On a crisp Saturday evening, February 21, 2026, Korean television viewers were treated to a special episode of KBS2TV’s beloved music program, Immortal Songs. The 745th episode, dubbed the “Seol Woon-do special,” paid tribute to one of the most enduring and influential figures in Korean trot music. For fans of the genre—and for anyone who appreciates the emotional power of music—this was a night to remember.
Seol Woon-do, now celebrating his 44th year since debut, is more than just a singer; he’s a songwriter, a mentor, and, as many have called him, “the Elvis Presley of Korea.” Over the decades, he’s penned more than 200 songs, gifting the world with classics like “Samba Woman,” “Love Twist,” and “Let’s All Cha-Cha-Cha.” According to The CEN News, he’s also composed for other stars, including Im Young-woong, Song Ga-in, Joo Hyun-mi, and Enoch—helping shape the careers of the next generation of trot legends.
But this episode wasn’t just a celebration of Seol’s storied career. It was also a showcase for a vibrant community of artists, each offering their own take on his iconic songs. Cheon Rok-dam opened the show with a smoldering rendition of “Is This Love?”, displaying what The CEN News described as “the mature charm of a seasoned man.” Trot’s playful prince, Kim Soo-chan, couldn’t help but steal the spotlight with his dynamic performance of “Compass,” a song that seemed tailor-made for his energetic stage presence.
Not every moment was lighthearted. Park Seo-jin chose “Lost 30 Years,” a song heavy with the weight of Korea’s painful history, and delivered it with a voice that, as The CEN News put it, “embraced the wounds” of the past. The performance was a poignant reminder of trot’s unique ability to blend personal and collective memory into something deeply moving.
Other highlights included Son Tae-jin’s take on “Love Twist” and Jeon Yoo-jin’s electrifying version of “Samba Woman.” Jadu brought a burst of energy with “Tonight,” while Kim So-hyang and Yoon Hyung-ryeol created a theatrical, almost cinematic atmosphere with “My Love Like Starlight.” Lee Seung-hyun, Seol Woon-do’s own son, delivered a heartfelt performance of “I Only Loved You,” a moment that would later resonate even more deeply after his candid on-air interview.
And then there were the newcomers: LUN8 reimagined “Let’s All Cha-Cha-Cha” with a fresh, youthful energy, transforming the beloved national singalong into a high-octane dance number. D82, meanwhile, gave “Purple Postcard” a new emotional depth, layering in subtle soundscapes that spoke to the bittersweet nature of parting and memory.
With so much talent on display, it’s no wonder Immortal Songs has a reputation for creating legendary performances that fans want to watch again and again. The Seol Woon-do special was so packed with memorable moments, in fact, that KBS2TV decided to split it into two parts, airing the first on February 21 and the second on February 28, both Saturdays at 6:05 PM—a weekly tradition for many Korean households.
Yet, the night’s emotional core belonged to Lee Seung-hyun, Seol Woon-do’s son, who bravely shared his struggles with living in the shadow of a musical giant. During a backstage interview, Lee didn’t shy away from the pressure he feels: “Because I’m my father’s son, I think he judges me even more harshly,” he admitted, his voice tinged with both pride and vulnerability. “Whether I do well or not, it’s just expected. That’s the burden of being his child.”
He went on, “Even when I was working hard as an idol and as a trot singer, I tried to be acknowledged in my own right. But I always felt like, to my father, I was never quite enough. That’s been the hardest part.”
But Lee’s story wasn’t just about hardship. He recalled a family trip to Jeju Island several years ago, a memory that seemed to bring both father and son closer: “My dad told me, ‘If it weren’t for me, maybe you would have been more appreciated and had an easier time. I’m sorry for being so big. But keep at it. One day, people will recognize your efforts.’ Hearing that felt like a reward for all the things I’d kept bottled up inside.”
It was a rare glimpse into the personal cost of fame—not just for stars, but for their families, too. Lee’s honesty struck a chord with viewers, many of whom took to social media to share their support and admiration for his perseverance.
The Seol Woon-do special wasn’t just a nostalgia trip. It was a living, breathing celebration of Korean trot’s past, present, and future. The performances spanned genres and generations, from the classic stylings of veterans to the bold reinterpretations of rising stars. And at the center of it all was Seol Woon-do himself—a man who’s not only survived but thrived in a notoriously fickle industry, and who continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
For those who missed the live broadcast, KBS2TV’s Immortal Songs remains available for viewing, with many fans already calling this two-part event a “legendary” chapter in the show’s long history. As the credits rolled, one thing was clear: the spirit of trot is alive and well, carried forward by artists old and new—and by families who, despite the challenges, keep the music playing.
In the end, the Seol Woon-do special offered more than just entertainment. It gave viewers a window into the complexities of legacy, the power of music to heal and connect, and the quiet courage it takes to step out from under a long shadow—one heartfelt note at a time.