Show Kasamatsu's 'Radio Star' survival: '4.5 hours without an interpreter'

Japanese actor Show Kasamatsu brought laughter to fans by sharing the difficulties he faced during the recording of the representative Korean talk show, MBC's 'Radio Star.' Having to maintain long conversations with the Korean cast without an interpreter, he shared his honest feelings about his first challenge in K-variety, even leaving a paradoxical plea: "Please, absolutely do not watch it."

On the 1st, Kasamatsu recalled the moment through his SNS after announcing his appearance on 'Radio Star.' He stated, "I arrived at the studio and was truly flustered because there was no interpreter," adding, "I heard from Korean actors that it is a program that is difficult even for Koreans."

'Radio Star' is a talk show that draws out the private lives, past anecdotes, and interpersonal relationships of its guests through fast-paced questioning and unexpected jokes. For guests whose native language is not Korean, it is a format that is difficult to handle with mere language skills alone. Seeming to be aware of this, Kasamatsu compared himself to an "international student," lowering himself by saying, "You might enjoy watching me unable to keep up with the conversations between native speakers and just smiling awkwardly."

The long recording session was also not easy. He said, "We recorded for 4 and a half hours, and by the latter half, my brain had almost stopped working," and "I almost cried because my movements in the preview looked so strange." He then added, "Please, absolutely do not watch it," turning the pressure of the appearance into a subject for self-deprecating humor.

Fans' reactions were the exact opposite. Comments such as "If Koreans are told not to watch, they watch" and "Since he said absolutely do not watch, I must watch it" poured in, increasing interest in what Kasamatsu would actually show on the broadcast.

Kasamatsu appeared on the 'K-Variety Odyssey' special of 'Radio Star,' which aired at 10:30 PM on the 2nd, alongside Ryu Seung-su, Jo Hye-ryun, and Mimi. During the broadcast, he spoke about his 14-year acting career, his affection for Korean content, and the cultural differences he experienced while working on Korean productions.

In particular, Korea holds a meaning for Kasamatsu that goes beyond just a stage for overseas activities. He has continuously participated in the Korean production system by appearing in the film 'Good News' and the drama 'Taxi Driver.' He explained that by directly encountering the Korean language and production practices used by actors and staff on set, he has naturally expanded his understanding of Korean language and culture.

Having worked as an actor in Japan for 14 years, he is gradually making his face known to domestic viewers through Korean works. While there have been cases of Japanese actors appearing in Korean films and dramas in the past, the trend in the content industries of both countries is expanding beyond simple special appearances into co-productions and long-term casting. Kasamatsu's path can be seen as an example of this Korea-Japan content exchange.

In that sense, appearing on 'Radio Star' holds another meaning for his domestic activities. While films and dramas provide a protective shield of scripts and directing, variety shows expose one's instantaneous linguistic sense, quick wit, and ability to understand the other person's jokes. Especially in programs like 'Radio Star' that elicit unexpected reactions from guests, the subtle nuances of language itself become an important device for laughter.

The fact that Kasamatsu challenged a Korean-centered recording without an interpreter is, in itself, a point that demonstrates his proactive attitude toward his activities in Korea. His attitude of revealing even his clumsy moments rather than striving for perfect language command, and using them as material for laughter, became a way to approach Korean viewers with friendliness.

His words, "Please, absolutely do not watch it," left before the broadcast, ultimately became the most powerful phrase to encourage viewership. A Japanese actor who has expanded his territory as a performer through Korean works has now turned his linguistic limitations and tension into content on a completely different stage called variety shows.

As Kasamatsu expressed his desire to continue his work in Korea, attention is focused on whether this appearance on 'Radio Star' will serve as an opportunity to breathe directly with the domestic public beyond his recognition as an actor.