Change Street: A Cultural Exchange Through Music with Yunho's Candid Reflection

'Change Street' left a resonant impact under the theme of 'youth.' On this episode, Yunho made an appearance, drawing attention by addressing the acting controversy from his drama 'Heading to the Ground' aired 16 years ago.

On the 27th, the 9th episode of ENA's 'Change Street' (directed by Oh Joon-sung), a grand project commemorating the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization, was broadcast. 'Change Street' is a novel cultural exchange program where artists from Korea and Japan immerse themselves in each other's streets, languages, and emotions, connecting through music.

The episode unveiled the first busking performances of the third lineup members. The Korean team, consisting of KARA's Heo Young-ji, ASTRO's Yoon San-ha, PENTAGON's Hui, and HYNN (Park Hye-won), performed under the Tokyo Tower, a symbol of Tokyo. Meanwhile, the Japanese team members, miwa and Kano Miyu, took the stage on the rooftop of the Rise Autograph Collection Hotel in Hongdae, Seoul.

The Korean team first met at Fuji TV headquarters in Japan. Heo Young-ji and Hui, who arrived first, naturally eased the atmosphere. Despite being older, Heo Young-ji joked about the 'confusing hierarchy' with Hui, who is two years her junior, causing laughter. The four members, after overcoming various challenges, shouted their team slogan, 'We are youth!' as they prepared for their first overseas busking.

The first performer, HYNN (Park Hye-won), chose Yoon Mi-rae's 'Touch Love,' an OST from the drama 'Master's Sun,' filling the space with her unique voice and simple emotions. Her voice resonated under the blue sky, prompting the audience to wave in response. Hui expressed, 'It felt like stepping into a scene from a drama,' while Heo Young-ji shared, 'That scene vividly came to mind,' conveying a deep impression.

Heo Young-ji took the stage with Baek Ji-young's 'Don't Forget,' an OST from the drama 'IRIS.' Her performance showcased a completely different side as a ballad singer, contrasting her usual vibrant stage presence. Her powerful vocals and delicate emotional expression from her petite frame proved her prowess as a former member of the legendary group KARA, revealing her unexpected charm.

After the performance, MC Yunho shared a humorous anecdote related to the drama 'IRIS,' starring Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee. He mentioned that his drama debut, 'Heading to the Ground,' aired in 2009, was a competitor in the same time slot, saying, 'There was controversy over my acting skills, but the competition was too strong. However, I believe the past has shaped who I am today,' bringing laughter and empathy to the scene.

Hui selected 'To You, Me' by Bicycle, an OST from the movie 'The Classic.' His clear and transparent voice, along with his clean high notes, blended with the blue sky, evoking nostalgic memories. Lastly, Yoon San-ha reinterpreted SS501's 'Because I'm Stupid,' an OST from the drama 'Boys Over Flowers,' with his sweet vocals. The melody, combined with the special session, was enough to adorn a page of youth.

The first performer of the Japanese team on the rooftop was top singer-songwriter miwa. She chose Hikaru Utada's 'First Love,' a song representing first love in both Korea and Japan, delivering it with her characteristic clear voice. It captivated the audience's emotions as if they were revisiting their first love from long ago.

Rising star Kano Miyu took the stage with Seiko Matsuda's 'Barefoot Season.' Her cute gestures and bright energy perfectly matched the gentle breeze, creating a refreshing moment. miwa, taking the mic again, selected 'Shaking Heart' by ZARD, a representative band of the 90s in Japan, evoking the youth of that era. Her pure and clear voice added excitement, filling the rooftop. After all the performances, Director Matsuda remarked, 'It would be amazing to have all these artists perform together,' to which MC Shin Dong-yup teased, 'That dream might come true soon, so stay tuned.'

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr