Mnet Launches Music Talk Show
Connecting Musicians and Audience
JaeHyung Jung and Code Kunst are taking photos ahead of the press conference held on the 19th at Community Masil in Jung-gu, Seoul. CJ ENM
TV music programs brought change to the dance-dominated Korean music scene of the late 1990s. By establishing live performances in living rooms, they opened a new chapter in concert culture.
The music channel Mnet will launch the music live talk show "Live Wire" on June 20. Director Shin Yuseon stated at a press conference held on June 19 at Community Masil in Jung-gu, Seoul, "The way people consume music is returning to a performance-centered format, and live clips are being reproduced on digital platforms. I wanted to create a music program that resonates with the cultural trends of the times."
"Live Wire" will feature a relay format in which each performing artist names another artist they wish to meet on stage. The aim is to go beyond simple performances and connect artists with other artists, audience members with each other, and the stage with viewers through music.
The audience will also play a key role in these connections. When applying to attend, audience members take a "music taste test" and are seated with others who have similar preferences. Depending on their music enjoyment style, they are assigned to one of four zones: "core extrovert sentimentalist," "core extrovert fact-teller," "homebody sentimentalist," or "homebody fact-teller."
Shin Yuseon said, "These days, people interact a lot online, but when it comes to things they truly love, they want to connect offline. The idea started from wanting to connect the audience through music." She added, "From the very first recording, it was fascinating to see the audience's personalities at a glance, and they felt more like part of the program than just spectators."
The first guests were selected by the production team. As of now, four episodes have been recorded, featuring guests such as DPR IAN, Kim Changwan Band, Kim Kwangjin, NCT Doyoung, Jeon Somi, Roy Kim, Lee Mujin, Lee Youngji, Touched, Jannabi, and Car the Garden.
Shin Yuseon explained, "We receive a generous list of nominated artists and invite those who are available, as part of an effort to broaden the musical spectrum." She continued, "Many senior and junior artists are collaborating on stage, and special performances are emerging from their conversations."
Shin Yuseon PD is introducing the program at a press conference held on the 19th at Community Masil in Jung-gu, Seoul. CJ ENM
The MCs are JaeHyung Jung and Code Kunst. JaeHyung Jung said, "At first, I declined to appear, but I decided to join after hearing about the lack of opportunities for musicians and that I would be hosting with Code Kunst." Code Kunst added, "I also agreed to participate after hearing that JaeHyung Jung would be involved."
JaeHyung Jung said, "Code Kunst creates a natural and comfortable atmosphere, as if he's just out for a stroll in the neighborhood, which has brightened the mood on stage." Code Kunst remarked, "When I get too talkative, JaeHyung Jung keeps things on track. If JaeHyung Jung is the captain, I'm the helmsman."
"Live Wire" distinguishes itself from existing music programs by connecting senior and junior artists through music. JaeHyung Jung shared, "During the first recording, I felt grateful to be a musician. With so many different musicians sharing their stories, I was emotionally moved and felt proud as an MC." Code Kunst added, "Viewers will also get to see senior artists inviting much younger juniors to the stage."
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