Explore the Depth of Celebrity Life ON & OFF Stage
With the outbreak of the coronavirus, many people around the world have been affected. Despite the pandemic’s global impact, we’ve been kept busy as many schools and businesses turn to online resources, though others have not, unfortunately.
A cycle of incessant work for days, weeks, and months—it’s the burden that everyone has to handle. The heavy workload, the mundane tasks, and the pressure of expectations from family, friends, or fellow colleagues are motivators for us to work harder, but sometimes it’s too much. How about we take a quick break from our somewhat busy lives?
What is ON & OFF?
tvN has recently launched a new program, and perhaps it is the perfect time for this show to be airing. Comprising three main hosts, ON & OFF illustrates unique ways in which celebrities find happiness in the midst of their restless day. The show’s personal documentary-style format describes the stars’ respective fields of work as their “on” lifestyle, while their lives outside of their occupation are their “off” lifestyle.
In other words, ON & OFF interchanges the different modes (labeling them as “on” and “off”) in the participants’ lifestyles, highlighting the distinct life of celebrities that we, the public, know of as well as how they spend their free time on a normal basis.
Meet the Cast of ON & OFF
The show’s concept introduces the viewers to a “private gathering” in which the emcees invite the audience to join in order to dive deep into the private lives of the stars. Our three hosts are singer Sung Sikyung, weather forecaster Kim Mina, and comedian Jo Seho.
Although only the first episode has aired, many fans of Sung Sikyung are overjoyed at the appearance of their favorite star. The famous balladeer is not a face we see on shows often; however, this real documentary program allows fans to get more personal with the singer as he guides the viewers throughout his whole day.
For many, going behind the scenes of a song recording isn’t common, but through ON & OFF, you can get up close and personal with Sung Sikyung. His “on” lifestyle primarily consists of recording for his new digital single “And We Go,” which is a song composed of all English lyrics that really complements his soothing voice and emits a sense of comfort (I highly recommend that you check out the track if you haven’t yet; it’s such a beautiful single!). Getting together with his band session mates, Sung Sikyung showed off his professional charms as one of the most beloved balladeers in Korea as the group practiced a series of the artist’s hit songs.
His “off” lifestyle was rather relatable and common. Finding an interest in cooking, Sung Sikyung skillfully made jokbal (Korean braised pig’s trotters) in a pretty short period of time. His dessert consisted of ramyun, the infamous tempter of food. After revealing his own recipe called “신새라면” which is a combination of two different ramyun brands, the singer soon went to his place of comfort: the massage chair. Staying on his phone while receiving a nice, relaxing massage, the artist couldn’t get off Instagram, which he recently joined after discovering it to be a great platform for communicating with his fans.
Our next host Jo Seho’s lifestyle was unique and different from Sung Sikyung’s mellow day. As a popular entertainer, the comedian appears in a variety of shows; however, due to the pandemic, he talks about how his only schedule for the week is You Quiz on the Block. As an emcee on the show with Yoo Jaesuk, the majority of the entertainer’s day is spent filming the program. Throughout his day, scenes filled with the two comedians’ chemistry and Jo Seho’s shyness towards the ON & OFF camera gave viewers and panelists a big laugh. The comedian revealed on set that he has never watched himself at work and was quite amused at his discomfort with being “watched” and “observed” while interacting with people on You Quiz on the Block.
The entertainer’s “off” lifestyle was introduced the next day after his previous day of filming. Waking up on his rest day rather early, Jo Seho started off his day drinking green juice and watching television; he revealed that watching kids shows like Pororo gave him peace and a temporary escape from the chaos and busyness of his thoughts and the outside world. The comedian soon made his way to the gym, working out for a few hours under the guidance of his personal trainer. The public was surprised to see Jo Seho’s new look after losing ten kilograms. Finding it fun to work out and resolute in maintaining his condition, the comedian continues to exercise to this day, attending the gym five to six times a week. After the intense workout, Seho soon headed out with his personal trainer to grab a meal. The entertainer mentioned that now more than ever he’s been practicing staying alone despite his dislike of isolation. However, the videos prove that he isn’t as close to meeting his goals as he originally thought, evoking another big laugh from the viewers.
Somehow, I feel like this show reflects society’s current state, though on a more individual level. Social distancing is well underway in many parts of the world, which has so far prevented us from interacting with others and pursuing our original lifestyles in the outside world. Meanwhile, celebrities have an occupation which revolves around being present in society. The “off” mode in this documentary provides the viewers with insight into how they practice social distancing from their individual public personas—the singer Sung Sikyung, comedian Jo Seho, and weather forecaster Kim Mina—placing an emphasis on who they really are as ordinary human beings.
Capturing a variety of stars, ON & OFF presents their lives in the most honest, outspoken, and direct manner—that is, in the truest form possible. Why don’t you join the “private gathering” and discover these celebrities’ hidden charms?