MBC's latest show "Born to Music Travel" has recorded disappointing viewership ratings, marking a setback for last year’s award winner, Kian84.
The fifth episode of the program aired on November 15, achieving a viewership rating of 2.8%, a drop of 0.8% from its debut episode, which had 3.6%. "Born to Music Travel" follows Kian84's journey to fulfill his dream of becoming a singer and serves as a spin-off of the successful "Born to World Travel." With high expectations from fans, the new series was eagerly anticipated, especially after the previous series' producer, Kim Ji-woo, announced the new project following his recent award win.
In the premiere episode, Kian84's spontaneous rap battles with locals showcased his unique comedic style, drawing viewers in. However, as the show progressed, viewer reactions became mixed, with criticisms emerging regarding the staged nature of its musical premise compared to the raw authenticity of its predecessor. Some viewers questioned the relevance of Kian84 traveling to the U.S. to pursue music when he struggles with English, leading to opinions that he seemed out of place in the show's context.
There are also concerns about the casting changes in "Born to Music Travel," particularly the addition of new members like Yoo Tae-oh, whose different sensibilities failed to generate the chemistry established in the previous series. Despite the intention to differentiate from its predecessor, the decline in ratings raises doubts about whether the current format can sustain viewer interest moving forward. As audiences continue to evaluate the program, it remains to be seen if future episodes can revitalize its appeal.