Song Seung-heon, widely regarded as the "Emperor of Ballads" and one of South Korea's most popular entertainers, is embarking on an exciting chapter of his career by broadening his activities in Japan. With his sweet voice captivating fans through numerous Korean dramas, Song has made waves not only as a respected singer-songwriter but also as a multi-talented entertainer.
Beginning February 27, 2023, Song will appear alongside the renowned Japanese actor Matsukawa Yutaka (松重豊) on Netflix’s brand new gastronomic travel variety show titled mi-chi-n-ma-chi-p (隣の国のグルメイト). The show is set to showcase the culinary cultures of both South Korea and Japan, featuring visits to remarkable dining spots and hearty discussions about each country's food and traditions.
“I will be introducing delicious shops from both countries and talking about culture and food. I think it will be a program where we can understand each other’s cultures,” declared Song Seung-heon, expressing his enthusiasm for the collaborative effort. The series is expected to air every Thursday at 5 PM Japan Standard Time, attracting food lovers and fans alike.
The rising visibility of food culture is prevalent not only due to the popularity of shows like Lonely Gourmet, which inspired this new venture, but also as culinary programs have surged, reaching audiences eager to explore the culinary landscapes of both countries. Korea's growing interest in gastronomy has transformed as tourists increasingly venture to Japan for culinary experiences, with almost 970,000 South Koreans visiting Japan just last January.
Simultaneously, Song will be starting a new column titled “Song Seung-heon's ~짠（チャーン）~乾杯！” on Kodansha’s FRaUweb, beginning March 6, 2023. The column will shed light on his experiences behind the scenes during the filming of the Netflix show, as well as his life insights, culinary favorites, and thoughts on growing up immersed in both cultures.
“I’m excited to share my life and experiences through the new column, where I’ll talk about the program, personal stories, and my recommended spots,” Song emphasized, showcasing his eagerness to connect with Japanese audiences through his personal narrative and culinary explorations.
Song’s artistic identity extends beyond his music; he’s also made strides as YouTube content creator, amassing over 2 million followers with his engaging videos focused on food adventures, cooking, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life as a celebrity. His fun, authentic approach has enabled him to reach fans well beyond his musical acclaim, solidifying his status as not merely “the Emperor of Ballads,” but also as an influential figure among Korean entertainers.
Having signed with King Records, Song Seung-heon is optimistic about his prospects and the impact of his upcoming endeavors. The singer's previous album, which includes hit tracks from endless dramas, signals his commitment to delivering high-quality musical content.
With Japan as his continuous backdrop, Song is set to host various entertainment roles, including appearances on variety programs and upcoming concerts. Fans eagerly await word on his next musical releases and live engagements, with hints of exciting projects peeking around the corner. His successful past concerts, often drawing tremendous audience participation, have suggested the same will happen for his Japan-based events.
The year 2025 promises to be pivotal for Song as he fully commits to extending his artistic reach within Japan, indicated by his warm connections with local audiences and fruitful collaborations across multiple platforms. Song's experience and genuine passion for sharing food culture equal his dedication to his music career, marking him as one of Korea's integrated cultural ambassadors.
Song Seung-heon’s activities reiterate how food and culture form strong bonds, and viewers will likely resonate with the values presented throughout both the Netflix show and his column. His growth as both singer and entertainer paints him as not only relevant but also as someone who is deeply committed to bridging cultural gaps through heartfelt expression.
With the debut of both the Netflix program and the FRaUweb column on the horizon, excitement builds around each offering. These new ventures showcase the depth of Song Seung-heon’s talents and his commitment to celebrating both Korean and Japanese culinary traditions, promising viewers and readers engaging content focused on delicious experiences.