'Live Wire' opened the prelude to grand harmony through authentic music, unexpected artist consolidation, and perfect harmony with the audience from its very first broadcast.
On 20th (Friday), the first episode of Mnet 'Live Wire' (directed by Shin Yoo-sun PD) showcased the meeting and performances of a variety of artists, presenting a feast for the senses while leading to an unprecedented level of immersion. The broadcast recorded a peak viewership rating of 1.3% (combined for Mnet and tvN, based on AGB Nielsen's paid households in the metropolitan area), stepping into a thrilling journey full of excitement.
First up, hosts Jeong Jae-hyung and Code Kunst took to the stage and opened with a newly mashed-up performance of Jeong Jae-hyung's 'Feather of the Spring' and Code Kunst's 'Remember Archive.' The two MCs then introduced the special rules unique to 'Live Wire.' Jeong Jae-hyung explained, 'Unlike other music shows, artists choose the artist they want to see, and that artist then selects the next artist, creating an endless live show.' Code Kunst added, 'Not only the artists, but the audience is also consolidated. We seated similar people together through a music type test,' announcing the start of a differentiated music show.
The first artist to take the stage was Kim Chang-wan Band, presenting a sweet performance of 'Your Meaning.' Hearing the original artist's voice once again in the song that singer IU had previously remade, showing generational harmony, offered a heartwarming experience. Code Kunst noted, 'This song came out before I was born, but it gained popularity with IU's remake 30 years later. Recently, it was also included in the OST of 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' and it seems that classic songs keep getting remade.' Kim Chang-wan responded, 'Did it feature in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' too?' Jeong Jae-hyung jokingly replied, 'You haven’t checked your royalties this month, right?' making everyone burst into laughter. Kim Chang-wan then provided comfort with a song titled 'Middle School 2,' prepared for the youth with many worries. Notably, rapper Kim Ha-on made a surprise appearance from the audience, providing a cross-generational harmony with Kim Chang-wan Band.
Immediately after, band Touched appeared at the invitation of Kim Chang-wan. Kim Chang-wan explained, 'While watching another program, I heard cheering sounds coming through the soundproof door, and I wanted to meet that artist at that moment.' In response, Touched delivered a fantastic live performance of 'Highlight' and 'Night View,' melting the audience's eardrums with their refreshing voices. Throughout the stage, Kim Chang-wan, seemingly rushing out to greet them, provided genuine reactions, creating a warm atmosphere.
Following Touched's spine-tingling live performance, the artist they selected appeared. Code Kunst expressed, 'I was actually surprised to hear that this friend would come out, as they don't usually show their face on broadcast programs,' and Touched confessed, 'We were worried if they would actually come after we pointed them out.' The protagonist was none other than DPR IAN, a musician who has built a strong global fandom. He took to the stage singing his hit song 'Don’t Go Insane,' overwhelming the audience with his intense charisma and unique stage presence. Touched remarked, 'It felt like a Michael Jackson vibe; it was so good that we were captivated.' When Jeong Jae-hyung asked, 'Do you have any questions you want to ask?', Touched immediately seized the opportunity, saying, 'We can't miss this chance. Would you consider working with us?' DPR IAN replied, 'It's definitely possible,' creating a more cheerful atmosphere. Additionally, Touched and DPR IAN recognized 'communication with the audience' as a commonality and spontaneously attempted to engage with the fans, heating up the venue further.
DPR IAN incited another thrill with his performance of 'Nerves,' and the artist he wanted to see was emotional vocalist Roy Kim. He sang his hit song 'If You Ask Me What Love Is,' delivering warm emotions and deep resonance. Code Kunst was surprised by Roy Kim's unexpected appearance, saying, 'This is such an unexpected consolidation.' DPR IAN revealed the reason for his selection, saying, 'It's music from a different genre, but I like the vibe. I enjoy it.' He also joyfully shared the key choreography of 'Don’t Go Insane' with Roy Kim, creating a special moment grounded in their shared love for music. Soon after, Roy Kim passionately performed 'Just As You Are.' The sweet voice breaking through the microphone, the lyrical melody, and the band’s sound brought forth the 'real music' that had rarely been seen in homes before.
Finally, Roy Kim expressed, 'I love this person's narrative. They break stereotypes and images with their own abilities and talents. They are someone who can encompass the era, and I wish to know more through this opportunity,' selecting Lee Young-ji as the artist he wanted to call out. Code Kunst shared, 'If I could divide myself into 100 parts, I would have injected about 1/100 into this friend,' revealing a special connection.
Lee Young-ji appeared on stage with her hit song 'Small Girl,' encouraging a 'sing-along' with the audience. Jeong Jae-hyung praised her, stating, 'Such a natural stage presence is amazing, and if I had crafted someone 1/100 of this, it would have been a proud stage,' expressing high acclaim. Code Kunst remarked, 'If Lee Young-ji had appeared earlier, I think I would have cried. She won 'High School Rapper 3' here, and seeing her now is a bit...,' as he became emotional without finishing his sentence.
Soon after, Roy Kim and Lee Young-ji took time to recognize each other. When Roy Kim jokingly asked, 'Code Kunst vs. Na Young-seok PD,' Lee Young-ji pondered and finally answered, 'Oh my God! Both are father figures to me. But I choose Code Kunst. If he hadn't recognized me in my childhood, I wouldn't be here today. Just thinking about it brings back fond memories,' she said. Hearing this, Code Kunst playfully responded, 'My tears were not in vain,' bringing smiles with their lighthearted banter. Additionally, at Roy Kim's request, an impromptu duet stage with Lee Young-ji was facilitated, and the two showcased fantastic synergy while singing 'Until I Found You.'
'Artist's Artist Encounter,' which they always wanted to have but never had the chance, and through this serendipitous meeting, moments of deeper communication through music led to the birth of precious stages, providing profound emotions and resonance to viewers who have long awaited 'real music and performances.'
Meanwhile, 'Live Wire' is a new concept music entertainment program that goes beyond simple performances, consolidating artists with artists, audiences with audiences, and stages with viewers through 'music', broadcasting simultaneously on Fridays at 7 p.m. on Mnet and tvN.
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