Hwanhee clinched the final victory trophy on KBS2's 'Immortal Songs' by pioneering his unique trot style.
The show's viewership ratings soared to 6.1% nationwide during the special 'King of Kings' episode, securing the top spot in its time slot for 127 consecutive weeks, according to Nielsen Korea.
The episode aired on the 19th featured a tribute to the late artists Hyun Chul and Song Dae Kwan, with performances by Enok, Choi Soo Ho, Hwang Min Ho, Hwanhee, and Lee Ji Hoon.
Enok was the first to perform, choosing 'A Sunny Day' and delivering a moving performance with a choir, evoking the hopeful message of the late Song Dae Kwan. The emotional tribute brought tears to the eyes of the judges and audience.
Next was Choi Soo Ho, who performed 'One Ticket' with a bold arrangement that combined band sounds and traditional Korean elements, showcasing a rugged masculinity that captivated the audience. Despite his strong performance, Enok took the lead with 402 votes.
Hwang Min Ho followed with 'Give Me Back My Youth,' impressing with his commanding stage presence and powerful vocals. His energetic performance, complete with a drum finale, was a crowd favorite, but Enok maintained his lead.
Hwanhee took the stage next with 'Our Suni,' reinterpreting the song with his signature R&B style, creating a unique trot performance that won over the judges. He scored 405 points, narrowly surpassing Enok.
The final performance was by Lee Ji Hoon, who sang 'Thinking of You Always' with a heartfelt tribute to family, leaving a lasting impression with his emotional delivery.
Ultimately, Hwanhee emerged as the winner, sharing a heartfelt embrace with Lee Ji Hoon and expressing gratitude to the judges. Previously, Hwanhee had shared on MBC's 'The Manager' the challenges of adapting to the trot genre.
This episode of 'Immortal Songs' was more than a tribute; it was a celebration of the timeless music of Hyun Chul and Song Dae Kwan, with performers pushing the boundaries of the genre.
The episode received rave reviews on social media, with comments praising the performances and the emotional impact of the show.
'Immortal Songs' continues to deliver legendary performances every Saturday at 6:05 PM on KBS 2TV.
Reporter: Chaeryeong Lim, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr