Celebrate Lunar New Year with Star-Studded Concerts and Culinary Delights on Korean TV

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The five-day Lunar New Year holiday has begun, and this year, instead of experimental pilot programs, networks are showcasing tried-and-true content. Major broadcasters are targeting home audiences with concerts that guarantee high ratings, while MBC adds a 'visual feast' with diverse food programs.

The three major networks have prepared music stages that span generations. SBS features Sung Si-kyung, MBC presents IU, and KBS offers a 'Trot Extravaganza.'

Kicking off the festivities, SBS's 'Lunar New Year Special Concert Sung Si-kyung' airs on the 14th at 8:30 PM. This TV version of the 'Concert Sung Si-kyung,' held from December 25 to 28 last year, celebrates his 25th debut anniversary with hits like 'We Match Well,' 'It Would Be Good,' 'On the Street,' 'Every Moment of You,' and 'HeeJae,' along with a duet performance of 'Good Goodbye' with Hwasa.

KBS is set to captivate audiences with the '2026 Trot Extravaganza.' Featuring performances by Song Ga-in, Park Seo-jin, and Park Ji-hyun, the show is hosted by Lee Chan-won, the star of the '2024 KBS Entertainment Awards.' Expect collaborative stages and new songs from both veteran and emerging trot singers. It airs on the 17th at 7:40 PM.

On the same day, MBC will broadcast IU's concert. 'MBC Lunar New Year Special Super Stage IU Concert: The Winning,' airing on the 17th at 9:30 PM, captures IU's world tour and her first performance at Sangam Stadium in September 2024. The concert, attended by 100,000 fans, was noted for its drone show and fireworks. IU is set to return to MBC with the drama '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' in April.

No holiday is complete without food content. MBC reintroduces 'National No. 1,' which aired as a Chuseok special last year. With Park Na-rae stepping down due to controversies, actress Park Ha-sun fills her spot.

Now hosted by Moon Se-yoon, Kim Dae-ho, and Park Ha-sun, 'National No. 1' showcases a competition among regional specialties, highlighting the stories and people behind these delicacies. It premieres on the 16th at 8:10 PM, with subsequent episodes on the 23rd at 9 PM and March 2nd at 9 PM.

A documentary on Korean cuisine is also on the menu. MBC's 'Chef's DNA' follows actor Ryu Soo-young and Belgian adoptee chef Aejin Heo as they create a 'hand-taste table' in Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do. The show explores the development of dishes using local specialties and traditional foods, while Aejin Heo reconnects with her roots through Korean cuisine. It airs on the 16th at 8:20 AM.

On Lunar New Year day, MBC's 'Discovery of the Dining Table' explores the hidden flavors, wisdom, and beauty of dining. Hosted by actor Jang Keun-suk, the show features culinary experts like Monk Sunjae, Yoon Nam-no, Fabry, and David Lee. The first episode aired on the 10th, with the second part airing on the 17th.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr