MMTG (YouTube series)
| MMTG | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Web series / Variety show |
| Presented by | Jaejae |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Original language | Korean |
| Production | |
| Production company | SBS Mobidic |
| Original release | |
| Network | YouTube |
| Release | 15 February 2018 – present |
MMTG (Korean: 문명특급) is a South Korean web variety series produced by SBS Mobidic and hosted by Jaejae .The program, aired since 2018, features interviews with K-pop idols, actors, and public figures,[1] along with themed segments such as "Civilization Express Rediscovery" that revisit past pop culture content. Since its launch, the show has contributed to the resurgence of several songs and trends within Korean popular culture.[2]
Format
MMTG features a flexible interview-based format, with MC Jaejae conducting conversations with figures from various sectors of Korean popular culture, including K-pop idols, actors, and cultural creatives. Recurring segments include "Civilization Express Rediscovery", in which Jaejae and her guests revisit older pop-culture works or hit songs.[2]
History
The program originally began as '문명특급 (Civilization Express)' under SBS’s digital news lab division.[3] In early 2024, the show rebranded to "MMTG."[2] One major project under this new format was the '2009 명곡 챔피언십 (2009 Classic Song Championship)', which invited K-pop fans from over 24 countries to vote on the best songs of 2009.[2] The "2009 Championship" was later aired on 'SBS TV', indicating the show's growing influence.[1] Another notable arc was the formation of the mixed-gender group 'JaeJae × Gabi × Seungheon'(also called "JaesBee"), a project launched through MMTG content, where the members documented their journey of making music together.[4] The "JaeJae × Gabi × Seungheon" series ended with its 16th ("final") episode in December 2024.[5]
Impact
MMTG has played a significant role in bringing renewed attention to older K-pop hits, helping revive songs and creating new cultural conversations around them. The "2009 명곡 챔피언십" is especially notable for drawing a global audience and celebrating the "golden era" of K-pop.[2] The show has also proven its cultural reach by blending digital and traditional media: its YouTube-first content has been adapted to television on SBS, bridging new media and legacy broadcast spaces.[1] Through the "JaeJae × Gabi × Seungheon" project, MMTG has engaged in real-world music production, turning its talk-show platform into a content-driven music incubator.[4]
Notable episodes
- 2009 명곡 챔피언십 – An episode featuring 24 countries’ K-pop fans voting for top songs from 2009.[2]
- Ariana Grande Episode – In November 2024, Jaejae interviewed Ariana Grande and her "Wicked" cast; during the episode, she was famously presented with Korean seaweed.[6]
- JaeJae × Gabi × Seungheon Finale – The 16th and final episode of this mixed-gender group’s journey, marking the end of the "JaesBee" project.[7]
Reception
Media outlets have praised MMTG for its unique blend of nostalgia, global engagement, and meaningful interviews.[2] The show’s "2009 명곡 챔피언십" in particular received attention for its scale and emotional resonance among international K-pop fans.[1] Additionally, the "JaesBee" project was noted in the press for being ambitious despite relatively low production budgets, a testament to the community-driven nature of MMTG.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d 강선애 (2024-02-01). "재재X수영 MMTG '2009 명곡 챔피언십', 유튜브→전격 TV 편성". Daum. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ a b c d e f g 조민정 (2024-02-01). "문명특급 재재X수영, 24개국 글로벌 팬들과 '2009년도 히트곡' 부흥". Sports Chosun. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ 정희연 (2024-01-23). "'문명특급'→'MMTG'으로 재단장…'살아봤으면 해' 첫 출연자는 투어스". Donga.com. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ a b c 이승훈 (2024-08-03). "재재·가비·승헌쓰, 혼성 그룹 전격 데뷔.. "제작비 300만원"". StarNews. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ 이소정 (2024-12-06). ""이대로 정말 끝 재쓰비, 활동 4개월 만에 아쉬운 이별"". Daum. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ 텐아시아 (2024-11-15). "아리아나 그란데 "한국 김, 5분 만에 해치울 수 있어"…재재 선물에 감탄". TenAsia. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ 이진주 (2024-12-06). "'재쓰비' 재재X승헌쓰X가비, "예를 갖춰야 한다" 끝인사!?". bntnews.co.kr. Retrieved 2025-11-18.