‘Take1’: Netflix’s First Korean Musical Reality Series

In the early 1960s, with the emergence of broadcast networks, Korean television began to highlight music-oriented projects. Take into account KBS1’s Korea Sings, aka National Singing Contest (1980), where amateurs perform vibrant songs coupled with witticisms. Having aired roughly 2008 episodes to date, it is Korea’s longest-running television event thus far. With the advancement of time, the Korean showbiz sector has spawned an array of distinct music reality shows that, while capturing the attention of the international diaspora, have made it abundantly evident that they can go far and beyond with their innovative themes.

The entertainment business as a whole is currently enticed to look forward to South Korean variety shows by the country’s growing competitiveness, enhanced professionalism in music, unmatched production quality, and unusual vision to develop something larger than life. Are you also a fan of Korean variety shows? Then hang on a little longer. Take1, Netflix‘s first musical reality series, is coming very soon. It’s a never-heard-before musical initiative where conception, music and presentation may reach their culmination.

The music-variety-show format in South Korea notably expanded in frequency after the spread of the Hallyu wave. The country’s constant and effective efforts in designing them have been on the rise ever since. Of late, the growing number of international participants in these programs has also exemplified global and cultural diversity. As a result, South Korean show businesses have become more willing to experiment with and build out-of-the-box music shows.

Consider Avatar Singer, a metaverse-based Korean musical reality survival competition that features top musicians from the industry disguised in 3D avatars. The contestants dare one another to execute tasks that transcend their natural limits. The audio-visual spectacle of this multimillion-dollar endeavor is a unique experience that blurs the divide between reality and augmented reality.

As an ardent music lover who adores K-pop and Korean music, Korean music reality programs have always captured my imagination. Sea of Hope (2021) is one of the most creative Korean reality shows I’ve ever seen. I don’t know how many of you have watched it. But to be honest, I realized how profoundly restorative and cathartic a beautiful show concept together with some soothing music can be for our psyche and mental well-being.

Sea of Hope, a music and cookery reality show committed to promoting hope and happiness, features a roster of Korean artists from the K-drama and K-pop industries. The characters open a coastal bistro and serve food and drinks to patrons while performing musical acts for them. The episodes, recorded partly in Pohang and partly in Goseong, provide the ideal setting for both guests and spectators to relax and unwind as nature and music mingle seamlessly.

If you were to ask me, Korean music reality broadcasts clearly have one predictable point that we as viewers have come to expect – it is, ironically, the element of surprise. Every new venture of theirs is therefore a step forward – something fresh and original, an enthralling space that may leave us in awe. And that leads me back to Take1, possibly the next big thing in the realm of the Korean variety series. It has a dreamy ensemble and the most atypical approach to a music show that fans might really like.

Netflix, the streaming giant, affirms that Take1 will include a catalog of Korean music’s crème de la crème drawn up for a tough challenge. Step by step, the artists will envisage their final concert as a dream stage and a dream act. They will be permitted to choose their invitees, songs, and how each of their acts will be staged. The catch is that each presentation must be accomplished in a single take.

Rain, AKMU, MAMAMOO, Yim Jae-beom, Park Jung-hyun, Sumi Jo, Yoo Hee-yul and Lena Park are among the cast members who will participate in the show. As far as I can figure, this reality series could be a kaleidoscopic musical extravaganza – a string of breathtaking acts, a documentary of heartfelt moments to remember. Take1 will be streaming on Netflix starting October 14th.