Make Your Summer Nights Come Alive With Sea of Hope

Another healing variety show is here to make your summer nights even more special. 

JTBC’s newest program 바라던 바다, with English title Sea of Hope, features a calm and pleasant atmosphere that resembles the unique serenity of the ocean. The title of the show presents a play-on-words: 바라던 BAR다, which means “the bar I wished for” (in Korean, the word “bar” is often directly expressed as “바”), and 바라던 바다, which literally means “the ocean I wished for.” Although the name allows one to interpret it in several different ways, the distinct comforting vibe of nostalgia remains the same.

To break down the main concepts addressed throughout the show, actress Lee Jiah and SHINee’s Onew took the stage to present the proposal of an ocean view bar to a number of company officials in preparation for the bar’s official opening.

The presentation brought by Lee Jiah showcases the various strengths of Sea of Hope and summarizes the essential points of this healing project in three central keywords: wish, sea, and bar. Every day, we are bound to face unexpected events, obviously which we cannot register as positive or negative happenings until we confront them. There are times when each and every one of us simply “wish” for a normal day––just a day without any worries or concerns washing over us. And so, taking a brief escape through means such as zoning out in front of a campfire, lying down on your bed with some quality music, or chilling near the seashore is more than necessary. 

Sea of Hope takes on this very “wish” and puts the plan into action. The cast and bar locate themselves in front of two beautiful ocean views in Korea, the first being Pohang in the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and the second being Goseong in the Gyeongsangnam-do Province. The ocean view bar fully embraces the specialty of its location near the sea along with the local specialties of the city that further enhance the region’s charm. Supplying fresh seafood and local ingredients on a daily basis, the cast works to serve special dishes for the day. The principal theme of this bar is sustainability, and this intention derives from the effort to be able to develop a lasting space for healing—essentially, the bar by the sea—without harming the ocean. Appealing certain concepts such as going green through recycling as well as explaining the various reasons behind the objective of building a bar by the ocean, the members successfully conclude their speech, leaving behind a coherent image of their soon-to-be-built bar. 

Cast and Guests Light Up the Bar

Taking place in an area with the ocean in sight, the show presents a sedate ambiance that sends off waves of healing and comfort to not only the customers present at the scene but to viewers as well. 

Sea of Hope further accentuates this peaceful mood of the bar with live music performances of superior quality. Inviting artists such as BLACKPINK’s Rosé as the bar’s first part-time musician on stage, the stages are enough to get anyone engrossed in the little bubble that radiates pleasant tranquility. 

Singer-songwriter Zairo and MeloMance’s Jeong Donghwan’s presence as part of the bar’s very own performance team members magnify the beauty of the music stages as the artists’ exceptional musicality naturally weaves in with the charms of the show’s part-time musicians.

To add to the soft and warm vibes of the show, the bar’s six employees enhance the mellowness flowing in the summer breeze with their unpredictable chemistry. 

Yoon Jongshin makes his appearance as the manager of the bar. With his years of expertise as a renowned musician and entertainer, the celebrity is more than ready to lend a helping hand in any part of the bar.

Lee Jiah plays the role of the head chef in Sea of Hope. Collaborating with her fellow cast members in the kitchen, the actress boldly takes on the responsibility of lead chef as she ensures the efficiency and quality of the kitchen.

Drinks are a must at a bar, and Sea of Hope presents to you actor Lee Dongwook as the head bartender of the show. Be on the lookout for the star’s sweet mannerisms that build up his chemistry with his castmates!

In the show, Onew fulfills tasks as the assistant chef under Lee Jiah. In addition to his position in the kitchen, the bar’s musician showcases his distinguishable clear and bright vocals that demonstrate a certain refreshing tone.

Embracing the bar’s theme, Kim Goeun participates in the active movement of going green. Swimming through the clear water, the celebrity highlights the beauty of nature and promotes the need for protecting our oceans.

Last but not least, AKMU’s Suhyun appears as the youngest member of the show. Radiating positive energy with her cheery personality and sweet voice, the vocalist’s presence instantly brightens up the mood and fills the air with a trace of warmth.

Featuring an extraordinary group of celebrities, Sea of Hope runs in a slow, relaxing manner which reflects the slow, relaxing pace of the waves crashing near the bar. The cast invites you to loosen up with them on a summer night while enjoying the comfortable peace brought by the ocean breeze, delicious food, and good music.