Coupang Play variety show Kang Ho-dong's neighborhood bookstore in its fifth episode, released on the 3rd (Fri), offered an in-depth look at AKMU's 12-year musical journey, portraying their growth trajectory as a coming-of-age drama that captivated viewers.
'Kang Ho-dong's neighborhood bookstore' is a talk show in which the bookstore owner Hawk-rates (Kang Ho-dong), who has a loud voice but a gentle INFP heart, unfolds life stories and has candid conversations with customers who visit the bookstore.
This episode, with song lyrics and interviews intertwined, offered a special experience like reading a collection of poems. From the time they first started making music in Mongolia to the fierce audition stories, and up to reaching the peak of their career by winning three awards at the Korean Music Awards through solo activities, AKMU candidly laid out the untold true stories of their 12-year musical life.
Lee Chanhyuk described their musical identity by saying, "AKMU-ness is naturalness," and pointed out why AKMU's songs have long been loved by all generations. Lee Suhyun said, "Thanks to 'Love Lee' activities I was able to live again," revealing the sincere moment of getting back on stage after a hiatus. Lee Chanhyuk expressed a mature commitment to music, saying, "I should put good energy into the album and share it with people."
The highlight of this episode was the first live performance of the new title track presented for the first time in seven years. Lee Suhyun began by saying, "I am so nervous," but when her treasure-like voice soon resonated, Hawk-rates was left speechless for a while, soaking in the deep afterglow. Asked about the secret of creation, Lee Chanhyuk gave a clear answer: "The source of inspiration is our home," and went on to reveal a unique behind-the-scenes story related to the topical exhibition "The spring of inspiration: the last drop," drawing attention.
The lively back-and-forth of the real-life siblings also shone. They showed polar opposite reactions to the masterpiece that moved Nobel Prize in Literature winner Han, "How can I love you to the point of parting, I love you," which had everyone bursting into laughter, and throughout the talk they held attention with a surprising charm that alternated between musical depth and the genuine sibling chemistry of real-life brothers and sisters.
Meanwhile, following the episode 4 'Ok Dong-sik' meal voucher giveaway event, Kang Ho-dong's neighborhood bookstore continues with another special event. After watching episode 5, if viewers enter through the Coupang Play 'Couple Club' event page, a drawing will award a signed copy of AKMU's fourth full-length album. Viewers have responded enthusiastically to the event that satisfies both the eyes and ears.
Kang Ho-dong, the bookstore owner of the cutest neighborhood in the world, "Hawk-rates," and the candid answers of top-tier guests come together in Kang Ho-dong's neighborhood bookstore, which is released exclusively on Coupang Play every Friday at 4 p.m. <
[Photo] Coupang Play
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