K-Pop Star Lee Mi-joo Takes a Jab at Kim Hee-chul on '20th Century Hit Song'

K-pop singer Lee Mi-joo, who broke up with soccer player Song Bum-keun last January, took a jab at Kim Hee-chul.

On the March 13th episode of KBS Joy's '20th Century Hit Song', which aired at 8:30 PM, the show featured its 304th episode with the theme 'Don't Criticize Me for Being Pathetic~ Heartbreaking Unrequited Love Hit Songs' in celebration of White Day. The episode showcased songs that evoke the bittersweet emotions of unrequited love.

Ranked at number 10 was Tim's 'I Love You'. This song is about a man's poignant unrequited love, combining the sensuous ballad style of Yoon Sang with Tim's urban image, making it a beloved track. It was also used as the OST for the Korean-Indonesian joint drama 'I Love You', topping major local radio charts at the time. Interestingly, the song was released at the suggestion of composer Yoon Sang, despite having a completed title track ready.

At number 9 was Fin.K.L's 'You Wouldn't Know'. This R&B remake of Hye Eun-i's song captures the heart of a woman waiting without expressing her feelings, resonating with listeners. The repetition of the line 'Your love is me' twice in the lyrics was intended to convey lingering emotions.

NRG's 'You Can Do It' was ranked 8th. This song, filled with the excitement and anticipation of unrequited love, gained popularity with its rare high-energy sound and flashy performances in Korea. During the IMF financial crisis, the title was changed to 'You Can Do It' to convey a message of hope, despite the lyrics. Kim Hee-chul humorously remarked, "It's a good thing it's an NRG song; if it were a Turbo song, it would have turned into a love triangle melodrama."

Buzz's 'Coward' took the 7th spot. 'Coward' captures the anxiety and tenderness of unrequited love, featuring Min Kyung-hoon's powerful vocals and grand string arrangements in a rock ballad. Other Buzz songs like 'Monologue', expressing heartfelt words to a former lover, and 'Don't Know Men', depicting a man's helplessness as he watches a woman leave, were also highlighted.

Sung Si-kyung's 'It Would Be Good' was at number 6. This song portrays the feelings of a narrator who can't confess and only dreams, captivating listeners with its soft and warm tone. Kim Hee-chul, who initially thought it was a love song, said, "I didn't know it was an unrequited love song," to which Lee Mi-joo agreed. The song gained popularity after being used in a telecom commercial featuring Kang Dong-won.

Sechs Kies' 'Reckless Love' was ranked 5th. The song, as the title suggests, is about reckless but sincere love, showcasing Sechs Kies' unique rough and masculine energy. The lyrics, 'The love I believed in so much becomes a cruel farewell,' express the narrator's true feelings as he waits for a woman facing a breakup. Discussing dating styles, Kim Hee-chul said, "I think love is a duel," to which Lee Mi-joo humorously replied, "That's why you can't find love."

Bibi's 'Sky, Earth, Stars' was ranked 4th. This song, a favorite karaoke choice for women who failed in unrequited love, represents a heartbroken sentiment. The lyrics, 'But what does it matter, it's useless, in the meantime, you got a lover,' depict the narrator's sad ending, which Lee Mi-joo found poignant.

Kim Sung-jae's 'As I Say' took the 3rd spot. This song portrays a timid man who loves but is too afraid to confess, earning critical acclaim for its artistry. Lee Mi-joo, immersed in the lyrics, expressed regret for the narrator's situation.

Toy's 'Good Person' was ranked 2nd. This song, representing the emotions of a hesitant 20-something man, is a quintessential unrequited love anthem. Lee Mi-joo, deeply resonating with the lyrics, advised, "If you have someone you love, confess. Don't just be a good person, be the person you love."

The top spot went to Ilgiyebo's 'Dream of a Doll'. This song, representing the heart of a doll in love with a person, was loved for its delicate guitar performance and emotional, poignant melody and lyrics. Inspired by a shabby doll on a desk, member Kang Hyun-min wrote the lyrics, drawing on the idea that a doll's eyes only focus on one thing, symbolizing unrequited love.

'20th Century Hit Song' can be watched on LG U+tv channel 1, Genie tv channel 41, SK Btv channel 998, and the KBS mobile app 'my K'. Regional cable channel numbers can be found on the KBS N website.

Reporter: Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr