The Non-Popular Celebrity Club (NPCC), a concept born from a single comment by Haha, has blossomed into a comedic exploration of fame and popularity—or the lack thereof. This entertaining project brings together celebrities who are well-known but struggle to match their fame with widespread popularity. If you’re curious about this quirky club and its latest recruits, read on for an inside look at the NPCC’s recruitment process, its candidates, and the hilarious moments that define this unique show.
What is the Non-Popular Celebrity Club?
The NPCC is a lighthearted initiative spotlighting celebrities who, despite their fame, don’t enjoy the level of popularity they might expect. From actors to entertainers, the club seeks out those whose names ring a bell, but whose fan bases don’t quite match their recognition. Hosted by Haha and Woo Jae, the NPCC invites candidates to share their stories of fame, obscurity, and the pursuit of popularity, all while delivering laughs and relatable moments.
The Recruitment Process: A Comedy of Candidacy
The NPCC’s recruitment process is as entertaining as the concept itself. Haha and Woo Jae, dressed in sharp black suits, meet candidates at various restaurants to discuss their qualifications for the club. The criteria? Candidates must be famous but lack the popularity to match their recognition. The show’s charm lies in its candid conversations, where celebrities poke fun at their own careers and share amusing anecdotes about their struggles with fame.
Candidate 1: Han Sang Jin – The Actor with a Passion for Popularity
One of the first candidates is actor Han Sang Jin, who meets Haha and Woo Jae at a Busan Milmyeon restaurant in Seoul. Sang Jin is eager to join the NPCC, claiming his fame far outweighs his popularity. Known for roles in dramas like My Too Perfect Sons and Lee San, Wind in the Palace, Sang Jin humorously laments being overshadowed by more popular co-stars, like So Ji Sub in Something Happened in Bali, where he played a shoulder-on-camera role.
Sang Jin’s enthusiasm is infectious, as he proudly declares himself a superstar in Busan, only to be humorously debunked when a local restaurant owner fails to recognize him. Despite his impressive resume, including modeling for major suit brands and a car commercial for Lotze, Sang Jin’s fan cafe, Han Sang Jin Love, boasts just one member after 11 years. His passionate plea and undeniable charm ultimately earn him an invitation to the NPCC, proving that persistence pays off.
Candidate 2: Heo Sung Tae – The Villain with Hidden Popularity
Next up is Heo Sung Tae, the iconic villain from Squid Game, who meets the hosts at a sundaeguk restaurant. Sung Tae’s breakout role as a menacing character made him a global name, but he candidly admits his fan base—52 members in his fan cafe—doesn’t reflect his fame. His famous line, “You know who I am?” was overshadowed by co-star Yoon Kye Sang, highlighting his NPCC-worthy status.
Sung Tae’s story takes a heartfelt turn as he shares his struggle with panic disorder after Squid Game’s success, revealing the pressures of sudden fame. Despite his international recognition, his follower count has dwindled from 2.4 million to 1.28 million, making him a perfect fit for the NPCC. His willingness to embrace the club’s concept and his natural comedic chemistry with Haha and Woo Jae secure his spot.
Candidate 3: Jung Jun Ha – The Comedian with a Loyal Few
The final candidate, Jung Jun Ha, meets the hosts at a Seoul cafe, bringing his signature humor and self-deprecating charm. Known for his work as a comedian and former manager for groups like Cool and Roo’Ra, Jun Ha’s career is a testament to hard work, but his popularity doesn’t match his fame. His recent livestream drew fewer than 300 viewers, and his fan base is down to “3 to 4 loyal fans.”
Jun Ha’s resume boasts exaggerated tales of childhood popularity, including love letters and gold rings from admirers, which the hosts playfully question. His recent ventures, like a drama in Japan titled Mr. Jung, the Office Worker, add to his quirky credentials. Despite his protests of being “Gangnam Station’s Byeon Woo Seok,” Jun Ha’s heartfelt admission of wanting to be recognized seals his NPCC membership.
Why the NPCC Resonates with Audiences
The NPCC’s appeal lies in its blend of humor, humility, and relatability. By showcasing celebrities who are famous yet underappreciated, the show taps into universal themes of striving for recognition and embracing one’s unique journey. The banter between Haha, Woo Jae, and the candidates creates a warm, comedic atmosphere, while their candid discussions about fame and popularity strike a chord with viewers.
The show also highlights the resilience of its candidates, who laugh off their lack of popularity while celebrating their achievements. Whether it’s Han Sang Jin’s Busan pride, Heo Sung Tae’s vulnerability, or Jung Jun Ha’s relentless optimism, each candidate brings a unique perspective to the NPCC, making it a must-watch for fans of Korean entertainment.
How to Watch the Non-Popular Celebrity Club
The NPCC is featured on How Do You Play?, a popular Korean variety show. You can catch episodes on platforms like Viki, Kocowa, or through official broadcasts on MBC. For the latest updates on the NPCC and its candidates, follow the show’s social media channels or check out posts on X for real-time reactions from fans.
Join the NPCC Conversation
The Non-Popular Celebrity Club is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of the underdogs in the entertainment world. Who do you think deserves a spot in the NPCC? Share your thoughts on X or join the conversation with fellow fans. And if you’re a celebrity with fame but not enough followers, maybe Haha and Woo Jae will come knocking at your door next!