Actor Park Bo-gum and idols expressed pride in the global popularity of K-pop they encountered through the 'MUSIC BANK' world tour.
The KBS 1TV documentary aired on the night of the 7th, 'Record of the great voyage of K-POP – MUSIC BANK world tour 20', is the 14-year map of K-pop written with fans around the world and left viewers with a deep, lingering impression as it concisely portrayed the journey of how Korean music became the world's common language.
IU, TVXQ!, BTS, LE SSERAFIM, IVE, BOYNEXTDOOR and other leading figures who connect generations in K-pop appeared on the broadcast, which drew praise from viewers as a premium documentary encompassing the past, present and future of the Korean wave.
Starting with the first performance that began with the roar of 45,000 people at Tokyo Dome, it vividly retraced stops in a total of 14 countries including Chile, Berlin, Paris, Mexico, Madrid and Lisbon. The cries of Korean music that echoed under skies around the world became more than simple performances and turned into a 'cultural connection.' The visual effect of pins appearing on the world map for the MUSIC BANK world tour delivered a thrilling emotion as if the spirit of 'K-pop demon hunters' had been completed.
Linking IU and TVXQ!'s 2011 Tokyo Dome stage, the generational flow connecting BTS and LE SSERAFIM, and the current Korean wave continuing with BOYNEXTDOOR, IVE and RIIZE, the program conveyed the message that 'the voyage of K-pop continues even now.'
Recalling the roar of 45,000 at Tokyo Dome, IU said, "I'm still dazed, but it was an honor to stand on the same stage as the seniors who opened the Korean wave," and Yunho's interview that "the 'MUSIC BANK world tour' did not shine briefly and disappear but has continued to be a channel of communication (with fans around the world)" drew attention.
LE SSERAFIM's Chaewon reflected on the meaning of generational succession in the Korean wave by saying, "Just as the seniors opened the door to the world, we want to open new doors," and BOYNEXTDOOR's Lee Han emphasized that it was not just a performance but a festival enjoyed by people worldwide, saying, "The biggest advantage of the 'MUSIC BANK world tour' is that people who love K-pop can gather and become one."
MC Park Bo-gum, the symbolic face of the 'MUSIC BANK world tour,' which has performed in nine countries since 2017, left a deep impression with a heartfelt interview. In the interview Park Bo-gum said with overwhelming emotion, "I take the stage thinking I am wearing the Taegeuk mark on my chest and have come to represent our culture."
Intercut with highlight footage of Park Bo-gum studying greetings in each country's language to politely approach local audiences every time, it once again conveyed his intense effort as a cultural diplomat and his respect for fans around the world.
Kim Sang-mi, general CP of the 'MUSIC BANK world tour,' recalled, "At the time of the first Tokyo Dome performance there was a fear of 'Can we really fill the seats?' but that day's success became a new starting point for the Korean wave's voyage."
He added, "When KBS goes abroad it becomes not just a broadcast program but Korea itself," and "Because the impression left on fans becomes the image of Korea, we always did our best with the mindset of 'we represent Korea,'" expressing a sense of mission as promoters of Korea to the world and a responsibility as a public broadcaster.
Popular culture critic Kim Young-dae emphasized, "It is important for broadcasters like KBS to consistently continue this K-pop world tour format," and said, "This is a unique domain of public broadcasting that ordinary corporations cannot do. I hope it remains a missionary and guardian of Korean popular culture beyond ratings competition."
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by KBS 1TV.
[OSEN]