Breaking Barriers: Mushvenom’s Historic New Year Performance on Korea’s Venerable ‘Open Concert’ 🎤📺
In a captivating blend of generational sounds and iconic television, rapper Mushvenom kicked off the new year with a landmark performance on KBS 1TV’s revered ‘Open Concert’, marking a significant moment in the evolving landscape of Korean popular culture. For an artist known for his distinctive hip-hop flair, gracing a stage traditionally associated with diverse, often classical or more conventional, genres is a powerful statement of contemporary music’s reach.
The highly anticipated appearance, aired on January 4th as part of the special New Year’s feature, saw Mushvenom deliver an electrifying set. Clad in his signature setup styling complemented by chic sunglasses, he exuded an undeniable cool factor. His fearless rapping and dynamic stage presence ignited the audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers.

He seamlessly transitioned between fan favorites ‘Squirrel’ (날다람쥐) and ‘Molleru’ (몰러유), captivating the crowd with his charming flow and the witty lyricism that defines his unique style. His free-form dancing further amplified the excitement, drawing the audience deeper into his performance.
What truly resonated, however, was Mushvenom’s heartfelt confession after his set. “Actually, ‘Open Concert’ was a stage I really dreamed of and really wanted to be on,” he shared, revealing a personal aspiration that connects this modern hip-hop icon to one of Korea’s most enduring television programs. This admission underscored the cultural weight and prestige that ‘Open Concert’ still holds, even for artists at the forefront of contemporary music trends.
- Dynamic setlist: ‘Squirrel’ & ‘Molleru’ 🐿️
- Iconic style: Chic setup and signature sunglasses 😎
- Audience engagement: Explosive flow, witty lyrics, and impromptu dance moves 🕺
- Dream realized: A heartfelt declaration of lifelong aspiration for the stage ✨
- Grand finale: Debut album’s title track, ‘Turntable (feat. Shinbaram Lee Bak Sa)’ 🎶
The excitement didn’t stop there. Mushvenom concluded his segment by unveiling ‘Turntable (feat. Shinbaram Lee Bak Sa)’ (돌림판 (feat. 신빠람 이박사)), the title track from his first full-length album, ‘Uhl’ (얼). His characteristic rapid-fire rap and crisp diction delivered an impactful solo stage, solidifying his role as a true “흥 메이커” (excitement maker) and leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
For those unfamiliar with his journey, Mushvenom first rose to prominence as the runner-up on Mnet’s hit hip-hop survival program, ‘Show Me The Money 9’, in 2020. Since then, he has consistently pushed artistic boundaries, solidifying his status as one of South Korea’s most distinctive and beloved hip-hop artists.
This performance isn’t just a New Year’s stage; it’s a testament to hip-hop’s growing mainstream acceptance and Mushvenom‘s unique ability to bridge cultural divides. His aspiration to perform on such a venerable stage speaks volumes about its enduring legacy and the evolving definition of Korean artistry.
As Mushvenom continues to forge his path, we eagerly anticipate his next move in shaping the sound of modern Korea.
Editor: Minho Kang 📜













