Singer Lee So-ra (56) made a triumphant return to the stage after a six-year hiatus due to vocal cord nodules.
On the premiere of KBS2's music talk show 'The Seasons - Sung Si-kyung's Ear Boyfriend' on the 27th, an impressive lineup of artists including Lee So-ra, YB, Kim Jo-han, Jung Seung-hwan, and Kwon Jin-ah graced the stage, delighting music fans.
Sung Si-kyung opened the show in a stylish all-white suit, performing 'Every Moment of You.' He expressed his excitement, saying, "It's been a while since I've been on a broadcast, so I'm excited, nervous, happy, and grateful. I want to do well," and humorously added that he would introduce 'Ear Boyfriends' and 'Ear Girlfriends' every week as the 'Ear MC.'
Kim Jo-han and Jung Seung-hwan then took the stage as the first guests, performing a duet of 'I Want to Fall in Love.' Kim Jo-han reminisced about Sung Si-kyung's debut, revealing, "I heard from a relative that he was going to become a singer." Sung Si-kyung explained their distant family connection, saying, "Kim Jo-han is the husband of my third uncle's brother-in-law." Kim Jo-han also shared that he participated in the chorus of Sung Si-kyung's debut song 'The Road to Me,' highlighting their unique bond.
Dubbed the 'Crown Prince of Ballads,' Jung Seung-hwan delivered an impromptu live performance of Sung Si-kyung's 'One More Goodbye.' Sung Si-kyung praised him, saying, "You can clearly hear the breath and emotion. This is what ballads are about," to which Jung Seung-hwan responded, "Sung Si-kyung is an excellent textbook." Their bromance continued as Jung Seung-hwan recalled, "I once played a song I wrote on the piano at Sung Si-kyung's house, and he came over and changed the chords. It was a heart-fluttering moment."
The show's new segment 'Two People' featured the original 'Ear Girlfriend' Lee So-ra, surprising the audience. Lee So-ra and Sung Si-kyung performed a duet of 'Blue in You,' receiving enthusiastic applause. Lee So-ra, returning to the stage after six years, shared that she appeared to support her close junior, Sung Si-kyung, in his first hosting role.
Throughout the show, Sung Si-kyung couldn't hide his admiration for Lee So-ra. He expressed, "Your songs are so precious," and added, "I don't know how an artist like Lee So-ra can stay at home. I hope to see more of you." Currently single, Lee So-ra explained her focus on rest, saying, "Sometimes, the strength grows when you're alone at home, doing nothing."
Yoon Do-hyun made a surprise appearance, and the trio reminisced about KBS's iconic late-night music programs 'Lee So-ra's Proposal' and 'Yoon Do-hyun's Love Letter.' Lee So-ra and Yoon Do-hyun's witty banter enlivened the atmosphere, while Sung Si-kyung sought advice as a rookie 'Ear MC,' creating a warm senior-junior dynamic. Lee So-ra further touched Sung Si-kyung by presenting him with a handwritten letter, and she concluded with a heartfelt performance of 'Proposal,' promising more to come.
Yoon Do-hyun returned to his role as YB's vocalist, delivering a powerful 'Tarzan' performance, showcasing his rock spirit. Celebrating their 31st anniversary, YB shared their secret to longevity, "We rely on each other because we're all lacking in some way," and emphasized their dedication, "We practice a lot. To enjoy and be free on stage, we can't skip practice."
Yoon Do-hyun, who primarily writes YB's songs, revealed, "I always feel the pressure because the songs have to pass the members' approval to be included in the album." He acknowledged, "This energy is what makes us a band, and it's all part of the process." He humorously added, "Fans often ask us to keep making music for a long time, even though we've already been doing it for a while," and expressed his commitment to preserving fans' memories.
The final guest, Kwon Jin-ah, performed Sung Si-kyung's 'Hijae' as her opening song. Reflecting on her early days touring with Sung Si-kyung, she shared, "I first heard 'Hijae' back then and wanted to perform it properly on stage someday," explaining her song choice. Sung Si-kyung expressed his delight, "Hearing Kwon Jin-ah's interpretation of 'Hijae,' not just an imitation of me, is a joy as the original artist."
Kwon Jin-ah also shared an amusing anecdote about her song 'Something's Wrong,' saying, "I was surprised to hear it playing during news segments about troubling situations," but added, "I'm happy if it's played anywhere," and delivered an impromptu live performance that captivated the audience. Sung Si-kyung praised her, saying, "The future of our country's music is bright. A superstar is on the horizon."
After the guest performances, Sung Si-kyung concluded, "I prepared something because it feels too soon to end. I think our gathering here is destiny," and gifted the audience with a collaborative performance of 'Destiny' alongside Yoon Do-hyun, Kim Jo-han, and Jung Seung-hwan.
By Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr