The Stage of Youth Returns After 13 Years
The 'University Song Festival,' which began in 1977 and produced numerous legends such as Shim Soo-bong, Moo Han-gway-do (Shin Hae-chul), Jeon Ram-hwe, and Kim Kyung-ho, has been revived after 13 years as the '2025 MBC University Song Festival - Turn on Youth'.
The performance, which remained a 'symbol of youth' in people's memories even after its suspension in 2012, has been reignited.
Kim Moon-gi, the PD in charge of directing, said, "There were more people who wanted the revival of the University Song Festival than I thought," and added that he feels rewarded to be able to show the charm of honest music from university life again.
The subtitle 'Turn on Youth' has the meaning of 'turn on' and also symbolizes the sound of youth resonating like turning on an instrument.
As he explained, it was a moment when youth shone again through music.
A Meticulously Crafted Stage by a Major Music PD
This revival incorporates the sensibility of Kim Moon-gi, a reliable music director. He is a key figure who has led MBC's representative music programs, and the judging panel is also composed of a 'dream team' including Yoon Sang, Lee Juck, Park Kal-lin, and Lee Won-seok.
In addition, artists currently loved by the public, such as Lee Sang-mi from Ex, WOODZ, Dynamic Duo & SINCE, Lee Mu-jin, and Lucy, reinterpreted past University Song Festival winning songs for a special stage.
The MC combination is Jang Do-yeon, Lee Jun-young, and Kim Min-ju. PD Kim expressed his gratitude, saying, "This is a combination of three people I really wanted."
Thanks to the cast who readily participated despite their busy schedules, a festival that a generation can enjoy together has been completed.
Youth Shining Even in Heavy Rain
However, unexpected adverse conditions unfolded on the day of the finals. The heavy rain that poured down on the Arch Lawn of Korea Maritime & Ocean University in Busan on October 3rd, National Foundation Day, threatened the performance.
PD Kim described the situation at the time as "like a battlefield," recalling that the camera lenses fogged up and there were difficulties with device exposure.
Nevertheless, the scene created by the participants holding onto their wet instruments and the audience wearing raincoats maximized the feeling of 'youth'. The PD sincerely conveyed his "apologies and gratitude" to the audience who stayed until the end.
On this day, about 2,000 people from 115 universities around the world applied, and only 11 teams made it to the finals, showcasing their fierce musical passion.
The Youth of 2025, Blending Technology and Romance
PD Kim, who watched this stage, was deeply impressed by the musical growth of the university students. As he said, "Now, university students freely handle DAWs," the technique of combining digital sound and actual instrument performance stood out.
As the era has come when technology, which was once the domain of experts, can be used by anyone, music with each person's unique color is being created.
In particular, although musical tastes may seem different between generations, he emphasized that "the younger generation also has emotions and romance" and that there are clear points of common ground.
The grand prize was awarded to Cadenza, the gold prize to H.i.M and Y507, the silver prize to Kim Ga-yeon, and the bronze prize to the Chodong team, confirming the potential of the next generation.
Shin Hae-chul Revived with AI, and a Stage Connecting Generations
The highlight that touched the hearts of those who watched the stage unfolded at midnight on the 27th broadcast. On the dawn of the 11th anniversary of the late Shin Hae-chul's death, his children, Shin Ha-yeon and Shin Dong-won, sang 'To You' with the band Lucy.
His daughter's words, "Dad's fans who always remember him had sad expressions, but don't make those sad expressions anymore," brought tears to many people's eyes.
Shin Hae-chul's voice, restored by AI technology, decorated the opening, and the voices of his children that followed were a moment of touching emotion that connected generations.
This was not just a tribute performance, but a moment when the legacy of music was revived.
PD Kim said, "I would be proud if this stage could continue the spirit of the 'University Song Festival'," and hoped that someone's dream stage would continue in the future.
It was a stage that showed that the 'passion of youth' that burned 37 years ago is still burning today.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/plug_and_play_life/224055503240
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