"Radio Star" brought together four guests who took different paths as an idol, actor and musician to candidly share the ups and downs and heyday of their lives, delivering both laughter and empathy. From Jeong Bo-seok's "giving back to Radio Star" bakery success story to Lee Seok-hoon's legendary recollection of the "tiger teacher," Ong Seong-woo's return-to-basics stage and WOODZ's reverse-hit saga, a variety of talks followed.
On the 17th, MBC's "Radio Star" (planned by Kang Young-seon / directed by Hwang Yoon-sang and Byun Da-hee) was arranged as a "guilty people compilation.ZIP" special featuring Jeong Bo-seok, Lee Seok-hoon, Ong Seong-woo and WOODZ, offering cross-generational talk and performances.
According to Nielsen Korea on the 18th, the previous day's broadcast of "Radio Star" recorded a household rating of 3.5%, ranking first in its time slot and in the 2049 ratings. The peak moment rating was 5.1%, and the subject of the "best minute" was Jeong Bo-seok. The scene showed him recounting a terrifying episode of encountering a snake on a golf course.
Jeong Bo-seok explained he returned because "Radio Star" changed his life. He said the bakery he had been running after the previous broadcast became a huge hit and even moved and expanded to Magok-dong. He said, "Actually, my son runs the bakery, and I helped clean the restroom and assist customers. I also signed a modeling contract with a running guarantee," and with his trademark wit turned the studio into a sea of laughter.
He also brought up the golden age of dramas he shared. "In the past, if one drama was a hit, a 50% rating was basic," he recalled his heyday starring in works such as "Season of Storms" and "The Son's Woman." He drew attention by revealing behind-the-scenes stories of iconic scenes, including an intense melodrama scene with Chae Shi-ra and an underwater kiss with Kim Hye-soo. About the kiss scene with Kim Hye-soo, he said, "It was Korea's first underwater kiss. Filming while overcoming buoyancy underwater, it's surprising even now." When the footage was shown he was embarrassed, and when Kim Gu-ra teased, "Didn't you hug her on purpose to overcome the buoyancy?" the set erupted in laughter.
His moves as a businessman also drew attention. Jeong Bo-seok said he once refused drama roles because he invested his entire fortune during the IMF to remodel a bowling alley, but writer Im Seong-han proposed the condition, "I'll put a bowling scene in the drama," so he appeared and "Seeing and Seeing Again" continued its success. When the drama recorded 50% daily ratings, the bowling alley also became a huge hit.
Jeong Bo-seok smiled proudly at comments that it was "original product placement," and he recently said he is preparing a new cosmetics business that reflects his interest in skin care.
Lee Seok-hoon joked, "These days 'Radio Star' is a program you only get on if you dance," and actually performed an impromptu group dance with Ong Seong-woo and WOODZ, showing loyalty between teacher and student. He recalled his days as a vocal trainer and mentor on the audition program "Produce 101," bringing up anecdotes emphasizing attitude and manners, and Ong Seong-woo recreated the legendary line, "Speak politely," provoking laughter.
He also revealed why he stopped being able to be harsh after having his son, showing that he changed from a "tiger teacher" to a "warm dad." He then demonstrated a "karaoke way to win women's hearts." Explaining, "You have to sing nonchalantly to be charming," he actually sang and the hosts cheered, saying, "This is the technique of a heart stealer." He also revealed why he quit a radio DJ job he had done for more than three years to focus on an album and the behind-the-scenes story of preparing a new album with a song provided by Younha, showing the side of a "real musician."
On his third "Radio Star," Ong Seong-woo appeared to compliments such as "more natural than before" and "Gam Woosung, McGyver vibe." He mentioned friendships with Kim Hyang-gi and Shin Ye Eun, whom he met while working as an actor, and candidly revealed an episode in which during a Jeju shoot he ended up in tears after an argument with Shin Ye Eun over eating, apologizing again by saying, "It was my fault for cutting her off."
He also recalled moments when he remembered his idol beginnings. He brought up unexpectedly charming aegyo and a freestyle dance that drew attention during "Produce 101," reenacted that dance after eight years and heated up the studio. Asked about a Wanna One reunion, he said sincerely, "It's difficult right now because some members are serving in the military or are about to enlist, but someday I want to stand on stage again."
Behind the scenes of a video in which he perfectly performed NewJeans' "Super Shy" choreography while serving in the military that became a huge hit, he also proved himself as a "meme generator" with a full-course solo act mixing his haegeum skill and an impression of Lee Yong-jin. WOODZ added warmth by testifying, "In the military Ong Seong-woo was the star of Wednesdays."
WOODZ shared the behind-the-scenes story of his self-composed song "Drowning," which he sang while serving and which rose on the charts before and after his discharge. The National Armed Forces Day special stage of "Immortal Songs" has surpassed 19 million views. He modestly said that because he was not in good condition at the time, "a voice-hoarse, almost screaming performance ended up sounding more heartfelt." He also thanked a soldier who reacted enthusiastically to the stage, saying, "Thanks to that person the performance was completed."
WOODZ also shared that after his reverse-hit he received teasing encouragement from senior labelmate IU telling him, "From now on you should just wear your uniform," the behind-the-scenes of participating in the OST "Will it be harmful" from the show EXchange, stories from studying soccer in Brazil to about 50 audition attempts, and how he nearly became a SEVENTEEN trainee, honestly recounting his "audition life." He said that right after his discharge he began preparing for the "Hangout With Yoo?" Seoul music festival and expressed his desire to protect "Drowning" now that it's a candidate for annual chart No. 1, receiving support. The final performance was a heartwarming duet between teacher and student Lee Seok-hoon and WOODZ.
Meanwhile, the broadcast on the 24th will be a special titled "Many works will come true" featuring Kim Mi-kyung, Jang So-yeon, Lee El and Im Soo-hyang.
[Photo] MBC
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