'Change Street' MC lineup adds another layer of entertainment to the program with laughter and empathy following the lingering emotions of the music.
The large-scale Korea-Japan normalization of diplomatic relations 60th anniversary project 'Change Street (Change Street, directed by Oh Jun-seong)', which airs every Saturday night on ENA, is a new-concept cultural exchange program in which artists representing Korea and Japan delve deeply into each other's streets, languages and sensibilities and communicate through music.
As the colorful busking stages created by artists from both countries and the differentiated format of "changing each other's streets" attract attention, the studio lineup centered on Shin Dong-yeob and TVXQ!'s Yunho, with Kangnam, Director General Matsuda and special panel Koda Kumi added, heightens viewers' immersion as another point of appreciation outside the stage.
Shin Dong-yeob, as the main MC, leads the program's center with steady confidence through his characteristic flexible and seasoned hosting. His wide-ranging knowledge and witty talk born of long broadcasting experience naturally convey the stage's emotions, and he often refreshes the atmosphere with a clever remark. In particular, the scene in which he shouts the live Japanese phrase "namabiru" elicited uproarious laughter without distance and left a strong impression on viewers.
Yunho is receiving evaluations of a "major MC success" for his calm yet serious hosting and deep reactions. Based on his understanding of music, his responses respect the artists' sincerity and further focus viewers' attention on the stage, and his measured empathy steadies the program's temperature.
Kangnam, who has worked between Korea and Japan, adds realistic empathy to the studio with episodes only he can bring up and frank responses. His stories born of cross-border experience naturally induce laughter in line with the program's purpose and show another face of cultural exchange.
Director General Matsuda amplifies the program's depth with broad commentary that delicately pinpoints the artistic and cultural contexts of both countries. His balanced explanations of the music and background help viewers understand the stage more three-dimensionally and offer them a new perspective.
Special panelist Koda Kumi also fills the studio air with delicate reactions that respect the artists' emotional lines, completing a harmonious atmosphere with heartfelt empathy for the music.
In the upcoming episode 4, Korean artists Lee Seung Gi, Super Junior's Ryeowook, Chung Ha, TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Taehyun and Japanese artists DJ KOO, Takahashi Ai, KENJI03, Tomioka Ai and Rainy will present the final busking, delivering another deep resonance. A showcase of diverse artists from both countries across genres is expected to unfold going forward.
Meanwhile, the global music variety program 'Change Street', in which the streets, people and music of both countries flow as one, is co-produced by Forest Media Co., Ltd., Hangang Fore ENM Co., Ltd. and ENA, and airs every Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. on ENA.
'Change Street' songs are released every Saturday at noon on major music sites, and full versions of the busking videos can be viewed on the 'Change Street' official YouTube channel.
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