The show 'The Seasons' featuring actor Park Bo-gum is coming soon.
On the 11th, a production presentation for KBS2's 'The Seasons - Park Bo-gum's Cantabile' took place at KBS Art Hall in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.
On this day, KBS announcer Lee Ye-won hosted the event, which was attended by MC Park Bo-gum, bandmaster Jung Dong-hwan, PD Choi Seung-hee, PD Son Ja-yeon, and PD Choi Ji-na.
'The Seasons' is the first KBS late-night music program to adopt a seasonal format, starting with 'Jay Park's Drive' in February 2023 and continuing with 'Choi Jung-hoon's Night Park', 'AKMU's Onal O'Bam', 'Lee Hyori's Red Carpet', 'Zico's Artist', and 'Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'. Each season has featured MCs from various genres and backgrounds acting as a bridge between musicians and audiences.
With its unpredictable yet fresh selection of MCs each season, 'The Seasons' has revealed that the protagonist of the seventh season is actor Park Bo-gum, who is the 'first-ever actor' to take on this role.
Before the event, Han Kyung-cheon, KBS Entertainment Center Chief, noted, "Mr. Park Bo-gum has frequently watched the Music Bank World Tour as he is a global actor. I'm glad we have this opportunity to reconnect through a good program thanks to our good relationship with KBS. Although he is an actor, I know personally that he is talented at singing and dancing, so I have high expectations. We have great expectations.
On this day, PD Choi Seung-hee remarked, "We have held production presentations before, but this is the first time so many people have come. 'The Seasons' has a 30-year tradition and is the only live music show remaining in South Korea. This time, for the first time, Mr. Park will be serving as an MC as an actor. So, I think there are even higher expectations. Mr. Park has great passion and ambition. He is constantly suggesting meetings and offering many ideas, so you can look forward to it."
Regarding Park Bo-gum's selection process, it was shared that, "In fact, we knew that Mr. Park has a great interest in music and is skilled at playing the keyboard. He plays the piano well and sings beautifully. When he appeared last year, it became clear that he has a deep respect for musicians, so we advocated for him heavily. As we proposed it, not just myself, but senior PDs also made many proposals to Mr. Park. This time, we were fortunate enough to have secured Mr. Park."
Despite its buzz, 'The Seasons' series has been facing low ratings, which PD Choi noted, "I have seen the articles regarding ratings as well. As you know, there are dramas airing with budgets of hundreds of billions at the same time. We are producing with the mindset of preserving the last bastion of music programs with the budget from 30 years ago. If we had thought ratings were the only important measure, we would not have introduced new artists during such competitive hours. However, I believe the significance of music programs is truly important, and we feel great meaning in consistently introducing meaningful figures and providing a stage. Mr. Park Bo-gum is very interested in this aspect. During Lee Young-ji's segment, we even operated the rookie corner separately as a VCR, as we believed it was essential to establish a channel for introducing new artists. This time as well, we are brainstorming how we can meaningfully shout out new artists with Mr. Bo-gum."
He continued, "Of course, I know well that we cannot only talk about values in this era. There are many music variety shows, but we are the only program where musicians can seriously talk about their albums. So, rather than viewing us with the same measure as other variety shows, please consider us as a program with different values. I appreciate your love and support in watching us."
Jung Dong-hwan remarked, "When I first met Mr. Park Bo-gum, I realized he was a truly kind person, and I was deeply moved. Shortly after, I heard that he was selected as an MC, and I am curious about how he will communicate with various artists. I also have hopes that he might have a lovely vulnerability. I feel very excited and think it will be a joyful experience."
Park Bo-gum said, "This is Park Bo-gum, along with the warm spring and Park Bo-gum's Cantabile. As my first time as an MC, I will do my best with all my passion, so please look kindly upon me. Ten years ago, I first introduced myself as the MC for KBS 'Music Bank.' A decade later, I feel a deep connection with KBS. It started with a drama special, and I performed in a music drama called 'Tomorrow Cantabile.' It left me with wonderful memories, and viewers often remember it, making KBS a warm space for me. I wanted to explore 'Cantabile' as my name, whether it be in any show or content, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do so in this seventh installment. I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff who gladly accepted the title.
As it has been hosted for 33 years, I have watched all the guests throughout the episodes, and it brings back deep emotions. 'Cantabile' means to sing, and my personal wish is to return to 33 years ago, starting anew, while communicating with musicians, artists, and actors, to provide comfort and joyful times to the audience. Right now, I feel like a new employee. I want to be a supportive colleague to those around me and feel like this can be a happy journey for the viewers. I am preparing something new with that heart.
As the first recording approached, Park Bo-gum expressed, "I feel incredibly new emotions. With the mindset of returning to the beginning, I am paying attention to delivering good music and stories to as many people as possible and communicating with the audience. Regarding ratings, it would be nice if they come out well, but because there are people with us during that time, 'The Seasons' has continued to exist until now. I am preparing with the hope that everyone will enjoy it, so I hope you will watch over us.
After many declines, Park Bo-gum, who came to 'Cantabile,' said, "I feel that my skills and experience are still lacking compared to the wonderful MCs who have led fantastic guests before. Nevertheless, I wanted to do this because I felt that if it wasn't now, I wouldn't get the chance to promote K-pop. I also wanted to show my fans and viewers a bit more of myself. I am happy to have this opportunity to feature myself to the audience a little more, moving from the recently released Netflix 'Soo-Ma Dong-Han' to 'Cantabile.'
He also spoke about the special guest for the first episode. With the 'Moonlight Drawn by Clouds' team joining, Park Bo-gum said, "I am really grateful that the 'Moonlight' team is supporting me. From that time until now, we have kept in touch whenever we could. I quietly asked as I was going to be the first MC, and everyone kindly said OK, which makes me even more excited."
Park Bo-gum shared about his personal 'musical desires'. He stated, "I don't know when it will be, but I have loved music since I was young. And music is a necessary medium. If I have the opportunity, whether in another piece or my own piece, I would like to try being a music director. For now, you might tell me to focus on acting first, and you would be right. I plan to work hard on my main job, but when I have the opportunity and I'm ready, I would like to challenge myself. I have realized the powerful impact of music that fits the story, whether it's any song, drama, or movie. I recognize that my skills are still lacking for an official debut as a singer. However, I want to show more through a 'musical' that combines acting and singing. The dream of being a music director is indeed very far off."
'The Seasons - Park Bo-gum's Cantabile', heralding a new beginning with spring, will premiere on March 14 at 10 p.m. on KBS2, coinciding with White Day.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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