'Our Ballad' Premieres Strong, Tops Ratings in its Time Slot
SBS's new music audition program, 'Our Ballad,' has kicked off to a successful start, securing the number one spot in viewership ratings for its time slot.
The premiere episode, which aired on the 23rd, guided viewers into the world of ballads through emotionally resonant performances by contestants averaging 18.2 years old. The show evoked nostalgia while delivering profound感动.
The broadcast achieved a viewership rating of 4.7% nationwide for its second part, with the highest minute-by-minute rating soaring to 5.2%. Both the overall household rating and the 2049 viewer rating recorded 1.1%, marking a triumphant debut.
Round 1, themed 'My Life's First Ballad,' featured a diverse lineup of musicians and iconic songs from various eras. It included beloved tracks from the 1980s by Kim Kwang-seok and Lee Eun-ha, the ballad syndrome of the 1990s with 015B and Kang Soo-ji, the representative rock ballads of Im Jae-bum and Park Sang-min, and even K-pop hits from the 2010s by Big Bang. Hidden gems like Jung Seung-hwan's 'Just Stay' and Zitten's 'Sunflower' were also presented, adding richness to the program.
Particularly captivating were the performances by exceptionally talented contestants, impressing a 'Top 100' panel of 150 experts and the public alike. To pass, contestants needed to be chosen by at least 100 members of the panel. Lee Ye-ji garnered the highest score with 146 out of 150 votes, delivering a powerful rendition of Im Jae-bum's 'For You,' a song she listened to with her father during her school days. Actor Cha Tae-hyun was visibly moved to tears by her performance.
Song Ji-woo, overcoming stage fright, performed 'As You Send Me Off With a Smile.' Her rendition, imbued with a clear voice and the innocent emotion of a shy girl, captivated all nine representatives of the 'Top 100' panel, a first for the show. Danny Koo praised her performance, stating, "I felt a narrative within the song, and for the first time, I could hear the lyrics."
Cheon Beom-seok stirred emotions with his rendition of Jung Seung-hwan's 'Just Stay.' Jung Seung-hwan expressed his gratitude, saying, "Although interpreted differently from my original, I appreciate that you interpreted it so well, perhaps even better than I sing it." Meanwhile, Min Soo-hyun sang 'One Love,' a favorite from his father's university days, accompanied by piano.
Lee Jun-seok kicked off the show with 015B's 'Empty Street,' securing 102 votes and a narrow pass. Hong Seung-min, showcasing authentic ballad sensibility with Kang Soo-ji's 'Scattered Days,' also received a late pass to the second round. Lee Ji-hoon, a devoted fan of Kim Kwang-seok, earned 117 votes for his performance of Zitten's 'Sunflower.'
However, the diverse perspectives of the 'Top 100' panel added to the viewing experience. Jo Eun-se, who sang Big Bang's 'IF YOU,' narrowly missed passing by just two votes, despite receiving support from most of the panel. Cha Tae-hyun, while acknowledging her talent, commented realistically, "Honestly, it's a picture we see too often." Jun Hyun-moo added, "We are the 'Top 100,' after all. Perhaps it's because there wasn't that typical 'wow' factor."
'Our Ballad,' featuring timeless ballads reborn through the contestants' voices and the relatable commentary of the 150 'Top 100' judges, airs every Tuesday at 9 PM on SBS.
The program successfully blends the emotional depth of classic ballads with the fresh perspectives of young contestants, creating a unique viewing experience. It highlights not only vocal talent but also the personal stories that connect singers to their chosen songs. The show's ability to evoke shared memories and introduce new interpretations of beloved music positions it as a standout in the competitive K-entertainment landscape.