Singer Sung Si Kyung teams up with domestic and international 'gokmak boyfriend', 'gokmak girlfriend' and 'gokmak groups'.
On the morning of the 27th at KBS Art Hall in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, a press conference was held for KBS2 The Seasons- Sung Si Kyung's gokmak boyfriend, where MC Sung Si Kyung, band master Jung Dong-hwan, director Jeong Mi-young and PD Son Ja-yeon attended and discussed the program.
The Seasons, as the first season-based MC program among KBS late-night music talk shows, has had top domestic artists relay as MCs since 2023, including Park Jae-beom, Choi Jung-hoon (Jannabi), AKMU, Lee Hyori, Zico, Lee Young-ji, Park Bo Gum and 10cm.
Chosen as the MC for the ninth season, Sung Si Kyung is expected to lead the program based on his long-cultivated musical depth, stage experience and witty speaking shown across various broadcasts and content.
When asked how he felt about the MC offer, Sung Si Kyung said he was honored. He noted that there are few music programs maintaining continuity these days and admitted he felt some pressure, including the weekly recordings. He wondered whether it was right for people to ask him this much, saying he is not a genius strategist and that being asked several times made him think it was fate and timing. He added that he once wanted to be an MC but the opportunity had not come then, and now that it did he did not want to miss it. He said he agreed because he wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere.
He continued that he did not expect to keep collaborating this much. When he received the MC offer, he thought about it, and since he was taking it on he felt there was a host's role to play — not to overdo it but not to do nothing either. He said they are preparing collaboration segments and other corners that viewers will enjoy. He confessed it was burdensome to sing a little each time, but he had more hit songs than he thought. The first episode started with "Iukgo," and today he might try "Joheultende." He joked that if hit songs run out the MC might change. He added that his role is to prepare so musicians can appear comfortably on a music show.
This season's title is The Seasons- Sung Si Kyung's gokmak boyfriend, and the production team explained that because Sung Si Kyung is loved as the "ballad emperor" representing the pop music world with his distinctive tone and sensibility, this season reflects his representative epithet exactly.
However, after the title was revealed, criticism that it was anachronistic sparked debate online, and Sung Si Kyung explained, "I wanted to be funny. The other options were too obvious."
Regarding this, PD Jeong Mi-young said they really agonized a lot. She explained they chose gokmak boyfriend because they wanted a lot of attention, and that they seem to have succeeded. She described The Seasons as a program that looks comfortable and elegant, adding that the production team, like a swan paddling underwater, chose the title with a plaintive hope that the audience would show them some interest. She said they wanted their desperation to be seen warmly and lovingly, and she thought the strong interest they received meant it was a good choice.
Sung Si Kyung said he couldn't believe it but they met three times to decide, and that is why it turned out this way. He said it was his fault because he made the decision, though it was decided together. He said he didn't think the title was important, that they wanted to be witty and fun while being confident in the content. He joked that if it made viewers react "what are these guys," that would be fine. He said having four characters felt burdensome and that he wanted to put more weight on the content.
PD Son Ja-yeon explained why they offered the MC role to Sung Si Kyung, saying that although this is the ninth season, he might be the kind of MC everyone would nod at. She said every season involves much deliberation, and she liked two aspects of Sung Si Kyung: from Lee Sora's Proposal to Yoo Hee-yeol's Sketchbook and The Seasons, he is a 30-year living witness of late-night music programs. She said she reviewed old materials and saw he really worked hard, doing duets, costumes and dances to the extent that there was almost nothing he hadn't done.
She added that despite being a 26-year singer, he is very much a current singer with content he created and activities in Japan. She said he seemed qualified as an MC who could embrace everyone from newcomers to masters appearing on the program, and that they pleaded with him earnestly.
Jung Dong-hwan, who has served as band master every season, said upon hearing Sung Si Kyung's MC news that he had many diverse episodes while working with eight MCs and thought that with Si Kyung he might be able to present more of the ballads he likes. He said he expected a variety of musicians across genres and looked forward to it, adding he would support the show even more diligently.
When asked about this season's distinguishing features, PD Jeong said that with each season they add a corner, and this time they took inspiration from the song "Two People," noting that Sung Si Kyung is a duet master. She said he has performed many precious duets, and like the song "Two People," each episode will feature the two of them performing a new duet with a new guest, which she thought would be the most distinctive feature.
The first episode, airing at 10 p.m. that night, will feature Lee Sora, YB, Kim Johan, Jung Seung-hwan and Kwon Jin Ah.
Reflecting on the first recording, Sung Si Kyung said he was excited and happy that Sora nuna came back out. He said he supports her work on YouTube and her performances and felt as if he had received a great boon for her timely appearance as a new season guest. He said while he was glad that other people had become great musicians, as he grew older and his career advanced he came to appreciate their value more and felt how meaningful long-lasting songs are. He said listening to senior artists' songs made him feel so precious it was almost maddening and that Korea had Lee Sora. He expressed gratitude that she willingly appeared on the first broadcast.
When asked about guests he wanted to meet, he said there were too many. He said he wanted to meet people who are not seen often in Korea, naming Park Hyo-shin and noting that mentioning him felt burdensome so he was cautious, but that Park Hyo-shin would be fine. He said if circumstances prevent someone from appearing, they can't, but he would like them to. He added that once it starts he hopes 10 teams would appear per show. He said he could meet young juniors like Karina, collaborate with idols and expected much from OB YB appearing together. He said a major reason terrestrial broadcasting is great is that they keep in contact; personal broadcasts can't do that, but because they keep checking status through continuous contact, the show can last this long. He said he felt the production team's power in securing guests was tremendous.
The production team also said regarding guests they want to meet that in the duet corner they want to try showing new music from unexpected pairings. They said they have been sending love calls to seniors Brown Eyed Soul and hope they will appear, and they especially want to ask Yoon Mi-rae to appear.
Finally, Sung Si Kyung said he heard congratulations most often after news of his The Seasons MC role was announced. He added that when his show airs people tend to become obsessive and identify strongly, and he urged viewers to watch the first episode, saying it would be a music show to look forward to and that he is confident he will do well.
[OSEN]