Despite the late-night time slot, which typically caters to a specific audience and does not garner high viewership, Lee Hyori’s presence has transformed the dynamics. The program, which premiered on KBS 2TV on January 5th, combines music and storytelling in a talk show format, and with Lee Hyori as the solo host, it marks her return to hosting after 10 years, making it a significant season for “The Seasons”.
Having recently signed with Antenna, Lee Hyori has been expanding her activities, underlining her all-encompassing contributions. Her first solo MC title holds great value for Lee Hyori and those around her. Notable figures like close friend Shin Dong-yup, BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Lee Jung-eun, AKMU’s Lee Chan-hyuk and dance crew BEBE gathered for support. Jennie’s appearance, especially as her first time on KBS and after the expiration of her exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, drew attention and contributed to the program’s success.
The show’s triumph is evident in recent viewing data from the OTT platform Wavve, showing a threefold increase in viewership time and audience numbers for the first week of January 2024 compared to the last week of December 2023. The program has only aired 2 episodes, making this a noteworthy achievement.
An industry insider attributes the success of “The Seasons” to Lee Hyori’s captivating presence, referring to it as the “Lee Hyori effect”. They note that the love calls to invite Lee Hyori poured in as soon as her return was announced, capitalizing on her ability to attract interest across generations. Her unique blend of honesty and trendiness continues to make her beloved by the public. The insider also emphasizes Lee Hyori’s willingness to openly acknowledge her imperfections as a factor that endears her to fans. Lee Hyori’s commitment to expanding her musical network through “Red Carpet” is seen as a testament to her enduring passion for music. Even after 22 years since the “10 Minutes” phenomenon in 2002, many still love Lee Hyori, making her an enduring figure.
Lee Hyori’s remarkable career, starting from her days in the group Fin.K.L, has consistently brought attention and success to various entertainment programs. While it remains uncertain whether Lee Hyori will continue hosting “The Seasons” beyond the current season, she has undeniably made history from the very start.
Source: Star News Korea
