SBS Launches 'Our Ballad': A Refreshing Audition Show Aiming to Rediscover Ballad's Charm

SBS is set to captivate audiences with its new audition program, 'Our Ballad,' aiming to revive the emotional resonance of ballads for a new generation. Producers Park Sung-hoon and Jung Ik-seung confidently described the show as 'the most satisfying audition program,' heralding the birth of a new star who will define an era.

'Our Ballad' seeks to discover vocalists who can reinterpret timeless ballads, songs that have been the soundtrack to people's lives. The program will feature contestants sharing personal stories tied to these beloved songs and presenting them with fresh, contemporary voices. Park, who previously worked on the hit show 'K-Pop Star,' expressed a long-held desire to create an audition program that deeply moves viewers through authentic music.

He explained the show's concept, stating, "Ballads have always been a part of our lives, unspoken but present. They evoke memories and feelings, and we felt it was time to bring this genre back to the forefront, much like trot and K-pop have found renewed popularity." Jung added that while the current fast-paced digital era might seem distant from ballads, the show focuses on music that can deliver profound emotional depth regardless of genre.

A unique aspect of 'Our Ballad' is its focus on "the kids of today" as contestants. Park elaborated, "We wanted to bridge generational gaps by having young contestants, typically in their late teens and early twenties, perform ballads. Their fresh perspectives and emotions, even when singing about themes that might seem mature for their age, can resonate deeply with a wide audience." The participants range from elementary school students to those in their mid-twenties, each bringing their unique interpretations.

The judging panel also breaks new ground. Instead of solely relying on music industry professionals, 'Our Ballad' incorporates a 'collective intelligence' approach, featuring 150 audience judges dubbed 'Top 100 Ears' alongside nine celebrity representatives. Park emphasized, "This format ensures the judging is done from a relatable, viewer-centric perspective. We value sincerity and potential over polished perfection."

Furthermore, SBS is collaborating with SM C&C, a prominent entertainment management company, to provide comprehensive support for the winners, including management and album production. This partnership aims to offer participants a genuine pathway to becoming established artists beyond just winning the competition.

'Our Ballad' is scheduled to premiere on the 23rd at 9 PM KST.

Park Sung-hoon, a seasoned producer known for his work on 'K-Pop Star,' brings extensive experience in talent discovery and show production to 'Our Ballad.' He has a deep appreciation for the ballad genre and believes in its power to connect emotionally with audiences of all ages. His vision for the show is to create an audition that is both emotionally resonant and satisfying for viewers.