The Black Box on Earth (Image provided by KBS)
SEOUL, Sept. 29 (Korea Bizwire) –South Korean public broadcaster KBS is launching an “environmental entertainment” program to celebrate its 50th anniversary. It’s called “The Black Box on Earth,” and it’s set to premiere on October 9 on KBS2 TV. The show aims to be a blend of entertainment and documentary, all focused on raising awareness about environmental issues.
“The Black Box on Earth” will showcase performances by various artists at different locations that reveal how climate change is impacting our planet.
For example, Choi Jung-hoon from the band ZANNABI will sing in Antarctica, where glaciers are melting, and YB vocalist Yoon Do-hyun will perform in a fish tank in the East Sea, which is experiencing rising sea levels.
The program will also feature performances by other artists like Jaurim vocalist Kim Yoon-ah, dancers Monica and Lip J, group Le Sserafim, singer Jung Jae-hyung, and violinist Danny Koo.
The director of the program, Koo Min-jung, explained that the focus is on creating an emotional impact rather than providing a deep intellectual understanding.
Producing this program required extensive research and planning, starting in June of last year. The team gathered a significant amount of reference material to ensure they could explain the complex issues in an understandable way.
The director of the program, Koo Min-jung, explained that the focus is on creating an emotional impact rather than providing a deep intellectual understanding. (Image courtesy of Pixabay)
One striking revelation during their research was the dire state of the East Sea. Over the past five years, an area equivalent to 70 soccer fields has eroded due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.
In addition to performances, “The Black Box on Earth” incorporates a narrative and dramatic element designed to evoke emotions. The storyline envisions a future where the Earth has suffered severe environmental damage.
A “black box center” is established to document humanity’s downfall. The “recorder,” who resides alone in the center, watches footage from 2023 when the Earth was still beautiful. This role is portrayed by different actors in different time periods: Kim Shin-rok in 2054, Park Byung-eun in 2080, and Kim Gun-woo in 2123.
The recorder’s only interaction is with an AI, voiced by actor Ko Kyung-pyo, and the screenplay is written by Chun Sun-ran, author of the science fiction novel “A Thousand Blues.”
The concept explores the sadness felt by the recorders as they witness the footage of 2023, a time when they had the chance to make a difference and hold hope for a better Earth, now left in ruins.
The creator of the show, Koo, who is an enthusiastic camper, was inspired by how rapidly nature changes each year. She wanted to convey this feeling to the viewers, as she realized that despite the critical importance of climate change, it often struggles to capture people’s attention.
This isn’t Koo’s first venture into producing environmental shows. In 2021, she directed “Harmlessly from Today,” a show featuring actors Gong Hyo-jin, Lee Chun-hee, and Jeon Hye-jin living with minimal carbon emissions.
However, she found it challenging to generate interest in environmental issues, even with well-known actors, as the show’s ratings remained low.
That’s why “The Black Box on Earth” was created – to connect with people on an emotional level. Koo believes that this may be their last opportunity to capture the lushness of our planet, as she has observed the worsening conditions and hopes that their efforts will make a difference.
Producer Koo Min-jung, who directed “The Black Box on Earth,” poses for an interview at KBS headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. (Yonhap)
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
