Airing on October 8th, the KBS 2TV special reached a peak viewership of 9.1% and a nationwide rating of 7.3%, securing the number one spot in its time slot, according to Nielsen Korea.
Previously, on October 6th, "Cho Yong-pil: Forever This Moment" garnered a peak rating of 18.2% and a nationwide rating of 15.7%, with "The Record of That Day" seamlessly continuing the momentum and excitement.
This achievement marked the highest ratings among all programs aired during the Chuseok holiday, reaffirming South Korea's pride in being the home of the legendary Cho Yong-pil.
The documentary captures the 75-year-old Cho Yong-pil's preparation for the "Forever This Moment" concert, along with stories from those who have cherished and loved him over the years. It follows the passion and dedication of the legendary singer behind the scenes of his electrifying performance at the Gocheok Sky Dome, enhancing the lingering impact of the concert.
Returning to a solo broadcast concert for the first time in 28 years since the 1997 "Big Show," Cho Yong-pil's performances of hits like "Short Hair," "Mona Lisa," and "Come Back to Busan Port" saw audiences of all ages singing along in unison. Elderly fans waved light sticks, and families gathered in living rooms to sing together, reviving the spirit of Chuseok.
During performances of tracks from his 20th album, such as "It's Okay" and "Where Your Steps Stay," Cho Yong-pil offered warm comfort to the weary, saying, "It's okay, it's alright." "Forever This Moment" was more than just a music show; it was a stage for the nation to sing together.
"Cho Yong-pil: Forever This Moment – The Record of That Day" showcased the intense preparation, communication with fans, and the solace embedded in his songs. KBS staff took on the significant task of documenting Cho Yong-pil's concert, driven by his desire to connect with the nation "before it's too late."
In the process of preparing for the concert, KBS staff dedicated themselves to perfection in stage, lighting, sound, and camera work, with hundreds involved. To enhance the production quality, they incorporated large LED screens, fireworks, CGI, and light sticks, even considering subtitle size and font for better viewer engagement. The collaboration with the KBS Symphony Orchestra created iconic moments, blending Cho Yong-pil's powerful vocals with classical music, breaking boundaries between pop and classical genres.
The production team stated, "During Chuseok, South Korea was immersed in Cho Yong-pil's music. His stage was more than a music show; it was a national stage where the country sang and found solace together, leaving a lasting impression not as a memory but as a present-day emotion."
Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr