KBS2's 'The Country's Singer in Germany' Enchants with Palace Busking

On January 18, KBS2's music travel reality show, The Country's Singer in Germany (나라는 가수 인 독일), showcased a captivating busking performance set against the backdrop of a palace in Regensburg, following a lively session in Munich. The episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 1.2%, a decline from the previous month's 2.8%.

In a rain-soaked Munich, the cast continued their busking journey with TVXQ's 'Hug (포옹)'. Suzy performed Lee So-ra's 'To You Who Doesn’t Love Me', captivating the audience with her clear and poignant voice. As the crowd called for an encore, Hongjoong and Jongho from ATEEZ led a performance of 'BOUNCY (바운시)', with Hongjoong's rain-soaked performance receiving enthusiastic applause.

After wrapping up their busking, Hongjoong returned to the accommodation and passionately sang 'Eyes, Nose, Lips' alongside Inau's piano. The members celebrated with a samgyeopsal (pork belly) party, enjoying homemade doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) and fresh kimchi prepared by Sohyang. Suzy, particularly enthusiastic about the food, delighted everyone with her happy eating moments, wrapping lettuce around grilled meat.

As Suzy prepared to return to Korea the next day, the members shared joyful stories on their last night together. They suggested an airport busking session, even compiling a song list that made Suzy smile. Reflecting on her experience, Suzy expressed gratitude for the support despite the rain and cold, stating, "It was a short but happy journey filled with great inspiration."

On the third day in Germany, the team entered the majestic St. Emmeram Palace in Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arriving by horse-drawn carriage, they met Princess Gloria for lunch in the grand dining hall. Gloria remarked on Korea's cultural influence, noting that her son only watches Korean films, and engaged in music discussions with the members.

The team explored the palace's impressive frescoes and metalwork, immersing themselves in noble culture. In the corridor leading to the cathedral, Sohyang sang impromptu, resonating with the 1300-year-old architecture. In the cathedral, Sohyang, Henry, and Jairo performed 'You Raise Me Up (유 레이즈 미 업)' with reverence and beautiful harmonies.

In the ballroom, the members joined couples waltzing, creating a cinematic busking experience. Accompanied by Henry's violin, Princess Gloria shared a dance, while Sunwoo Jung-A left a lasting impression with her songs 'Imagination' and Kim Soo-hee's 'Aemo'. Sohyang and Hongjoong harmonized beautifully with 'How Can I Love You Until We Part'.

Later, at the Old Stone Bridge by the Danube River, the members gifted a romantic performance to couples and onlookers. Sunwoo Jung-A and Jongho delivered a sweet duet of 'Man and Woman', while Jairo showcased his original song 'Sweet Chaos' with guitar accompaniment, drawing natural responses from the audience. Sohyang's powerful rendition of 'Listen (리슨)' moved local spectators to tears, and Hongjoong and Jongho reinterpreted 'Girl' with their unique emotional touch.

Towards the end of the broadcast, Inau unexpectedly stopped playing the piano, surprising everyone. Henry commented, "The thing I was most worried about happened," leaving viewers curious about what transpired during the busking. The upcoming episode will reveal the events that unfolded for the artists.

The Country's Singer in Germany (나라는 가수 인 독일) has successfully blended K-pop hits with the charm of German culture through its historical busking performances. Fans are eager to see what exciting song choices and stories will emerge in the remaining journey. The show airs every Saturday at 10:40 PM on KBS2.