SBS's 'Our Ballad' Makes a Splash, Topping Ratings and Buzz in Premiere

The unique music audition program, SBS's 'Our Ballad,' designed to stir emotions, has made a triumphant debut, receiving a fervent response from viewers right from its first broadcast.

Airimg on the 23rd, 'Our Ballad' guided audiences through the extensive world of ballads spanning from the 1980s to the 2010s with performances and stories from contestants averaging 18.2 years old. The episode achieved a metropolitan area viewership rating of 4.7%, with a peak of 5.2% per minute. It also secured the top spot in its time slot for both household and the 2049 demographic, with a 1.1% rating in the latter category, according to Nielsen Korea.

In the first round, themed 'My Life's First Ballad,' iconic songs from legendary musicians like Kim Kwang-seok, Lee Eun-ha, 015B, Kang Susie, Im Jae-bum, Park Sang-min, and BIGBANG were presented. These diverse tracks, ranging from traditional ballads to rock ballads and K-pop, were newly reinterpreted through the contestants' voices.

The participation of 150 'Top 100 Jury' members significantly enhanced the viewing experience. Lee Ye-ji captivated the audience with Im Jae-bum's 'For You,' a song she listened to with her father, earning a remarkable 146 votes and the highest score. Cha Tae-hyun, watching the performance, was deeply moved and shed tears.

Song Ji-woo delivered 'The Way You Sent Me Off With a Smile' with a clear and elegant tone, earning unanimous selection from the nine 'Top 100 Jury' representatives. Danny Koo praised, "I could feel a narrative within the song."

Chun Beom-seok's rendition of Jung Seung-hwan's 'In Place' received accolades from the original artist, who commented, "I'm thankful you sang it better than I did."

Min Soo-hyun performed his father's favorite song, 'One Love,' accompanied by a piano, securing a dramatic pass with 100 votes.

Lee Jun-seok ('Empty Street'), Hong Seung-min ('Scattered Days'), and Lee Ji-hoon ('Sunflower') also advanced to the next round, showcasing their individual charms.

Conversely, Jo Eun-se, who sang BIGBANG's 'IF YOU,' was eliminated by a narrow margin of just two votes. Cha Tae-hyun offered a stern critique, stating, "While the skill was excellent, the presentation was too familiar." Jun Hyun-moo added, "It lacked a significant impact."

SBS's music audition program 'Our Ballad' airs every Tuesday at 9 PM.

The program aims to connect with a wide audience by exploring ballads across different eras, resonating with both younger viewers discovering these timeless songs and older viewers revisiting cherished memories. Beyond just vocal talent, 'Our Ballad' emphasizes the personal stories and emotional journeys of its contestants, making each performance a deeply moving experience. The show's unique format promises to deliver compelling narratives alongside exceptional musicality.