109 Songs That Helped Us Endure… "Playlist 109" Concludes on the 8th

'Playlist 109' poster. Provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

MBC's "Playlist 109," named after the suicide prevention hotline 109, will air its final episode on September 8. Although the show has ended, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that the 109 "Songs of Support" chosen by both the cast and viewers will continue to be available on music streaming platforms.

Jointly planned by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and MBC, "Playlist 109" premiered on July 21 and aired over eight episodes, introducing songs and stories that have helped people endure difficult moments in life. The campaign was launched to help people remember the suicide prevention hotline number, 109, not only in times of crisis but also in their daily lives.

The lineup included actors Park Shinyang, Cha Inpyo, Park Sodam, Cha Jiyeon, and Kim Youngok; chefs Yoon Namno and Lee Yeonbok; singers Sunwoo Jung-A, Tei, Dayoung, and Song Gain; broadcaster Jonathan; former baseball player Yoon Sukmin; physician Lee Kwangmin; and neuroscientist Jang Dongseon. The Hangang Rescue Team and 109 hotline counselors also appeared on the show to share their experiences and stories.

The cast introduced music that comforted them during difficult times, whether it be illness, wandering, loss, or struggles with anonymity. In episode 4, a 109 counselor shared messages commonly given during counseling sessions, such as "You were brave to call," and "You are not alone." Yoon Namno compared the bitterness in cooking, which balances the overall flavor, to life’s hardships and spoke about how adversity can become a sustaining force.

Viewer participation was also active. Through initiatives like "Kiknni's Story Contest," the "Share Your Support Song" campaign, and MBC Radio's "Good Morning FM," around 3,300 stories and songs were submitted. Approximately 60 citizens took part in the listening event held for the final episode.

The hosts, Lee Seokhun, Lee Joon, and DinDin, also produced music for the program. Their collaborative song, "Together," was first released on August 22 on MBC’s "Show! Music Core," and DinDin’s self-written and composed "109" was unveiled on August 28. With the copyright holders’ permission, both songs will be available for free download on the official program website following the final episode, allowing personal, non-commercial use.

Plans are also underway to keep offering the 109 "Songs of Support" featured on the show through music streaming platforms after the program wraps up. The final episode will include stories from broadcaster Jonathan and chef Lee Yeonbok, as well as highlights from the listening event attended by approximately 60 citizens.

Gong Hyungsik, public communication chief at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "We prepared this as a sustainable campaign that everyone can relate to and be comforted by, aiming to create meaningful change in our society." He added, "Just like the '109 Challenge' featured in the program, it would be nice to try reaching out to someone around you at 10:09 p.m. to check in and say hello."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.