
Park Jin-young, Ahn So-hee, Kwon Jin-ah, Boom Dominate 'Radio Star,' Securing No. 1 in Ratings
The 'JYPick 읏 짜!' special episode of MBC's 'Radio Star,' featuring Park Jin-young, Ahn So-hee, Boom, and Kwon Jin-ah, concluded with resounding success, topping the ratings for its time slot. The broadcast on the 5th recorded a 3.7% viewership rating in the Seoul metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea, solidifying its leading position.
JYP's Park Jin-young shared behind-the-scenes stories of his appointment as co-chairman of the Presidential Committee on Cultural Exchange, expressing his sincere commitment to the future of K-pop. He declared his stance of maintaining balance as 'Park Jin-young' beyond conservative and progressive labels, explaining his long-held silence on the matter and his desire for honesty this time. He also highlighted the importance of a 'sincere system' by revealing JYP's ESG management achievements and its organic lunchbox philosophy. His fatherly affection for his two daughters and his ambition as an artist added a warm touch to the show.
Ahn So-hee, returning to 'Radio Star' after 14 years, captivated the audience with her newfound ease. She candidly shared behind-the-scenes moments from Wonder Girls' 'Tell Me' promotions and the challenges of their U.S. debut, along with her initial feelings about nicknames like 'Mandu So-hee' and her 'Aigoo' reaction, eliciting laughter. Having developed a 'hosting bug' through YouTube, she showcased her special friendship with Park Jin-young by calling him 'JY,' and their impromptu 'Let's Change Me' dance performance garnered enthusiastic applause.
The versatile entertainer Boom energized the studio with his signature charisma. He reminisced about his passionate trainee days at Anyang Arts High School, competing alongside Rain and Seven, recalling a time when debut was everything. His sincere entertainment philosophy as a 20-year veteran broadcaster, coupled with heartwarming stories about his 19-month-old daughter, resonated deeply with viewers.
Kwon Jin-ah, who recently established her own agency, shared humorous anecdotes from her duet collaboration with JYP's senior, Park Jin-young, jokingly offering to be acquired by JYP. She also drew attention by mentioning her connections with figures like Gong Yoo, Lee Hyori, Suzy, and Park Bo-gum. She confessed to being moved to tears by Park Jin-young's comforting words during a visit to his home, which she described as feeling like the house from 'Parasite.' The episode concluded with a duet performance of their new song 'Happy Hour (퇴근길)' by Park Jin-young and Kwon Jin-ah, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Meanwhile, next week's 'Radio Star' episode will feature Ji Hyun-woo, Ivy, Kim Joon-hyun, and Kim Gyu-won in a special titled 'Talent Ivy League,' promising further excitement.
Following the broadcast, viewers reacted enthusiastically, with comments like 'Park Jin-young's sincere statements are cool,' 'Ahn So-hee is still so pretty,' 'Boom is a reliable entertainer,' and 'Kwon Jin-ah x Park Jin-young duet is the best!' Praise was particularly directed at Park Jin-young's doting fatherhood and Kwon Jin-ah's candid personality.