'Peak Time' brings spotlights to underrated K-pop groups

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Tue, September 26, 2023 | 07:09

Shows & Dramas

'Peak Time' brings spotlights to underrated K-pop groups

Posted : 2023-02-16 17:03

Updated : 2023-02-16 17:08

From left, Lee Seung-gi, Shim Jae-won, Tiffany Young, Jay Park, Lee Gi-kwang, Sungkyu, and Ryan Jhun pose during the press conference for the new music survival show, "Peak Time," held in Mapo District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of JTBC

By Lee Gyu-lee

The producers of JTBC's music competition show "Sing Again" have teamed up ― again ― for the new survival show, "Peak Time," to offer a second chance to lesser-known, underrated K-pop singers.

The network's new music show, which kicked off Wednesday, invites 24 boy groups who have not been able to perform for various reasons; like being disbanded, under indefinite hiatus, or newly debuted with no fame. Despite their musical talent, they haven't had a chance to shoot to stardom or even make themselves known to the public.

With the help of a group of K-pop artists and experts, the singers will get the spotlight they have been aspiring for to showcase their talents, according to the producer.

The show is hosted by singer-actor Lee Seung-gi with Super Junior's Kyuhyun, Girls' Generation's Tiffany Young, INFINITE's Sungkyu, WINNER's Mino, HIGHLIGHT's Lee Gi-kwang and singer-producer Jay Park appearing as judges, alongside performance director Shim Jae-won and music producer Ryan Jhun.

"'Peak Time' has its focus on the keyword 'opportunity' that the show 'Sing Again' had … There are groups who are still trying to keep performing, who can't continue their act because they've disbanded or are indefinitely waiting. I wanted to provide a platform of opportunity for these groups to prove themselves solely with talent," the show's producer, Ma Geon-yeong, said during a press conference for the show in Mapo District, Seoul, Wednesday.

"Throughout COVID-19, music shows or events and stages (for artists) to perform have been almost wiped out. But even then, a lot of groups made their debut and have been striving to continue their activities. We intended to create a show for these people who didn't have a chance to make themselves known to the public."

The producer emphasized that the production team will provide support for all the participants to have a fair chance throughout the competition.

"For all the participating groups, each of them has a different background. Seeing that, I felt there are things needed more than just aspiration and efforts," he said. "So we try our best to provide things like costumes, choreography, and music producing for them to carry on whatever they've been wanting to showcase in a fair way."

The show's judges said they could relate to the participants.

Lee Gi-kwang shared what he learned from watching fellow K-pop singers perform and making their way through the competition. "I've been with the group, HIGHLIGHT. So I have more of anticipation on what kind of music and performance the fellow artists will show, rather than having a mindset of a judge," he said.

"I felt so grateful to see their earnestness and effort in their performances. It taught me to learn more and made me grow a lot."

Tiffany Young added, "I want to share the know-how that I've learned from my experiences … because I can relate to them, I intend to give them healthy advice."

"Peak Time" airs every Wednesday at 8:50 p.m.

gyulee@koreatimes.co.kr