C'est Si Bon's Final Performance: A 58-Year Musical Journey Comes to a Close

The final stage of 'Golden Friday' captured the 58-year musical journey of C'est Si Bon.

On the April 3rd broadcast of TV CHOSUN's 'Golden Friday', a special episode titled 'The Last Story of C'est Si Bon' was aired. Jo Young-nam, Yoon Hyung-joo, Song Chang-sik, Kim Se-hwan, along with the official MC of C'est Si Bon, Lee Sang-byeok, reflected on their 58-year friendship and musical journey. The episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 4.2% according to Nielsen Korea, with peak ratings reaching 4.8%, making it the top program among daily general programming and cable shows.

MC Kim Sung-joo surprised everyone by announcing, "Today's stage is the last performance of the C'est Si Bon family on broadcast." Yoon Hyung-joo shared that their ongoing national tour would be their final performance, expressing gratitude to fans by appearing on 'Golden Friday' for their last broadcast stage, evoking a sense of nostalgia among fans.

The opening began with the New Zealand folk song 'Pokarekare Ana'. The deep resonance and unchanging harmony built over the years instantly captivated the audience. Despite an average age of 80, the stage was filled with vibrant energy.

The excitement of the performance was carried on by the youngest member, Kim Se-hwan. Showing deep regret ahead of their farewell stage, he elevated the atmosphere with a medley of pop songs, showcasing his undying passion. Additionally, Song Chang-sik and Kim Se-hwan performed 'Loving Heart', a song loved by many, as a duet for the first time, delighting the audience.

Song Chang-sik, along with Korea's representative guitarist Ham Chun-ho, performed 'Once' and 'The Piper' live, proving their legendary status. MC Kim Sung-joo expressed admiration, stating, "It's a great fortune to hear this combination live," and top trot stars agreed, calling the stage "historic."

Moreover, a reunion stage of 'Trio C'est Si Bon', the predecessor of 'Twin Folio', was held. Original member Lee Ik-kyun, who had paused activities due to the Vietnam War, made a surprise appearance, performing with Yoon Hyung-joo and Song Chang-sik. Their timeless voices evoked the emotions and memories of that era.

In addition to music, their candid banter remained unchanged. Despite describing their 58-year friendship as "not that close," the members' playful chemistry, knowing each other's traits inside out, brought laughter throughout the broadcast.

Tribute stages by junior artists also left a deep impression. Jin Kim Yong-bin and Nam Seung-min selected Jo Young-nam's 'Moran Dongbaek' and 'Hwagae Market' respectively, creating memorable performances. Kim Yong-bin expressed a desire to perform the song again in a concert, to which Jo Young-nam warmly responded, enhancing the heartwarming atmosphere.

Seon Son Bin-ah delivered a touching performance of 'We Are' dedicated to the 'Golden Friday' members, while Mi Cheon Rok-dam rearranged 'Blue Day', bringing a fresh vibe to the song. Song Chang-sik, the original composer, responded with generous applause to the uniquely colored performances.

The first part concluded with Chun Gil and Chu Hyuk-jin, who passionately sang Kim Se-hwan's 'On Saturday Night', leaving a lasting impression. What music and stories C'est Si Bon will bring to make us laugh and cry next week will be revealed in TV CHOSUN's 'Golden Friday' special project 'The Last Story of C'est Si Bon' Part 2, airing on April 10th, Friday at 10 PM.

Im Chae-ryeong, Ten Asia Reporter syjj426@tenasia.co.kr