In recent weeks, slow ballad tracks have been creeping their way up on local music charts where light and poppy tunes of K-pop typically dominate.

Earlier this month, singer-songwriter Park Hyo-shin made his return to the spotlight with his first full-length album “I am a Dreamer” in six years.

Though the album relies heavily on the motif of romance, it has been providing listeners with “unlimited consolation” and a “feeling of self-worth,” according to fans online.

Korea has been experiencing unflattering superlatives in recent years. This year, the nation’s youth unemployment rate reached a record high of 12.5 percent. The country’s suicide rate has been the highest among all members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for over a decade.

In a country where there are stigmas against mental illnesses and professional counseling, the latest releases from the pop industry have been doing their part to provide people -- celebrities and viewers alike -- with solace. 


JTBC’s new talk show “Talking Street,” which began airing last month, aims to do just that.

Hosted by musician and producer You Hee-yeol and TV personality Haha, the show takes celebrities to the streets of Korea to organize and participate in -- as opposed to lead -- conversations of various depths with ordinary passersby.

“The goal (of ‘Talking Street’) is to create a space where people can understand one another and have conversations,” said the show’s producer Jung Hyo-min in a recent interview. “I don’t think anyone is living a worry-free life these days. It seems like people are getting the consolation they need through ‘Talking Street.’”

The program is intended to provide more than just “fun and laughter” typically expected of variety shows, according to You.

However, comic relief may be the best medicine during times of need, according to 26-year-old Seoul resident Kim Da-hee.

“As a graduate student, I deal with very specific sets of rules while working on my thesis,” said Kim, who enjoys watching comedy reality programs, such as JTBC’s “Knowing Bros” and KBS2’s “Sister’s Slam Dunk.”

“Although comedy still has its own guidelines, it helps me escape the mundaneness of everyday life.”

Stars -- they’re just like us

Recently, pop icons have been stepping up to share lessons from the low points in their own lives with the public.


Last month, Tablo -- member of hip-hop trio Epik High and founder of indie record label HIGHGRND -- released a new book “Blonote,” which contains simple words of wisdom.

Written in collaboration with people from various walks of life, the book attempts to put some everyday questions and observations -- both serious and trivial -- into words, such as “They say life is like riding a bicycle, but why does it seem like I’m the only one on a unicycle?” and “I wish my home could come to me at the end of a long day.”

“The book aims to provide solace to those exhausted and down, and laughter to those who need some humor in their lives,” according to Tablo’s management agency YG Entertainment.

Last month, hip-hop duo Hyungdon & Daejune -- consisted of rapper Defconn and comedian Jeong Hyeong-don -- unveiled a new single “Choice,” which captures Jeong’s emotional journey as a public figure dealing with mental health issues.


An original cast member of MBC’s long-running variety program “Infinite Challenge,” the 38-year-old comedian announced his departure from the show in July due to his anxiety disorder.

With lyrics like “There’s a saying, in life, there is B and D and in between, C / In between birth and death, there is a choice,” the song resonated with the listeners, topping five major local music charts -- Olleh Music, Naver Music, Bugs, Mnet and Monkey3 -- upon release.

Currently gearing up for his return to the spotlight, Jeong will be making his debut as a screenwriter for an online film in the coming months.

By Kim Yu-young (ivykim@heraldcorp.com)