A poster for the new show "Good Day" / Courtesy of Disney+

During the Lunar New Year holiday, MBC took a different approach by not airing pilot variety shows or the "Idol Star Athletics Championship." Instead, the network unveiled its secret weapon: "Good Day." Featuring G-Dragon, known for being part of the K-pop group BIGBANG, the program boasts an award-show-worthy lineup that has generated buzz since its launch. With G-Dragon, a trendsetter, and producer Kim Tae-ho, a master of mass appeal, at the helm, success seemed inevitable.

Set to premiere on Feb. 16, MBC's "Good Day" is a music project in which G-Dragon collaborates with various figures to create the song of the year. The show has gained attention due to its impressive star lineup, revealed in advance. With G-Dragon's celebrity status, compelling personal narrative and unique charisma, anticipation for the show has been explosive.

Industry insiders believe "Good Day" is bound to succeed. While G-Dragon has not been a frequent variety show guest, he made a significant impact through past appearances on "Infinite Challenge," particularly in segments like "Muhan Company" and "Infinite Challenge Song Festival." His memorable chemistry with Jung Hyung-don was a highlight, and the two are set to reunite on "Good Day," exciting longtime "Infinite Challenge" fans.

The program also features an impressive cast, including actors Hwang Jung-min, Kim Go-eun, Kim Soo-hyun, Jung Hae-in, Yim Si-wan, Kwanghee, Lee Soo-hyuk and musical acts like BSS, composed of members Hoshi, DK and Seungkwan from the K-pop group Seventeen, Hong Jin-kyung, Kian84 and chef Anh Sung-jae. Regardless of age or generation, these celebrities unite to create a song that brings joy and comfort to all. As the project's producer, G-Dragon will lead this initiative.

Rapper, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur and fashion designer G-Dragon waves at viewers as he arrives to attend the Chanel Women's Haute-Couture Spring/Summer 2025 collection as part of the Fashion Week in Paris, Jan. 28. AFP-Yonhap

Lineup worthy of an award show

Perhaps due to its high-profile lineup, media coverage has been extensive since the show's announcement. Several celebrities, typically absent from variety shows, have joined thanks to G-Dragon's influence. Reports suggest that Hwang Jung-min and Kim Go-eun agreed to participate solely because of G-Dragon's involvement.

Adding to the excitement is Kim Tae-ho's signature directing style. Returning to MBC for the first time in three years, he has a track record of producing hit music variety projects, from "Infinite Challenge Song Festival" to the various music endeavors of "Hangout With Yoo." His programs often lean toward one-time events, but they consistently generate massive buzz, rivaling top idols in popularity. Past projects have even dominated domestic music charts.

Kim Tae-ho's music shows have always emphasized meaningful messaging. Led by Yoo Jae-suk, these projects resonated with audiences through authenticity and heartfelt performances, and they consistently achieved success.

Kim's previous project, "My Name is Gabriel," featured a star-studded lineup but received mixed reviews. His decision to return to music variety instead of observational reality programming suggests a strategic move to reclaim his past success.

His homecoming project, "Good Day" is expected to be a passion-driven endeavor for Kim Tae-ho. Likewise, G-Dragon is likely to pour his energy into making the show's music project a success.

A veteran variety show writer told the Hankook Ilbo, "G-Dragon and Kim Tae-ho's connection dates back to 'Infinite Challenge.' At that time, Kim transformed G-Dragon's mystique into a charming and slightly clumsy variety persona. The enduring fondness for G-Dragon's 'Muhan Company' character shows how well Kim Tae-ho crafted his image. 'Good Day' is expected to highlight G-Dragon's human side once again."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.