On the evening of April 11, 2026, viewers across South Korea tuned in to a lively and emotional episode of KBS2’s Immortal Songs, as the long-running music competition paid tribute to one of the country’s most prolific hitmakers, composer Yoon Il-sang. The 751st episode, dubbed 'Composer Yoon Il-sang Special Part 1,' brought together a vibrant mix of established stars and rising talents, each eager to reinterpret Yoon’s legendary catalog for a new generation.
From the moment the opening credits rolled, it was clear this would be no ordinary broadcast. The lineup was stacked: boy group TWS, powerhouse girl group KISS OF LIFE, crossover vocalists La Poem, the energetic duo Mighty Mouth joined by Minyoung from BBGIRLS, balladeers Hwang Chi-yeul and Im Han-byul, musical actor Min Woo-hyuk, soloist Dayoung, rock band Daybreak, and Japanese vocalist Takenaka Yudai. The diversity in genre, age, and nationality set the stage for a night that would bridge eras and borders, just as Yoon’s music has done for decades (bntnews).
Yoon Il-sang’s influence on Korean popular music is hard to overstate. With hits like “I Miss You,” “I Have a Lover,” “Amor Fati,” “Regret,” and “I’ll Forget,” he’s worked with icons such as Kim Bum-soo, Lee Seung-chul, YB, and Lee Eun-mi. For this special, his timeless melodies became the raw material for fresh interpretations, each artist infusing their own style and emotion.
The anticipation was palpable, especially for the four acts—TWS, KISS OF LIFE, Dayoung, and Takenaka Yudai—making their debut on Immortal Songs. Their arrival injected a jolt of new energy, with fans and fellow performers alike curious to see how these newcomers would handle Yoon’s beloved classics (Gukje News).
Backstage, the atmosphere was anything but tense. Instead, the green room buzzed with playful banter and a flurry of what became known as the 'aegyo challenge,' as idol groups and veteran performers vied for the best performance order. TWS’s Kyungmin declared, “I have no intention of losing,” a bold statement that drew laughs but also a hint of nervous respect from the show’s veterans. The friendly rivalry was on full display, with each team determined to leave their mark (bntnews).
As the competition unfolded, the performances proved as varied as the lineup promised. Hwang Chi-yeul, known for his emotive vocals, chose Lee Eun-mi’s “I Have a Lover.” Before taking the stage, he told the audience, “I prepared this performance in the most straightforward way. I hope you’ll let yourself be moved.” His signature husky voice and heartfelt delivery quickly captivated both the live audience and his fellow contestants, prompting a wave of lighthearted rumors. Mighty Mouth’s Chuflex joked, “He’s like a man with two personalities—so playful backstage, but so serious on stage,” while Im Han-byul teased, “With that kind of emotion, maybe he really does have a lover!” (TopStarNews)
The compliments didn’t stop there. Japanese singer Takenaka Yudai, himself a contestant, was especially taken with Hwang’s performance. “His voice is so sexy. If I were a woman, I’d want to be held by him,” he said, drawing cheers and laughter all around (GPKorea).
But the night’s emotional high point belonged to Min Woo-hyuk. Taking on “As You Live” from the musical Seopyeonje, Min shared a personal story before his performance: “It’s an honor to sing a song by the composer I respect so much. The lyrics, ‘As you live, you will live on,’ have been a pillar for me. I hope the encouragement and strength I felt can reach you, too.” As he sang, an animation played on screen, depicting his childhood dream of becoming a baseball player—a dream cut short by injury. The vulnerability and sincerity in his performance resonated deeply, earning him 400 votes and the night’s top prize, overcoming Hwang Chi-yeul’s three previous wins with “I Have a Lover” (etoday).
The show wasn’t just about competition; it was also a celebration of artistic camaraderie and mutual admiration. KISS OF LIFE, now in their third year, were recognized for their rapid rise—so much so that they’ve reportedly built their own company headquarters. Member Julie reflected, “We used to watch Immortal Songs at home with our parents. To be able to greet everyone here, it finally feels real.” Their performance of Kim Yeon-ja’s “Amor Fati,” reimagined with a futuristic karaoke concept, drew praise from all corners. Hwang Chi-yeul remarked, “Now I see why they’re called KIOF. The stage was packed, and the concept was like a future karaoke.” Even their main competitors, TWS, admitted, “It made us want to get up and dance with them.” (Star News)
Yoon Il-sang himself was moved by the new generation’s passion. After TWS’s electrifying performance, he declared, “I’ll start working on a new song for you right away,” showering the group with heart gestures and promising to gift them a new track. He was equally enthusiastic about KISS OF LIFE, calling them his “favorite girl group” and joking, “Why haven’t you asked me for a song yet?” When the show’s MC Shin Dong-yup quipped, “It’s because you’re rumored to be expensive,” Yoon laughed and replied, “I’ll give you one as a fan!” He also complimented their 2026 reinterpretation of “Amor Fati” as outstanding (Seoul List).
La Poem, Dayoung, and the rest of the lineup also brought their own flair, with song choices spanning Yoon’s decades-long career—from La Poem’s stirring “I Miss You” to Dayoung’s energetic “The Bird Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Mighty Mouth and Minyoung teamed up for a vibrant rendition of “Love Is…(3+3=0),” and Takenaka Yudai paid homage to YB with “I’ll Forget.” Each act honored the spirit of the originals while adding their own twist, making for a night that was both nostalgic and refreshingly new (Gukje News).
The special episode marked the first of a two-part celebration, with the second installment set to air on April 18, 2026. As the credits rolled, the message was clear: Yoon Il-sang’s music continues to inspire, unite, and challenge artists across generations and genres. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, there was something for everyone—a testament to the enduring power of a great song.