Seventeen’s Dokyeom and Seungkwan Shine Alongside Veteran Artists in ‘Life Music’ Celebration
A captivating blend of generations and musical styles unfolded on the stage of KBS’ “Life Music,” as Seventeen’s Dokyeom and Seungkwan demonstrated their burgeoning artistry alongside established icons like Cherry Filter, Bada, and Kim Soo-young. The event, part of the “Indie 30th Anniversary Grand Project,” showcased the enduring power of Korean music and the collaborative spirit between rising stars and seasoned performers.
Cherry Filter: Pioneers of Indie Crossover
Cherry Filter, appearing as the 11th guest, ignited the audience with renditions of beloved hits including “Ducks Fly” and “Romantic Cat.” When questioned about their identity as an indie band, a band member reflected, “That’s how we started,” while also noting, “I think we are the first band to actively appear on TV media or ranked music broadcasts.” A vintage VCR presentation featuring the band from 26 years ago elicited laughter and nostalgia. The band’s influence was further underscored by a playful exchange with 10cm, who admiringly compared Park Bo-gum’s forehead to “the roof tiles of the Blue House” after Cherry Filter mentioned their previous appearance on ‘The Seasons – Park Bo-gum’s Cantabile’. Cherry Filter playfully responded by likening 10cm to a “royal tomb,” adding, “It is comfortable but has dignity and elegance,” fostering a warm atmosphere. This respect culminated in a joint performance of ‘Five’, highlighting the strong connection between senior and junior artists. Cherry Filter concluded their set with an energetic performance of ‘Happy Day’.
Kim Soo-young’s Debut on a Late-Night Stage
Singer-songwriter Kim Soo-young marked a significant milestone with her first appearance on a KBS late-night music talk show. She described the opportunity as “like a birthday present,” revealing she received the invitation on her birthday. Demonstrating a deep appreciation for mentorship, Kim Soo-young affectionately referred to 10cm as her “father,” recounting how he invited her to perform as an opening act during her early career, even covering her expenses and providing pocket money. Inspired by IU’s performances and having even contributed to an IU album, Kim Soo-young expressed a feeling of accomplishment, stating, “I became a saint.” Her performance included a compelling rendition of Aillet’s ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’ and a deeply emotional reprise of Shim Soo-bong’s ‘A Million Roses’, a song that previously garnered 10.57 million views on JTBC’s ‘Singer Gain 3’.
Bada’s Nostalgic Return and Fan Connection
Bada immediately captivated the audience with a medley of classic SES songs, including “I’m Your Girl,” “Collecting Dreams,” “Dreams Come True,” and “Just A Feeling.” 10cm, a long-time fan, confessed that Bada and SES represented their “first girl group,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with the audience. The connection between the artists was further emphasized when 10cm read a heartfelt letter they had sent to Bada’s waiting room. Reflecting on her past, Bada recalled grappling with advice from Lee Soo-man to “always be yourself, be courageous and have fun on stage,” and reaffirmed her commitment to growth. 10cm further honored Bada by performing Kang Su-ji’s ‘Purple Scent’ while holding pearl purple balloons, a symbol of the SES fandom. Bada revealed that she specifically chose “The Seasons” as the sole stage for her new song’s live debut, adding emotional weight to her performance of ‘Noisy Breakup’.
Dokyeom and Seungkwan: Emerging as an ‘Emotional Duo’
Seventeen’s Dokyeom and Seungkwan, performing as a vocal unit, initially showcased their refined composure. However, they quickly transitioned into a display of dynamic energy, spontaneously performing Bu Seok-sun’s ‘We Must Fight’ on the spot. Demonstrating their vocal prowess, the duo delivered a powerful rendition of ‘Doll’, maintaining eye contact and conveying messages of support and courage, highlighting their close friendship and solidifying their reputation as the “Mevoz” vocal unit.
