Global fans can expect the best from the contestants of “Peak Time,” a new JTBC K-pop competition program that will air for the first time on Wednesday.

A competition program that centers on teams instead of individuals, “Peak Time” features an all-star cast of judges: Jay Park, Tiffany Young of Girls’ Generation, Kyuhyun of Super Junior, Mino of Winner, Lee Gi-kwang of Highlight, Kim Sung-kyu of Infinite, Shim Jae-won from SM Entertainment and producer Ryan Jhun. Singer and actor Lee Seung-gi will take the microphone and host the show.

A total of 23 teams will compete for the top prize of 300 million won ($233,830), a full-length album of songs and a chance to tour the world under the “Peak Time” program name. Each of the 23 teams are already debuted idol boy bands who have experienced various periods of activity, with some even having disbanded in the past.

“One look at our main poster and viewers will get an idea of what our program is about,” said Tiffany, one of the eight judges of “Peak Time,” during a press conference held at Stanford Hotel in Mapo District in western Seoul on Wednesday.

“K-pop is loved worldwide because all of us — not just artists but also producers, staff, all the people behind the scenes in the industry — work together to make our music known. It is about the love and dedication for our fans. Each of our contestants participating in the survival race have this attitude, for taking the world by storm with K-pop.”

With “Peak Time,” boy bands who did not have a “fair chance” with their careers can have a new opportunity, said Ryan Jhun, a well-known K-pop producer behind songs such as SHINee's "Lucifer" (2010), Exo's "Love Me Right" (2015) and NCT 127's "Kick It" (2020).

“Everyone began at the same starting line but it can be said that some did not have a fair chance to survive in the industry,” said Jhun. “And some participants in ‘Peak Time’ came to us prepared with the attitude and talent to survive, and some were not prepared. But they all have the potential. And that potential will be shown in our program. Viewers can expect to be surprised.”

Lee Seung-gi spoke during the press conference about his recent nuptial announcement and how the “peak time” for his own life is just approaching.

“Our peak times in each of our lives come and go,” said Lee. “We each crave for that peak time. Our program is about helping the contestants reach that peak in their lives as teams.”




BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]