Standing Ovations in Round 1... 'The Ballad of Us 2' Begins Recruiting Round 2 'Top-Class Ears' Panel

Ahead of its broadcast in October, the SBS audition project 'The Ballad of Us 2' has opened public recruitment for its Round 2 live evaluation panel, known as 'Top-Class Ears', to discover next-generation ballad stars together.

During the Round 1 recording held earlier this month, Moon Geun-young, Joo Woo-jae, and Roy Kim joined the new 'Top-Class Ears Representative Panel' alongside existing members Chun Hyun-moo, Jung Jae-hyung, Cha Tae-hyun, Park Kyung-rim, and Jung Seung-hwan, drawing enthusiastic applause on set. In particular, contestants with a younger and fresher average age of 17.9 compared to the previous season showcased a massive lineup of legendary masterpieces that have graced popular music history, drawing standing ovations from the audience.

Following the heated atmosphere, recruitment for the Round 2 'Top-Class Ears' panel is open to anyone of any age or gender who possesses the keen sense to spot the definitive public favorite before anyone else.

The application period runs from the 19th to the 28th, with online applications accepted through the official website of 'The Ballad of Us'. The 'Top-Class Ears' panelists selected through a lucky draw will directly participate in the Round 2 recording session scheduled for Saturday, September 12.

Meanwhile, during its first season, 'The Ballad of Us' set massive records, including ranking No. 1 in 2049 viewership ratings across all episodes, entering Netflix's Top 10 series in South Korea, surpassing 100 million cumulative online views, and winning the Best Program Award in the Entertainment and Variety TV category at the 39th Korea Broadcasting Awards. This second season promises an even more upgraded audition experience alongside eight powerful members of the Top-Class Ears representative panel.

Co-produced by SBS, the powerhouse of auditions, and the comprehensive management agency SM C&C, 'The Ballad of Us 2' is scheduled to premiere in October.

Kang Sun-ae

(SBS Star News, Reporter Kang Sun-ae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.