Actor Park Bogum hosted 'The Seasons - Park Bogum's Cantabile'.

On the 11th, the first recording of KBS2 'The Seasons - Park Bogum's Cantabile' (hereafter referred to as Park Bogum's Cantabile) took place at KBS in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

'The Seasons' is a music talk show that, for the first time in KBS late-night music programs, introduced a unique method known as 'annual project', where throughout the year 2023, four MCs will each host their own season, for a total of four seasons. Beginning in February 2023 with 'Park Jae Bum's Drive', it has included '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'. For the seventh season, 'The Seasons' has recruited actor Park Bogum as its MC. This marks the first time an actor has taken on the MC role, and in-depth music talk is highly anticipated under the title 'Park Bogum's Cantabile.'

▲ 'Music Bank' MC Park Bogum returns to the stage after 10 years

Park Bogum co-hosted 'Music Bank' with Red Velvet's Irene from May 1, 2015, to June 24, 2016. The chemistry between Park Bogum and Irene is still discussed and often recalled when mentioning the MC of 'Music Bank'. Even after stepping down from the MC role, Park Bogum has maintained a close relationship by taking on the MC role for overseas schedules of 'Music Bank'.

As the first actor to become an MC for 'The Seasons', Park Bogum showed his sincerity towards the program by participating in the lyrics for the 'Park Bogum's Cantabile' theme song. Notably, the music that plays when the audience enters was personally selected by Park Bogum, adding significance to the program. On the first recording day, the song played was Suzy's 'It's Not Easy to Just Not Do It', and a recorded message from Park Bogum welcoming the audience heightened the excitement.

Since the first air date is March 14, 'White Day', the dress code was 'white'. The audience showcased their individuality with white-colored clothing and accessories. The venue was packed with spectators, filling all the seats and even the stairs, proving the anticipation for 'Park Bogum's Cantabile'. Particularly, it was easy to spot audience members holding Park Bogum's cheering stick, the 'Fore Bong'.

Making his stage return after 10 years, Park Bogum revealed himself by singing Melomance's 'Shall We Take a Break?' and introduced himself as, "The MC Park Bogum, responsible for Thursday nights (Park Bogum + Thursday Night)." He emphasized, "Former MC Lee Young Ji said the aim of this program is to create more music lovers, and I too will strive to run alongside musicians."

▲ Former MC Lee Young Ji, 'Shijosae' Noh Young Shim, and 'Gurumi' Kim Yoo-jung, Jin Young, and Kwak Dong Yeon

The first guest was Noh Young Shim, who heralded the beginning of KBS's late-night music program. Appearing still youthful, Noh Young Shim greeted Park Bogum, and during the opening, Park Bogum's nervousness was clear. However, as they conversed, it seemed he gained reassurance, leading the discussion with more composure.

The second guest was actress Kim Yoo-jung, along with Jin Young and Kwak Dong Yeon, with whom he had collaborated on 'Moonlight Drawn by Clouds'. Park Bogum smiled broadly as he welcomed the trio, and their talk exuded an atmosphere reminiscent of close friends chatting in a café, bringing laughter.

Singer Jung Jun-il also appeared as a guest for the first episode of 'Park Bogum's Cantabile', and the debut duo special unit of Seventeen, Hoshi X Woozi, took the stage. As evidenced by the cue card filled with notes about the guests, it was evident how sincere and passionate Park Bogum was in his preparation for the program.

There was also a special audience member. It was Lee Young Ji, who claimed the title of the youngest and longest-serving MC of 'The Seasons' through 'Lee Young Ji's Rainbow.' Although Lee Young Ji hid her face with a hat and hoodie, her unique energy could not be concealed. She expressed her supportive feelings with a sketchbook that read, "Wishing for Cantabile to thrive," and also participated in the 'Supernova' challenge with the 'Moonlight Drawn by Clouds' team, adding a special touch of fun.

▲ How do I look?

One of the phrases Park Bogum frequently used that day was, "How do I look?" Although he had been an MC for 'Music Bank', being an MC for 'The Seasons' is on another level, prompting him to inquire if he was doing well. As he asked the guests, "How do I look?" he shared charming smiles and got closer to them.

Noh Young Shim, who has previously hosted 'Small Music Concert', advised Park Bogum, "You're already sufficient as you are, but I hope you carry on that freshness. There will be unexpected situations while hosting, and sometimes the audience may grow bored, but you need to be able to swallow those moments and move on. I often felt unsure of where to put myself and ended up making mistakes while trying to do more."

Kim Yoo-jung remarked, "She is very likeable and affectionate. Since she loves music, I thought she could host gracefully. We even joked that she'd probably cry every week." Jin Young added, "I thought it would be nice to have someone who spreads positive energy as an MC, and I believe she will fit the night well."

Jung Jun-il stated, "She seems like a very bright person. I hope she lives happily and beautifully. I will support Park Bogum's future from the depths of my heart."

▲ Passion MAX from Park Bogum in hosting, performing, and singing...

Perhaps because it was the first broadcast, Park Bogum's day was extremely busy. He had to lead the program as an MC, perform, and sing while coordinating with the guests.

He partnered with Noh Young Shim to perform 'On the Way to School' and sang 'No Matter How Much I Think About It, I Love You' along with her accompaniment. With Kim Yoo-jung, Jin Young, and Kwak Dong Yeon, he set the stage for 'Supernova' challenge and even sang 'Let's Go Stargazing' impromptu with Kwak Dong Yeon. He sang 'Hug' to Jung Jun-il's performance, leaving the original artist in awe.

After the guests' performance, a keyboard always made an appearance. This meant someone would perform, and that someone was none other than Park Bogum. He did not just sit across from the guests, continuing the conversation but also endeavored to showcase a special chemistry through song.

Not only in performance but also in hosting, he displayed pure passion. Kwak Dong Yeon even asked, "Why is your cue card so heavily colored in?" This indicated the extent to which he had memorized the script for a smooth presentation. With cue cards mixed up and possibly confusing prompts appearing, it would have been easy to stumble, but having thoroughly learned the script allowed him to quickly move on to the next topic.

Bearing the weight of the title 'first actor MC' could be daunting, but Park Bogum overcame it and successfully completed the first recording. As he expressed, "The notes of musicians gather to create a pause in the world," Park Bogum provided healing through 'Park Bogum's Cantabile' while introducing musicians and creating a special time. This is why 'Thursday nights' are eagerly awaited every week.

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