{
  "id": 10897244,
  "title": "'The Ballad of Us' returns to rewrite K-ballad history",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/the-ballad-of-us-returns-to-rewrite-k-ballad-history",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T08:37:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/shows-dramas/20260930/the-ballad-of-us-returns-to-rewrite-k-ballad-history"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A singing audition show that captures the essence of autumn nostalgia is set to return for a second season on SBS. The program, titled The Ballad of Us, seeks to uncover fresh talent capable of revitalizing timeless ballads that have become a part of Korea's collective memory. The inaugural season of The Ballad of Us garnered over 100 million online views in September, prompting SBS to greenlight a second installment without hesitation.\n\nIn Season 2, a 150-person panel comprising music experts and viewers of all ages will serve as judges. Contestants will have the freedom to choose songs that hold personal significance and present them with innovative interpretations. Although there were initial thoughts of shortening the runtime, the producers ultimately decided against it due to the exceptional quality of the footage.\n\nProducer Ahn Jeong-hyeon revealed during a press conference at SBS headquarters in Yangcheon District, Seoul, that the network was so impressed with the first season's success that they expanded the premiere's duration to an impressive 2 hours and 40 minutes. The search for a contestant who could breathe new life into familiar songs brought forth a younger generation of participants. These individuals possess a deep understanding and unique interpretation of the songs, making them ideal candidates for the show.",
  "summary": "A singing audition show rich with autumn nostalgia is returning for a second season — this time with an even younger lineup of competitors. SBS’s \"The Ballad of Us\" revisits timeless ballads woven into Korea's collective memory to find new talent ready to revive the classics. Season 1 generated over 100 million online views last September, so SBS greenlit a second season without hesitation. In…",
  "key_points": [
    "Second season of The Ballad of Us set to premiere on SBS",
    "150-member panel of judges for Season 2",
    "Runtime extended to 2 hours and 40 minutes"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "'The Ballad of Us' returns to rewrite K-ballad history",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/the-ballad-of-us-returns-to-rewrite-k-ballad-history-10900766",
        "published": "2026-09-30T08:57:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}