Despite declining ratings, producer says 'Seasons' may be last stronghold of music programs
Hallyu powerhouse Park Bo-gum is set to host the seventh season of "The Seasons," KBS’ long-running late-night music talk show.
"The Seasons" is KBS’ signature Friday night music show series, featuring interviews with musicians as well as live performances.
The seventh installment of the series is to be known as "Park Bo Gum’s Cantabile," following previous seasons hosted by Jay Park, Choi Jung-hoon of Jannabi, AKMU, Lee Hyo-ri, Zico of Block B and, most recently, rapper Lee Young-ji, whose tenure ran from September 2024 to Feb. 21, 2025. Park Bo-gum’s season premieres Friday.
Park is the first actor to host the late-night show, a departure from the series’ tradition of musicians in the host spot. Explaining the choice, producer Choi Seung-hee emphasized Park’s deep-rooted passion for music.
"We actually knew that Park was very interested in music, played the keyboard well and sang well," Choi said at a press conference in Yeouido, Seoul, Tuesday. "When he appeared on 'The Seasons' last year, he showed deep respect for musicians, and we persuaded him."
According to Choi, Park played an active role in shaping this season’s identity, including its title, "Park Bo Gum’s Cantabile." The title is a nod to his past KBS drama "Naeil's Cantabile."
"I’ve always wanted to create a show under my name with 'Cantabile' in the title," Park said. "’Cantabile’ means 'like singing' … I hope it becomes a space where I can communicate with other artists, share conversations with the audience, find comfort and exchange joyful moments with one another."
Park will also be the first host to create an original theme song for the show.
"We are discussing the composition of a new 'signal song,' and I plan to write lyrics that suit our program," said Park. "I'm thinking of lyrics that match the spring season," said Park."
Amid declining viewership, the producer reaffirmed a commitment to spotlighting new musicians and safeguarding a space for artists to hold deep discussions about music.
"Our broadcast time has always been Friday at 10 p.m. As you all know, this is a time slot where other channels air high-budget dramas worth hundreds of billions of won," Choi said. "Meanwhile, we continue to produce our program with a budget from 30 years ago. In a way, we approach production with the mindset of guarding the last stronghold of music programs."
Choi stressed that ratings are not the sole metric of success.
"If ratings were our only priority, we wouldn’t be introducing new musicians every week in such a highly competitive time slot," she said.
"However, we believe that the identity, purpose, and significance of a music program are far more important. That’s why we are committed to showcasing emerging and meaningful artists, providing them with a stage and finding great value in doing so."
yoonseo.3348@heraldcorp.com
