On the evening of April 4, 2026, viewers across South Korea tuned in to witness a whirlwind of talent, laughter, and unexpected emotion as KBS2 aired the 750th episode of its long-running music variety show, Immortal Songs (불후의 명곡). This milestone broadcast marked the much-anticipated second part of the '2026 Entertainment King of Kings' special, a showdown that brought together some of the country’s most versatile entertainers for a night of fierce competition and heartfelt performances.
The lineup for this celebratory episode was nothing short of dazzling. Five teams, each representing a different corner of Korea’s vibrant entertainment world, took the stage: popular creator Lala (랄랄), the irrepressible Gag Concert: Chatflix team, musical theater stalwarts Song Il-gook and Oh Man-seok from The Hague, the multi-talented Lee Chan-seok, and the ever-passionate Jo Hye-ryeon. According to bntnews, these performers were not only chosen for their vocal prowess but also for their proven ability to captivate audiences across genres—from comedy and musicals to the world of online content creation.
The show’s producers had promised a spectacle, and from the first moments in the waiting room, it was clear they would deliver. The backstage banter quickly became a highlight in its own right, as Lala transformed into his famous secondary character, '58-born Lee Myung-hwa,' to spar with Kim Shin-young’s equally beloved 'Davi Auntie.' Their playful hierarchy battle (“What year were you born?” “I’m a fast ’45!”) had their fellow contestants—and viewers at home—howling with laughter. Even Song Il-gook, a celebrated actor more accustomed to the gravitas of the musical stage, admitted, “I’ve never even heard of the term ‘secondary character’ before,” confessing to a bit of cultural shock as the comedic antics unfolded around him (The CEN News).
But the humor wasn’t limited to character skits. Lala, known for his quick wit as much as his musicality, addressed persistent rumors about his supposed wealth and building ownership. “It’s all rented—if I had money, would I even be here? I’m not on this show to make money!” he declared, drawing laughter and a nod of understanding from the audience and his peers. Park Jun-hyung, a veteran comedian, chimed in: “From our perspective, Lala is basically a comedian.” Kim Shin-young, never one to miss a beat, added, “We’re the same bloodline,” underscoring the camaraderie that permeated the room (News1).
Yet beneath the jokes, there were moments of real vulnerability and honesty. Lala revealed a personal crossroads from his past: “I once seriously considered taking the KBS public comedian exam after my mom suggested it. But just as I was preparing, the exam was suddenly canceled. At the time, I thought, ‘If it’s not meant to be, it’s really not meant to be,’ and I was pretty discouraged.” This candid confession resonated with many, especially as Lala explained that this twist of fate led him to begin his journey as an internet broadcaster—a path that would ultimately bring him to national television and the Immortal Songs stage (Slist).
Song Il-gook, meanwhile, surprised the cast and viewers with a peek into his family’s musical side. He shared that his wife is the president of her law firm’s band club and that their eldest son, Min-guk, is studying composition. “When I told Min-guk I was appearing on Immortal Songs, he just scoffed,” Song recounted with a wry smile, offering a glimpse of the everyday struggles and humor of fatherhood. He also gave an update on his famous triplets, now in middle school and navigating the turbulence of adolescence, eliciting both laughter and empathy from the studio (bntnews).
As the playful chaos of the waiting room gave way to the main event, the tone shifted. Each act brought not just technical skill, but a story and a sense of personal stakes. The Gag Concert: Chatflix team opened with “Our Dream,” an uplifting anthem brimming with hope and positivity. Lala then stunned the audience and his fellow competitors by stepping out of his comedic persona entirely to deliver a powerful and emotive rendition of Sim Kyu-seon’s “Arari.” “You’ve never seen me sing from start to finish without a hint of comedy,” he said before the performance, and he was true to his word—his raw vocal talent left many in awe (News1).
Song Il-gook and Oh Man-seok, representing the musical The Hague, chose Cho Yong-pil’s classic “Dream” to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Hague envoy mission. Their performance, staged with the gravitas and narrative depth reminiscent of a full-scale musical, struck a chord with both the live audience and viewers at home. Lee Chan-seok impressed with his dynamic stage presence and a stirring performance of “By Chance,” while Jo Hye-ryeon delivered a deeply moving tribute to the late Jeon Yu-seong with “My Only Person Is Gone,” turning the studio into a sea of tears and reflection (bntnews).
Throughout the night, the judges—dubbed the 'Legend Song Jury'—were tasked with the impossible: choosing a single winner from a field brimming with genuine artistry and passion. The competition was fierce, but the camaraderie and mutual respect among the performers were palpable. For many, the real victory was the chance to share their stories and talents with a national audience, to break down the boundaries between genres, and to celebrate the diversity of Korea’s entertainment landscape.
As the credits rolled at 6:05 PM KST, it was clear that the 750th episode of Immortal Songs had lived up to its billing as a landmark event. It offered not just a showcase of musical excellence, but a window into the dreams, struggles, and humanity of some of Korea’s most beloved entertainers. For fans, it was a night to remember—and for the performers, perhaps, a reminder that every twist of fate can lead to an unforgettable stage.