On the evening of February 28, 2026, KBS2’s beloved music variety show Immortal Songs (불후의 명곡) delivered another unforgettable spectacle with the much-anticipated broadcast of its 746th episode. This week’s program, titled “Artist Seol Woon-do Special Part 2,” brought together a dazzling lineup of performers to celebrate and reinterpret the legendary hits of Seol Woon-do, a towering figure in Korean trot music. The show aired at 6:05 PM, drawing in viewers across generations for a night packed with nostalgia, innovation, and high-octane competition.
Seol Woon-do’s influence on Korean music is hard to overstate. With chart-toppers like “Samba Lady,” “Twist of Love,” and “Let’s Cha-Cha-Cha Together,” he’s crafted songs that have become anthems for the nation. Immortal Songs has long been known for its ability to bridge the old and new, and this special was no exception. The episode featured a stellar cast: Seol Woon-do himself, Park Seo-jin, Lee Chan-won, Cheon Rok-dam, Lee Seung-hyun, Jeon Yu-jin, Son Tae-jin, LUN8, Jadu, Kim Soo-chan, D82, Kim So-hyang, and Yoon Hyung-ryeol all took the stage, each bringing their unique flavor to Seol’s timeless melodies (as reported by bntnews and Daily Sports Hankook).
The previous week’s Part 1 had already set a high bar, with Son Tae-jin clinching victory by amassing an impressive 424 votes—a feat that propelled the show to a nationwide rating of 6.4%, securing the top spot among entertainment programs in its time slot. The excitement from that episode spilled directly into Part 2, with anticipation running high for the crowning of the next “legend.”
As the competition heated up, five teams prepared to battle for the coveted title: Jadu, Kim Soo-chan, D82, the musical “Anna Karenina” duo Kim So-hyang and Yoon Hyung-ryeol, and Park Seo-jin. Each act approached Seol Woon-do’s music with a distinct vision, resulting in a kaleidoscope of genres and performances that pushed the boundaries of what a music competition show can offer.
The backstage atmosphere was electric, with friendly rivalries and impromptu karaoke battles erupting among the younger artists. Cheon Rok-dam, celebrating his first anniversary since debut, kicked things off by performing Jin Sung’s “Your Lantern,” a song that helped him make his mark with the public. Son Tae-jin and Jeon Yu-jin, momentarily setting aside their rivalry, reunited as the “Jinjin Siblings” to deliver a heartfelt duet of Namjin and Jang Yoon-jung’s “I Like You.” Not to be outdone, Lee Chan-won and Kim Soo-chan formed the “Chan-chan Brothers,” countering with a lively rendition of Seol Woon-do’s “I Miss You, My Love.” The playful banter and camaraderie in the green room set the perfect tone for the fierce competition ahead.
On stage, the stakes were raised even higher. Jadu’s act was a showstopper: she reimagined Seol Woon-do’s recent composition “Tonight,” originally written for singer Enoch, in an effervescent pop-rock style. Her performance, complete with a band, stunt cheerleaders, and rocking dancers, spilled into the audience, where she sang through a megaphone, bringing the crowd to its feet. Afterward, Seol Woon-do was seen clenching his fist in satisfaction, while the audience joked about Kim Soo-chan’s signature “Oh yeah!” catchphrase being borrowed for the occasion. Judge Kim Jun-hyun remarked, “It sounded like a Jadu song—like it was hers all along,” and Lee Jung-eun reminisced, “It felt just like her debut days.”
Jadu wasn’t the only one pulling out all the stops. Park Seo-jin, a previous winner from six years ago, unveiled a performance that would go down in Immortal Songs history. He chose Seol Woon-do’s debut song “Lost 30 Years,” a poignant ballad about the pain of separated families. The performance began with raw, emotional singing, but soon transitioned into a jaw-dropping “fire drum” (bulbuk, 화고) act. Flames danced from drumsticks as Park pounded a giant drum, sending sparks and booming rhythms across the stage. This was a first for the show—never before had such a spectacle been attempted. Lee Chan-won, watching from the sidelines, marveled, “I’ve seen a lot of performances on this show, but never a fire drum act.” Son Tae-jin echoed the sentiment, saying, “It’s always tough to surpass yourself in these competitions, but today, Park Seo-jin did just that.”
The other contestants brought their A-game as well. Kim Soo-chan delivered a classic take on Seol Woon-do’s “Compass,” showcasing the essence of traditional trot with his signature vocal flair. D82, a skilled band, took on “Violet Letter,” transforming the song with lush instrumentation and emotive vocals, earning praise for elevating the original’s melancholy to new heights. Meanwhile, Kim So-hyang and Yoon Hyung-ryeol, stars of the musical “Anna Karenina,” performed Lim Young-woong’s “My Love Like Starlight” as a sweeping, theatrical duet, leaving the audience spellbound.
Of course, no tribute would be complete without the legend himself. Seol Woon-do took to the stage for a special encore, performing “I Love You, My Dear”—a self-penned song he once gifted to his protégé Lim Young-woong. The audience and fellow artists responded with a standing ovation, chanting his name in a show of admiration and respect.
Throughout the night, the competition was fierce, but the atmosphere was one of mutual respect and celebration. Each artist strove not just to win, but to honor Seol Woon-do’s enduring legacy by infusing his songs with their own artistry. The result was a vibrant festival that showcased the evolution of trot and its enduring appeal across generations. As the show drew to a close, viewers were left eagerly awaiting the announcement of the next “legend”—a testament to the show’s ongoing ability to captivate and unite audiences.
Immortal Songs 746th episode succeeded in delivering both nostalgia and novelty, reminding us that great music—and the passion it inspires—knows no boundaries of age or genre.