Jannabi vocalist Choi Jeong-hoon is making his debut as the first solo MC on a terrestrial network rather than as a musician. The producer of 'The Seasons' was confident, “He speaks Korean much better than Jay Park.”
On the 9th, a production presentation for 'The Seasons - Choi Jeong-hoon's Park at Night' was held at the public hall of KBS' new building. PD Park Seok-hyung, PD Lee Chang-soo, music director Kang Seung-won, Jannabi's Choi Jeong-hoon, and Melomance's Jeong Dong-hwan attended the event.
'The Seasons' is a talk show featuring music and stories that will 'take away all your troubles and worries' on Sunday nights, when the week begins and ends. For the first time in KBS's late-night music program, an 'annual project' method has been introduced, with four MCs each taking charge of a season under their own name throughout 2023. Following 'Jay Park's Drive', 'Choi Jeong-hoon's 'Park at Night' is coming out in its second season.
Regarding his feelings after finishing 'Jay Park's Drive', producer Park Seok-hyung said, "I had my own shortcomings, but I feel fortunate that I achieved the ultimate success."
Producer Park continued, "The second season takes place between spring and summer. Emotional musician Choi Jeong-hoon took over as MC, and the title is Park at Night. Choi Jeong-hoon is famous for writing good lyrics, and there are many lyrics. “This title was also taken from Choi Jeong-hoon's song,” he explained.
When asked about the differences from 'Jay Park's Drive', PD Lee Chang-soo said, "First of all, Jeong-hoon Choi speaks Korean much better than Jay-beom Park. If Jay-beom Park was a hip host, I think Jeong-hoon Choi is a rare character. However, Jeong-hoon Choi was worse at taking on challenges than Jay-beom Park, so he went in a different direction. “I'm trying to appeal. While Jay Park spoke with a focus on the characters, I think Choi Jung-hoon would speak more along the lines of the song,” he said.
He added, "The energy has definitely changed. I think I'll have to record it today to find out if people will like it."
Regarding the newly introduced 'Remake' project, "What we thought a lot about while preparing for this season was what only we can do. The trend is idols created by large entertainment companies, but there are so many musicians in Korea. They are " I wanted to create a stage that I could stand on. It's not a remake that's just a rehash, but it's about showing something new. I think that suits Choi Jung-hoon well. “I expect him to play a shining role as a madman,” he said.
Choi Jeong-hoon, an artist in his 10th year of debut, said, "After 'Yoo Hee-yeol's Sketchbook' was abolished, I talked to a lot of musicians. Friends in bands or indie music like me were worried about where to promote new songs when they come out. “But it feels special to start a program like this again.”
He continued, "I sang on this stage about last year. Just when I was feeling nervous, I was given the big position of MC, so I was nervous again. I never dreamed that as an MC on this stage, I would be able to meet senior and junior singers and ask them questions. “I can't believe it even at this moment. It's an honor for my family,” he said of his feelings about taking on the role of MC.
When asked how he felt when he was asked to be an MC, Choi Jeong-hoon said, "At first, I was worried and scared about whether I could do it. But I thought there must be a reason why they chose me. I thought there was a role I could play, so I was curious. "he said.
When asked if he remembers the first time he stood on the 'Sketchbook' stage, Choi Jeong-hoon said, "There is a moment I remember the first stage. While singing 'The hot summer night is gone and what's left is ugly,' he said at the end, 'I sang really well today.' “I once thought about it. Since that day, I have never sung that song better on air than I did,” he recalled.
Choi Jeong-hoon has recently been expanding his scope into entertainment shows such as SBS' 'School Trip Without Math'. In response, he said, "It's not that I didn't do entertainment because I was reluctant. I think I was scared. I was worried about the camera being in front of me for nearly 20 hours. I thought I might show a side of me that I didn't want to see. But when I actually tried it, I realized it wasn't something to be scared of. “I'm having fun doing it,” he said.
Jeong Dong-hwan, who is participating in 'Choi Jeong-hoon's Night in the Park' following last season, said, "While last season's focus was hip-hop and R&B, this season's band music will be the main focus. I had fun last season as well. Great music this season as well. “I want to create,” he expressed his ambition.
When asked if there were any artists he would like to see come out, Choi Jeong-hoon said, "Personally, I would like fun people like Chimpearl Man Joo Ho-min and writer Lee Mal-nyeon to come out. I think I' ve seen content where people sing for fun, but I think it would be funnier if they sang seriously. I'm also curious." "He also mentioned Aespa, New Jeans, and BTS. Producer Lee Chang-soo hoped that Seo Taiji would appear.
Producer Park Seok-hyung defined the keyword ‘Night Park’ as “an unexpected relationship, an encounter.” PD Lee Chang-soo said about the point to watch, "Choi Jeong-hoon stayed up all night preparing for a week. I'm also curious about the first broadcast." Choi Jeong-hoon expressed his unique aspirations, saying, “I have not scheduled a performance this year.”
'The Seasons - Choi Jeong-hoon's Park at Night' will premiere at 10:55 pm on the 14th.
Taeyuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr