Zico 'Dreamed of Emceeing KBS' Music Talk Show Since Debut'

SEOUL, April 23 (Yonhap) -- "Since my debut, my biggest dream stage has always been KBS's music talk show. I want to serve as a messenger introducing musicians from various fields."

Singer Zico expressed his thoughts and aspirations as he becomes the fifth MC to host KBS 2TV's music talk show 'The Seasons.'

At the press conference for 'The Seasons – Zico’s Artist' held on the 23rd at KBS Yeouido Public Hall, Zico stated, "It feels like my turn has finally come. I've always come as a guest (to music talk shows) to showcase my music, but now I believe it's a platform where I can demonstrate the abilities and potential I've accumulated over time."

'The Seasons' is a music program where each new MC names the season and hosts the show accordingly. It first aired in February last year and has featured different subtitles with each new MC, such as Park Jae-bum, Choi Jung-hoon, AKMU and Lee Hyori. This upcoming season marks the fifth iteration.

The title of this season, 'Artist', is also the title of a song released by Zico in 2017. Regarding the song, Zico explained, "'Artist' was a song that I worked on together with the bandmaster of 'The Seasons', Jung Dong-hwan (of Melomance). I put a lot of effort into working on that song over a long period, and 'The Seasons' is being created with the same sincerity I poured into that song."

Reflecting on taking over from Lee Hyori as the MC, Zico said, "Senior Lee Hyori is someone I can't help but respect just by her presence alone. While naturally feeling the pressure of taking over as the next MC, I also see it as an opportunity that will help me grow."

Zico expressed his desire to perform with Lim Young Woong and BOYNEXTDOOR (BND) on 'The Seasons' stage, saying, "I really want to invite Lim Young Woong, who is working in a genre somewhat distant from what I've done. I think it would open up a new interpretation of trot, dance, and hip-hop chemistry." He added, "I also think it would be fun to create a stage with the group BOYNEXTDOOR."

'The Seasons - Zico's Artist' was recorded on the same day and will premiere on April 26 at 10 p.m. Zico teased, "For the first broadcast, many artists I wanted to perform with will be appearing." PD Kim Tae-jun hinted, "(In the first episode), all three 'Kings of the Music Industry' will appear together for the first time, and legendary artists who have worked with Zico in the past will also be there."