The finale was themed 'My Ballad,' showcasing each contestant's personal stories.
The ultimate winner was Lee Ye-ji, who overcame challenges with the support of judges and mentors.
The SBS music audition program 'Our Ballad' successfully concluded on December 2, attracting viewers with its impactful final episode that achieved a peak rating of 5.6% according to Nielsen Korea. The TOP6 contestants—Hong Seung-min, Choi Eun-bin, Song Ji-woo, Lee Ji-hoon, Lee Ye-ji, and Cheon Beom-seok—delivered diverse ballad performances that encapsulated their artistic journeys. The final winner was Lee Ye-ji from Jeju, followed by Lee Ji-hoon in second and Cheon Beom-seok in third. The finale’s theme, 'My Ballad,' allowed participants to present songs that resonated with their personal stories, aligning with the program's mission to provide heartfelt narratives. The reinterpretation of classic ballads from the 1980s and 1990s added a refreshing element, engaging a wide audience base. The show’s 'kind audition' approach, which discouraged cutthroat competition in favor of collaboration and emotional connection, encouraged viewers to approach the program without reservations. Initially skeptical about the choice of judges—actors and general audience members—the approach ultimately struck a chord with viewers, capturing the essence of shared emotion. MC Jeon Hyun-moo’s stable hosting provided comfort, especially during the live finale where he adeptly eased tensions and maintained a smooth flow.
‘Our Ballad’ set a new standard in music audition formats by emphasizing storytelling. The modern reinterpretation of classic ballads from the 1980s and 1990s particularly resonated with younger audiences, making the appeal of the program grow significantly. Each contestant's stage performance, infused with personal stories, added depth to their music, allowing viewers to engage more deeply with their journeys. This emotion-focused approach differentiated the show from regular audition programs, enhancing audience participation. The diversity of the judges, who included non-musicians and general audience members, created a refreshing departure from traditional music-centric evaluations, providing a clearer reflection of public sentiment. This fostered a sense of relatability for viewers, and the emphasis on emotional feedback increased the program’s credibility. Jeon Hyun-moo’s hosting skills shone brightly, as he skillfully balanced humor during tense moments, guiding the show’s atmosphere.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: SBS 'Our Ballad'
