MBC 'Good Day' star G-Dragon captivated viewers with a variety of encounters for his music project.
On the 24th, Nielsen Korea reported that the household rating for 'Good Day,' which aired the previous day, was 4.3% in the metropolitan area, while the key indicator measuring channel competitiveness and buzz, the 2049 rating, was 2.6%. The top 1 minute peaked at 7.3% when G-Dragon showcased his flexibility in front of friends, recalling how he practiced everything from gymnastics to breakdancing since childhood.
The second episode of 'Good Day' (directed by Kim Tae-ho, produced by TEO), which aired on the 23rd (Sunday), depicted G-Dragon's journey to find inspiration for his music project. From an encounter with actor Hwang Jung-min to an unprecedented gathering of 88-born friends, the show offered delightful entertainment.
Dreaming of a collaborative effort like 'We Are the World,' G-Dragon revealed in response to a question about potential collaborations that he wanted to gather individuals who had been at the center of buzz over the past year. He mentioned Taeyang of Big Bang, along with upcoming artists who shined in 2024, such as aespa, SEVENTEEN's BSS, and the trending band DAY6, expecting a diverse lineup that also included virtual idol PlayV and pianist Lee Hyuk.
The subject G-Dragon met in search of musical inspiration was actor Hwang Jung-min. The two long-time fans met at an LP bar and shared updates and stories. G-Dragon revealed that he played his new songs for Hwang Jung-min before his comeback, showcasing their unexpected friendship. Hwang Jung-min explained his reason for appearing on 'Good Day,' stating, "I agreed upon hearing that 'G-Dragon is producing, and we're coming together for a good cause.'"
G-Dragon congratulated Hwang Jung-min for winning the Best Actor award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards for the third time, expressing admiration for his broad acting spectrum. He mentioned that he fell in love with Hwang Jung-min's acting in the movie 'A Bittersweet Life.' Hwang Jung-min shared his meticulous efforts to portray the villain role, mentioning that he felt more comfortable and preferred supporting characters since protagonists often bear a greater sense of responsibility. G-Dragon resonated with this, stating, "I also found it easier when I was part of a group than as a solo artist," referencing his recent stage performance with Big Bang members.
G-Dragon initiated a discussion about the music project, sharing his concerns about the song's direction. The two gathered ideas for a reinterpretation of Korean pop music filled with excitement. G-Dragon, who grew up listening to Korean pop music, revealed for the first time that the lyrics of his solo album's title track 'Crawling' were inspired by the beat he created and the track 'Crawling' by his senior Kang San. They emphasized, "It's not about the complicated techniques; it's important that our voices unite to convey our feelings," and spent time listening to music together. G-Dragon told Hwang Jung-min, "This is the most meaningful conversation for me so far," raising anticipation for the song's outcome.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated gathering of the 88 group finally took place. Centered around G-Dragon, actors Kim Soo-hyun, Lee Soo-hyuk, Im Si-wan, Hwang Kwang-hee, and Jung Hae-in came together under the concept of 'I Am Solo.' The awkward interactions among G-Dragon and Kwang-hee, alongside the gradual gathering of 88 stars, were also comedic highlights. Defconn, as the MC for 'I Am Solo,' added to the fun by giving suitable nicknames to the members. G-Dragon was called 'Youngcheol of Directness,' Kim Soo-hyun was 'Youngsoo who sets the stage,' Lee Soo-hyuk was 'Youngho of Physicality,' Im Si-wan was 'Youngja representing Purity,' Hwang Kwang-hee was 'Kwangsoo who suffers from unrequited love,' and Jung Hae-in was crowned 'Ok-soon of Charisma.'
The 'self-introduction time' filled with the diverse charms of the 88 friends also elicited laughter from the viewers. Im Si-wan attracted attention with his dialect performance and cube-solving skills, while the reliable chemistry between Kwang-hee and G-Dragon enchanted everyone. Jung Hae-in charmed Defconn and code Kunst with a split apple flirtation, and Lee Soo-hyuk showcased a presence comparable to that of the 'Knight of Cherry Blossoms.' G-Dragon introduced himself, stating, "The goal is for us all to sing together, and that's my strength." When asked if he draws inspiration from his 88 friends, he cheekily replied while watching Kwang-hee, "I can't receive it all," eliciting hearty laughter.
Kim Soo-hyun humorously recreated the viral moment from 'Hey, Hae-in,' raising hilarity in the venue. Celebrating his 18th year since his debut, he remarked, "If it weren't for 2024, I wouldn't have warmly agreed to join, but my personality has changed." As his friends resonated with his sentiments, he noted, "I've aged. Meeting peers isn't easy. That's why this gathering is precious," attracting attention with his honest self-introduction. Jung Hae-in and Im Si-wan also expressed their sincerity toward the 88 group, stating, "I want to participate as the person Jung Hae-in rather than the actor," and "It's great to gather with 88, it's not easy!"
Following this, a name-giving ceremony was held along with the first impression voting for the 88 group. The unpredictable friendship sparked a nail-biting tension as G-Dragon (Youngcheol) garnered 2 votes from Jung Hae-in (Ok-soon) and Hwang Kwang-hee (Kwangsoo), earning the title for the top first impression in 88 Land. Subsequently, friends who decided to drop honorifics exchanged awkward yet resonant conversations, quickly growing closer. At the end of the broadcast, a surprise dinner mission that stunned the 88 friends was teased, raising anticipation for next week's episode.
[Photo] MBC 'Good Day' broadcast capture
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