Through their new roles as web variety show hosts, NMIXX’s Haewon and Bae use comedy to show the entertaining trials of working part-time jobs. The two, dubbed the “next generation comedy duo” by both fans and their management, are utilizing these opportunities to showcase their comedic talents outside of group activities. Haewon’s hosting of the second season of Workdol and Bae’s hosting of 회포자 (Hwepoja) explore other aspects of idols as entertainers. 

Forming the Next Generation Comedy Duo, NGCD

Haewon and Bae’s comedic chemistry made itself clear through livestreams and group variety content. Fans call the two 차개듀 (Chagaedyu), from 차세대 개그 듀오. It translates directly to “next generation comedy duo,” or NGCD for short. NMIXX and their staff took notice of this, and, in January 2023, they adopted that term officially. 

NGCD branched into its own variety series on NMIXX’s channel, which still continues. NGCD’s Is it just us having fun? features Haewon and Bae doing their own activities, often with tricks involving the other NMIXX members. In the series’s fifth episode, however, the duo worked a part-time job serving customers at the JYP Entertainment cafe. The NGCD series currently spans seven episodes. 

Bae’s “Unemployed” Adventures on 회포자

In March, Bae got her first solo hosting gig on a YouTube variety series named 회포자 (Hwepoja). 회포자 stands for 회사에서 포기한 자, which translates to “a person that has given up at [the] company.” The series centers around a fictional scenario where Bae finds herself unemployed and must seek out other kinds of jobs. J.Y. Park himself even got involved, filming a skit where he announced that JYP Entertainment would let Bae go from her idol activities. He allowed her to explore all sorts of jobs because her talent “can’t be controlled.” 

As with any career hunt, trying out new positions provides mixed results. However, Bae’s quest to find another suitable job has not been lonely. The series has seen guest appearances by Chuu, Haewon, and even prolific actor Kim Euisung. Though Bae found a less enthused result in some sectors, actors saw potential in Bae’s usage of emotion and expressions. Regardless of the jobs’ fit, Bae’s bubbly nature has left an impression on all demographics from kindergarten-aged children to the elderly. 

Haewon’s Efforts on Workdol Season 2

On April 4, Haewon also stepped into the life of a part-timer. She took over the mantle of hosting Workdol, a YouTube series about idols trying out part-time positions. The series exists as an idol-centred version of Workman, which focuses on entertainer Kang Sungkyu working various part-time jobs. Haewon previously guest starred on the first season of Workdol, with its host Shuhua from (G)I-DLE. During her guest appearance, Haewon worked alongside Shuhua in a hair salon. Though Haewon previously gained hosting experience on Music Universe K-909 and Dilemma Game, Workdol’s second season features Haewon as its sole host.

Haewon displayed her comedic and physical strengths in the season’s premiere episode. Her efforts as a construction worker were a hit, wracking up over 2.6 million views as of this article’s publication date. Like the first season of Workdol, special appearances by other idols also continue. Episode 3 saw Haewon joined by Sullyoon, who helped her as they worked as chefs for soldiers. The appearance also doubled as a reference to Sullyoon’s nickname of “General Seol.”

Whether or not 회포자  and Workdol Season 2 cross paths in the future, Haewon and Bae’s individual gigs offer a platform for idols’ penchant for entertaining to shine through. 회포자 episodes release every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. KST on the 아쌉스튜디오 (ASAP STUDIO) YouTube channel. Workdol episodes air the following day at 7 p.m. KST on the Workman YouTube channel.