Revisiting Hidden Tales in History
SBS brings to you Kokkomu (꼬리에 꼬리를 무는 그날 이야기)––also called Tail After Tail 1 and 2––a series special that deals with true crime stories in relation to Korea’s past. Bringing back past events that may or may not have gone unnoticed, the program dives into the core details of various incidents that tell the true story of that very moment.
Diving Into the World of Stories
Truly, the show possesses a unique character that is hardly ever seen among typical shows of a similar format. In an objective sense, Tail After Tail aims to present the reality surrounding certain events—uncovering the horror of the brutal Itaewon murder case, the behind the scenes in the rise of a period of unwanted domination by military general Chun Doohwan, the dreadful truth of the Rangoon bombing, and more, the show definitely marks its prominent presence in the mind of the listeners. Informing the audience of incidents in history is essentially meaningful as the very act presents a notable byproduct of influencing individuals’ opinions, thoughts, or values. Interestingly, the program implements a subjective approach in that the cast narrates the story to the guests. Weaving in a documentary-like aspect that fully illustrates the reality-based part of the show, Tail After Tail nevertheless encompasses slight hints of entertainment presented by the three hosts. Such moments of comic relief are what really lighten up the mood amid the tension brought by the overly intense narrations and thus completely entraps viewers without losing their attention.
Storytellers: The Bridge to the Past and Present
Tail After Tail 1 and 2 features three storytellers to lead the show. Comedian Jang Doyoun, television personality Jang Sungkyu, and film director Jang Hangjun––also referred to as the “Jang trio”––mesmerize individuals with their distinct charms. Speaking with various intonations to stress on significant moments, the cast shares the excitement, tension, anger, sadness, dismay, and grief that results from the emotional rollercoaster ride.
Each of the three members invites a close friend––who is also the guest of the show–– every week to hear their story. The storytelling takes place in a cozy space, separating the hosts and their friends into three separate pairs; this arrangement provides a personal space where each pair can converse comfortably and focus solely on the story itself.
Throughout the show, the cast members work to develop a sense of connection and camaraderie with both guests and the viewers. Absorbing themselves into the specific timeline in the past, they bring the story alive in their voice and perspective as if they were actually witnessing the event. The storytellers’ distinct yet captivating tones further engage the listeners into the plot, naturally drawing their attention to the scene and making it feel as if they are the very subject at the moment themselves.
In the end, the hosts’ role in taking the audience through the somewhat heavy plotline on a step-by-step basis is more than enough to leave a lasting thought with the viewers.
Final Thoughts
Presenting such heavy yet crucial information in an engaging and not-so-boring manner is the peculiar charm of Tail After Tail. Especially in relation to events in history, the show seems to really speak about the need of reconsidering the distorted truth. After all, these incidents in the past are what essentially shaped the current Korean society and influenced the path that particular individuals take; to take it a step further, a good number of these domestic incidents have made a global impact as a result of involvement or interference from foreign countries.
Through the narrations of unfortunate, surprising, and cruel events, Tail After Tail highlights the weight of choices that past individuals or countries have made. As much as the act of decision making is something we do every day, the program encourages listeners––despite the variety in individual values and beliefs––to consider what is right and wrong as well as the possibility of different consequences that could have changed history if a different choice was made.
Furthermore, the show tackles the idea of connecting on an interpersonal level. Interacting in an enclosed area and putting one’s focus on the words of the other person, Tail After Tail underlines the value of communicating and building genuine interactions through meaningful conversations. Perhaps this part of the show is what truly drives an emotional bonding experience with the storytellers for both the guests on set and the viewers back in their homes, stimulating a somewhat synchronized set of reactions, responses, and sentiments in the former and latter alike.
Whether or not it may be due to these reasons, the show has been garnering quite a lot of positive feedback from the public. In response to the support that many viewers have been giving the program, Tail After Tail is now off to a new start. After the last airing of season 2 on July 29, the show will be returning as an official program on SBS. In the meantime, feel free to catch up with the various episodes presented through seasons 1 and 2; don’t forget to stay tuned for Tail After Tail 3!