Star PD unveils new music show

Oct 8, 2019

Cable network tvN's "Wednesday Music Playlist" is unlike other music shows, which are often audition based.

From left, Kim Jae-hwan, Kim Jun-ho ― represented by a cardboard cutout― Jun Hyun-moo, and John Park pose during a news conference for tvN's new music show "Wednesday Music Playlist 1" at the Ramada Hotel by Wyndham Seoul in Sindorim, Wednesday. Kim Jun-ho couldn't make the press conference that day.

Being star producer Yoo Ho-jin's first music show, the show starring Jun Hyun-moo, Kim Jun-ho, John Park and Kim Jae-hwan will follow a different format for each episode, a creative approach at which even cast members expressed their surprise.

"Every week the show changes, so it's hard to pinpoint its genre exactly," Yoo said at the conference at Ramada by Wyndham Seoul Sindorim last Wednesday.

"I wanted to create a show for audience members to listen to good music… it's more about creating a relaxing program rather than an intense and cutthroat competition show."

Yoo previously worked as the producing director for KBS2's hit program "1 Night 2 Days."

"Wednesday Music Playlist" consists of food adventures, overnight getaways, and the bonding of four prominent members of the entertainment business. Most importantly, however, the program will explore some of the most popular songs in the music industry both past and present. Its purpose is similar to that of a radio: to share a playlist of the top tracks from a wide range of music genres.

Kim Jae-hwan, former member of the boy band Wanna One, talked about being on his first variety program as a full-time member. "Because I'm the youngest, I feel like I have to work hard," he said on Wednesday. "I was really influenced by my seniors, I listened to their music a lot growing up. I also played guitar from a young age, and encountered a lot of older music while learning to play. Music is my life and I approach it very genuinely."

Park, a semifinalist on the U.S. TV show American Idol in 2010, also expressed his excitement working on a music variety program. "When I heard this show was a music program, I thought that it was perfect for me… because it's been a while since working on this type of show, so going into the set every day is exciting," he said.

He also hinted at collaborations with other cast members as well as the release of new music on this show.

While Jun is not a singer, his expertise as a television personality led to his casting. He and Yoo showed their teamwork on this project.

Yoo praised him for his talent as an MC and was reciprocated with equal admiration as a skilled producer.

"I signed on after hearing PD Yoo would be leading this program. Even though I'm not an expert in music, I have a good ear for it and think I have a lot to contribute even though I'm not an artist myself," Jun said.

The 20-year age gap of the oldest and youngest cast members contribute to their wide range of experiences and specializations that will hopefully, as envisioned by Yoo, attract a diverse audience. His ultimate goal is to create an original show that becomes a platform to share the ultimate playlist. "Wednesday Music Playlist" will air every Wednesday at 11p.m. on tvN.