MBC's "Music Core" transformed into a summer festival atmosphere on June 20 with a special episode broadcast from Ulsan. The lineup featured a strong mix of K-pop groups and artists, giving fans a diverse showcase of music across genres.

Among the performers were several groups who've been making headlines recently. RIIZE took the stage fresh off their "II" mini album's impressive commercial run, while BOYNEXTDOOR brought their energy to the festival crowd. fromis_9, tripleS, and xikers also delivered performances, along with rock-leaning acts like N.Flying and Lucy.

The festival format allowed for a relaxed, outdoor vibe compared to typical "Music Core" episodes. The setlist included STAYC, MEOVV, KiiiKiii, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, AND2BLE, KickFlip, izna, Billlie, CLOSE YOUR EYES, Baby DONT Cry, EPEX, IDID, and solo artist Park Ji Hyeon, among others—making it a comprehensive event for summer music fans.

This Ulsan Music Festival episode highlights how K-pop broadcasts are expanding beyond Seoul, bringing major performances to regional cities. The mix of established groups, rising acts, and niche artists reflects the current state of the industry, where there's room for multiple sounds and fanbases to coexist on the same platform.

For viewers, it was a chance to see a wider spectrum of the K-pop landscape in one sitting. Whether you're following chart-topping releases or keeping up with emerging talent, the festival delivered across the board.