K-Pop Meets Classical in 'Korea's Singer in Germany'

'Korea's Singer in Germany' showcased a unique blend of K-Pop and classical music during its latest episode. On January 25, the KBS2 music travel reality show featured artists Sunwoo Jung-Ah, So Hyang, Henry, and ATEEZ members Hongjoong and Jongho, along with Jaeyro and Inau, who successfully completed their fourth day of busking in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart.

The night busking at the Old Stone Bridge began with Henry delivering a romantic performance of 'Untitled Love Song,' setting a captivating atmosphere. Inau made his vocal debut on the show with 'Desperado,' while Sunwoo Jung-Ah's rendition of 'Soyanggang Maiden' echoed over the Danube River. The trio of Hongjoong, So Hyang, and Sunwoo Jung-Ah performed 'The Reason,' adding to the diverse musical experience.

However, the performance faced a hiccup when Inau, feeling unwell, lost the beat during a piano segment, leading to a pause in Jongho's 'In Love.' Inau, unfamiliar with the practical music communication outside his classical training, expressed his self-doubt, stating, 'I feel like I'm not being helpful.' He ended up practicing through the night. Sunwoo Jung-Ah recognized Inau's efforts, saying he had a 'strange charm that makes you want to keep waiting for him.'

The following day, the team traveled to Salzburg, a city rich in over 2,500 years of history and Mozart's hometown. Guided by opera singer Kim Kyung-cheon, they visited St. Peter's Cathedral, where Mozart premiered his mass. Thanks to Inau's local connections, a collaboration with a string quintet and a choral group was arranged.

The stage featured So Hyang's exceptional vocals, combining Mozart's 'Lacrimosa' from his Requiem with the classic 'When I Am Gone.' Inau led the performance with passionate conducting and piano playing, bridging classical, traditional Korean music, and K-Pop, creating a majestic harmony that left the members in awe of his transformation.

Later, the group visited the Mirabell Gardens, a filming location for 'The Sound of Music,' where they performed a busking session against a beautiful night backdrop. So Hyang and Sunwoo Jung-Ah brought nostalgia with 'My Favorite Things' from the film's OST. Jongho's 'In Love,' which had been interrupted the previous night, concluded successfully with perfect synergy and powerful singing.

The episode continued with a variety of genre-crossing performances. Hongjoong's rap contribution to the group song 'Gangsta's Paradise' energized the audience, prompting them to dance. So Hyang wrapped up the show with the ballad 'Hug Me' and a duet of 'Edelweiss' with Jongho.

'Korea's Singer in Germany' has been delivering a unique auditory experience with its high-quality performances, adapting to historical locations like Munich, Regensburg, and Salzburg. As the series approaches its final episode next week, fans are eager to see how the seven artists will conclude their meaningful journey in Germany.