KBS 2TV’s The Seasons: Park Bo Gum’s Cantabile concluded its five-month journey on Friday with a heartfelt finale featuring celebrated artists and touching tributes.
The special episode, titled Friday Nights Are the Best, brought together musical heavyweights like Kim Bum Soo, Zion.T, IU, and a lineup of musical theater talents including Kim Tae Han, Yoon Gong Joo, Kim Do Bin, Lee Hyoung Hun, Hong Ji Hee, Ahn Ji Hwan, Shin Jae Beom, and Na Ha Na, culminating in a memorable closing performance.
To mark the occasion, heartfelt letters from viewers and a musical gift from the show’s first guest, composer-pianist Noh Young Shim, were presented on set. Deeply moved, Park Bo Gum expre’ssed, “I’ve never received anything like this. Thank you so much, senior. I’ll practice this song and share the spirit of this gesture with everyone who’s supported Cantabile.”
The finale also featured special video messages from BTS’s V (Kim Tae Hyung) and IU. In his message, V said, “Bo Gum texted me asking, ‘Tae Hyung, when do you want to come on?’ Unfortunately, I’m in the U.S. working on our next album, so I couldn’t make it. Hopefully, we can film together someday. Look forward to BTS’s comeback next spring, it’s going to be amazing.”
IU’s video message followed: “I’m sending this to congratulate you on your final episode. I promised to come back as a guest during the first recording, and I’m really sorry I couldn’t keep that promise. But I’ve been watching live almost every week.” She smiled and added, “I missed being there so much, so here I am.” Her surprise appearance brought the studio audience to their feet.
In a truly unforgettable moment, IU surprised everyone by appearing in person during the finale, carrying a bouquet of flowers. “I came to keep my promise since it’s your final episode,” she said as she stepped onto the stage, catching Park Bo Gum completely off guard.
Overcome with emotion, Park Bo Gum shed tears, prompting the audience to chant, “Don’t cry!,” creating one of the most heartfelt moments of the evening.
IU shared that she had been following the show from the beginning. “I’ve been watching since the Zion.T episode. I’m a huge fan of Cantabile,” she said warmly. She also recalled a recent encounter with Park Bo Gum at the Blue Dragon Series Awards: “We saw each other a few days ago, but I avoided eye contact so I wouldn’t spoil the surprise.”
Still processing the unexpected reunion, Bo Gum said, “I had almost given up hope you’d be on the show, knowing how busy you are. I felt so sorry.” He also congratulated IU on winning Best Actress at the Blue Dragon Series Awards for When Life Gives You Tangerines, saying, “Let’s celebrate your big win together!”
Since IU’s appearance was unplanned, she helped host the show, much to the crowd’s delight. “Word is, thanks to you, Bo Gum, the skincare, comedy, and magic industries are all on edge,” she joked. Bo Gum laughed in response, “I’ve heard that. People say just looking at me gives them an instant facelift. Honestly, I never knew why they smiled so much.”
The audience burst out laughing as Bo Gum added, “Now I get it. I’m grateful people smile just by seeing me, that’s why I fasted before every recording.”
To close out the night, IU surprised everyone again with a special song, performed without any rehearsal, delivering one last unforgettable moment on Cantabile.
When asked what Park Bo Gum means to her, IU responded, “I’m honestly so jealous. While filming When Life Gives You Tangerines and watching Cantabile, I realized he has so much talent but also a strong mindset and humility that never lets him settle. He’s a friend who keeps me grounded.”
