TV
KCM Avoids Retirement with Successful Concert in Vietnam, Attracting 1,333 Fans
On the KBS 2TV show 'Duet Across the Sea' aired on the 12th, singer KCM traveled to Vietnam to complete a mission of gathering 300 audience members for a concert with an overseas artist. Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, KCM was treated to Vietnamese home-cooked meals by 'promotion fairies' Mickey Kwang-soo and Jo Maeryeok, including beef stir-fried noodles, stir-fried morning glory, and bun cha gio.
They enjoyed a city tour bus ride, taking in the night views and feeling the travel vibes. When fans recognized KCM, he boldly declared, “I think I can easily gather 500 people. If I can't, I'll really retire.” However, the optimism was short-lived as KCM, Mickey Kwang-soo, and Jo Maeryeok were summoned to an emergency meeting by the production team. Despite having filming permits from the Vietnamese government, they were informed that they might have to return home due to not receiving performance permits.
The production team's meeting continued into the next morning, leaving KCM worried about the possibility of not being able to perform. Vietnamese MZ artists 'Minh Toc & Lam', who had promised to collaborate, joined them. Minh Toc, a genius guitarist and composer, and Lam, a high-note goddess, are a couple and artists who captivate Vietnamese teenagers. The production team changed the mission to “release a self-composed song within 100 hours” and added a sub-mission to showcase the song afterward, increasing the difficulty level.
The next day, KCM and Minh Toc & Lam regrouped and visited 'Nguyen Thien Thuat Instrument Street' to play traditional Vietnamese instruments and seek further inspiration. Minh Toc and Jo Maeryeok began an impromptu jam session on the guitar, with Lam's clear voice adding to the emotional street performance. They explored 'Nguyen Van Binh Street', a street lined with bookstores, and the 'Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office', a place where one can feel a European atmosphere in Vietnam.
Finally, at Minh Toc & Lam's practice room for the self-composed song, Lam shared, “We already have the rhythm, chorus, and melody,” presenting a prepared song inspired by Vietnam. KCM, listening intently, spontaneously added a melody, and Jo Maeryeok played the drums, creating the illusion of a completed song. When asked for his opinion, KCM cautiously suggested, “It would be nice if it were more accessible for the public. Wouldn't it be difficult if it were like jazz?”
Surprised by the unexpected reaction, Minh Toc & Lam were hesitant, but KCM tried to persuade them by playing the melody in his desired style. However, Minh Toc & Lam insisted, “We think it should have a jazz feel. That's our signature.” Lam added, “The current version seems like it would be loved by KCM's generation, but my version might appeal to the younger generation,” leaving KCM speechless. As the debate over direction continued, Mickey Kwang-soo intervened, suggesting a break to cool down the heated discussion. Despite the differences in musical preferences, the two artists clashed.
Three months later, KCM, Mickey Kwang-soo, and Jo Maeryeok returned to Vietnam to complete the sub-mission of attracting 300 attendees for a showcase. Confidently, KCM and Minh Toc & Lam declared, “300 people is no problem,” but Mickey Kwang-soo, who had previously organized a concert in the Netherlands with Park Ki-young & Wouter Hamel, warned, “We barely met the audience count in the Netherlands. Don't take it lightly.”
After extensive promotion, they successfully gathered a total of 1,333 attendees, allowing KCM and Minh Toc & Lam to hold the showcase. The two artists announced, “This is a newly composed song,” as they took the stage together. The 'main mission' self-composed song is available on music streaming sites.
The extreme music journey 'Duet Across the Sea' can be seen on the broadcast airing on the 19th.
Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr