Begin Again: The Journey of South Korea's Premier Music Travel Documentary
Begin Again is a captivating music reality documentary produced by JTBC that blends the raw emotion of street performances with the beauty of global travel. The series follows renowned South Korean musicians as they leave behind the glitz of concert halls to engage in busking—the act of performing music in public spaces—to connect with strangers and rediscover their passion for music.
Across four seasons and a special intermission, the show has traversed the landscapes of Europe and the cities of South Korea, featuring a rotating cast of powerhouse vocalists and instrumentalists. Each season challenges artists to adapt their sound to the environment, creating intimate musical moments in unexpected locations.
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Key Facts
- Genre: Music Reality, Documentary, and Travel.
- Broadcaster: JTBC (South Korea).
- Total Scope: 4 main seasons and a New Year Special, totaling 51 episodes.
- Global Reach: Filmed in South Korea, Ireland, England, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Hungary, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.
- Format: Episodes typically range from 90 to 120 minutes.
Evolution of the Series
Season 1: The Beginning (Begin Us)
Premiering on June 25, 2017, the first season introduced the concept through the group "Begin Us," featuring Lee So-ra, You Hee-yeol, Yoon Do-hyun, and Noh Hong-chul. They traveled through Ireland, England, Switzerland, and France, performing iconic tracks like "Falling Slowly" and "Imagine" in locations such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Cavern Club.
Season 2: Diverse Teams
The second season expanded the format by introducing multiple teams. Team Kim Yoon-ah (including Lee Sun-kyu, Yoon Gun, and Roy Kim) and Team Lena Park (including Hareem, Henry, and Lee Su-hyun) brought their unique sounds to Portugal, performing in Lisbon, Porto, and Cascais.
Season 3: Family Bands and New Collaborations
Season 3 continued the tradition of international travel, focusing on Italy and Germany. The "Family Band" (Lena Park, Hareem, Henry, Lee Su-hyun, Lim Heon-il, and Kim Feel) and the group "Dick2JukPaulTaeng" (Lee Juck, Paul Kim, Jukjae, and Kim Hyun-woo) delivered performances in cities like Naples, Berlin, and Verona.
Season 4: Begin Again Korea
In a shift toward domestic exploration, Season 4 focused on the beauty of South Korea. The cast performed in various regions, including Incheon, Daegu, Gangwon Province, Pohang, Busan, Jeonju, and Seoul, bringing the magic of busking to local landmarks like the Seoul Botanic Park and the Woryeonggyo Bridge.
Production and Cast Overview
The show is noted for its high-caliber musical talent. Recurring artists such as Henry, Hareem, and Lee Su-hyun have appeared across multiple seasons, while others like Sohyang brought powerful vocal performances to the later stages of the series. The production also occasionally integrated behind-the-scenes staff, such as audio directors Lee Joon and Jung Ji-chan, into the musical arrangements.
| Season | Primary Locations | Key Cast Members | Air Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Ireland, England, Switzerland, France | Lee So-ra, You Hee-yeol, Yoon Do-hyun | 2017 |
| Season 2 | Portugal | Kim Yoon-ah, Lena Park, Henry | 2018 |
| Season 3 | Italy, Germany, South Korea | Lee Juck, Paul Kim, Jukjae, Kim Feel | 2019 |
| Season 4 | South Korea | Crush, Sohyang, Jung Seung-hwan | 2020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concept of Begin Again?
The show is a music travel documentary where famous South Korean musicians travel to various locations and perform as buskers, focusing on the raw connection between the artist and the public.
Which countries were featured in the series?
The series featured locations in Ireland, England, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Hungary, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and South Korea.
Who are some of the most frequent performers on the show?
Artists such as Henry, Hareem, and Lee Su-hyun (from AKMU) have been prominent figures across several seasons of the program.
How many seasons of Begin Again were produced?
There are 4 main seasons, along with a New Year Special titled "Begin Again - Intermission" that aired in early 2023.
What was unique about Season 4?
Unlike the previous seasons that focused heavily on international travel, Season 4 (Begin Again Korea) focused exclusively on performing in various cities and provinces within South Korea.