You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook

You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook presents Korean pop in a relaxed, music-first setting where the host, You Hee-yeol, invites singers and bands for short interviews and live performances. Episodes mix intimate acoustic sets with fuller stage pieces, giving artists room to talk about songs and show craft rather than sticking to quick promotional stops. You Hee-yeol, known as Toy in his solo work, guides conversations so they feel personal and low-key, and the show often highlights songwriting and arrangement as much as chart hits. It premiered in April 2009 and has stayed focused on music over spectacle.

Created and hosted by You Hee-yeol, the program began airing on April 24, 2009. The format pairs live studio performances with conversational segments, designed to let musicians present stripped-down versions of their work alongside filmed performances.

Over more than a decade on air, the show became a steady showcase for both mainstream K-pop names and smaller acts, helping elevate live performance standards on Korean TV. Its segments are often shared online, and several performances have become reference points among fans for how a song can change when played live.

Critical reception has been mixed to positive, reflected in a 6.3/10 average from a small pool of votes. Reviewers and viewers tend to appreciate the emphasis on musicianship and the calm, focused pace, though some say the format stays similar from episode to episode. Key themes are musical craft, authenticity in performance, and conversation that prioritizes artistic process over hype.

There isn’t widespread documentation of major international awards tied to the program, and detailed award records are limited. Within South Korea the show is generally respected by musicians and industry watchers for giving artists a comfortable platform, even if that recognition hasn’t translated into high-profile prize listings.