On the October 28th episode of 'Immortal Songs,' artists including Jadu, Kim Soo-chan, D82, and Kim So-hyang & Yoon Hyung-ryul (from the musical 'Anna Karenina') reinterpreted legendary trot singer Seol Woon-do's hit songs, creating a tribute stage that bridged generations. The show achieved a nationwide viewership rating of 6.1%, securing the top spot among Saturday variety shows, showcasing its power in both popularity and ratings, according to Nielsen Korea.
The episode opened with a special performance by Seol Woon-do, who delivered 'I Love You'—a song he gifted to fellow singer Lim Young-woong—with his signature powerful vocals and deep emotion, captivating both his juniors and the judging panel. His relaxed stage presence and skilled audience engagement earned him a standing ovation and chants of "Seol Woon-do!" from the panel.
The first performance to follow was by Jadu, leader of the 'Other Genre' team. She chose 'Tonight,' written and composed by Seol Woon-do, and expressed her excitement about trying trot for the first time, aiming to create a fun Saturday night. Jadu's vibrant energy quickly heated up the atmosphere, as she engaged directly with the audience, moving through the seats. Her performance, featuring a band session, stunt cheerleaders, and locking dancers, was a large-scale spectacle that delivered explosive excitement. Son Tae-jin praised her unique voice, and even Seol Woon-do suggested she remake the song, expressing his eagerness to see her perform it at events.
Next, Kim Soo-chan, leader of the 'Trot Team,' was selected, setting the stage for a legendary showdown. He performed Seol Woon-do's 'Compass,' surprising the audience with a playful entrance holding Seol Woon-do's photo. His witty performance, combined with a surprise duet with Seol Woon-do, created a warm atmosphere. Kim Soo-chan's traditional trot style and stage presence brought out the charm of the original song. Son Tae-jin admired his perfect representation of traditional trot, and Seol Woon-do praised him as a precious talent.
In the fiery battle between the leaders, Kim Soo-chan secured a victory.
The third performance featured Kim So-hyang & Yoon Hyung-ryul from the musical 'Anna Karenina.' They chose 'My Love Like Starlight,' a song Seol Woon-do gifted to Lim Young-woong, and delivered a dramatic, musical-like rendition. Their beautiful harmony and fairy-tale-like skating performance added to the enchanting atmosphere. Their emotional interpretation touched everyone's hearts, with Cheon Rok-dam expressing pride in their talent. Seol Woon-do thanked them for the moving performance, likening it to watching a musical.
Kim So-hyang & Yoon Hyung-ryul won a victory, intensifying the competitive spirit.
The fourth performance by D82 featured Seol Woon-do's 'Purple Postcard.' D82's rock-infused vocals and instrumental arrangement created a unique crossover stage, blending the original song's emotion with a modern twist. Their dynamic performance, showcasing restraint and explosive energy, breathed new life into the song. Lee Chan-won expressed his newfound fandom, and Seol Woon-do expressed joy in working with such talented juniors.
Park Seo-jin closed the 'Artist Seol Woon-do Part 2' with a powerful finale. He chose 'Lost 30 Years,' using footage of separated families to enhance the song's emotional impact. His groundbreaking 'drum and fire' performance captivated everyone, with the majestic combination of drum beats and flames elevating the stage's solemnity. His heartfelt vocals and traditional Korean dance resonated deeply with the audience. Before the judges' comments, Park Seo-jin expressed gratitude for Seol Woon-do's support, which helped him reach this stage. Seol Woon-do praised him as a precious junior and expressed pride in his performance.
In the final showdown, Park Seo-jin prevented D82's winning streak and claimed the ultimate victory. Seol Woon-do concluded the special episode by thanking the participants for their dedication and expressing his desire to remain a memorable singer in their hearts.
The 'Artist Seol Woon-do Part 2' episode captivated viewers with its grand stage setups and performances, offering diverse reinterpretations of classic songs. The episode also featured heartfelt discussions about Seol Woon-do's life, collaborations with juniors like Enoch and Lim Young-woong, and even a fun trot battle between 'Jinjin Siblings' Son Tae-jin and Jeon Yoo-jin, and 'Chanchan Brothers' Lee Chan-won and Kim Soo-chan, adding to the enjoyment.
Reporter: Im Chae-ryeong, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr