if Season 3 is produced? I’m also curious to know why. Also, if there’s anything you‘d like to say about Season 3, ‘It would be good to go with this concept’, please tell us.
- Park: Rather than having a specific junior, I want to meet as many juniors as possible. But Evra kept nagging us to go to Korea for Season 3. If I get the chance, I’d like to invite my friends Evra and Tevez to Korea and make some special memories.
7. Please tell us if there‘s anything that’s different this season, and tell us one thing to watch out for.
- Park: In Season 1, we gave a coffee truck tribute to the team, but this time, we gave a snack truck tribute with K-food. And there were also instances where we met with the players and played special games. There will be more diverse and fun activities than Season 1, so please look forward to it.
- A: I think viewers should pay attention to whether Korean players are becoming more disciplined and tolerant, but also like ‘killers’. I don‘t want to use the word ‘killer’, but I hope Korean players become strong like killers. If they do that, I believe they will be able to win the World Cup with the new generation. Also, it’s a mistake to think that you are a good person. Please pay attention to the fact that I am a good person and a bad person who loses.
8. Is there anything you would like to say to the viewers?
- Park: First of all, I would like to thank you for showing so much love for Season 1 of ‘Men in Europe’. This season, I visited our junior players and cheered them on a lot. I ask that viewers enjoy watching it and cheer for our players a lot. Thank you.
- E: Don‘t miss out on ‘Men in Europe 2025’, because it’s full of amazing excitement, laughter, and things to learn. I‘m already excited for season 3. Every season gets better and better. There are so many amazing moments, and you’re going to love this show. You‘ll also learn how ‘Men in Europe’ is spreading your culture all over the world, and how much I love Korea, and how great of a person you are and a king who represents Korea.
‘Junior Fool’ Park Ji-sung and Evra, who loves Korea, will present the junior assist project ‘Men in Europe 2025’, which will be released for the first time on U+tv and U+mobiletv on Wednesday the 19th.
Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com reporter jhj@donga.com
This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.
