On April 4, 2026, the stage of KBS2’s beloved music variety show Immortal Songs was set ablaze with laughter, rivalry, and a surprising dose of candor, as creator Lalal (real name Lee Yura) took center stage for the show’s much-anticipated “2026 Entertainment King of Singers Part 2.” It was a night that promised fierce competition, but what unfolded was a masterclass in comedic timing, heartfelt storytelling, and a little myth-busting for good measure.
The lineup was as eclectic as ever: alongside Lalal, viewers saw the energetic 'Chatflix' comedy team from Gag Concert, the dynamic duo of Song Il-guk and Oh Man-seok representing the musical The Hague, as well as Lee Chan-seok and the ever-charismatic Jo Hye-ryun. Yet, it was the playful battle of alter egos—known in Korea as “sub-characters”—that stole the show, with Lalal donning the persona of “58-year-old Lee Myung-hwa” and facing off against Kim Shin-young’s iconic “Aunt Dabi.” According to Edaily, the green room became a battlefield of quick wit and biting humor, with the two sub-characters trading barbs and vying for comedic supremacy.
Lalal, never one to shy away from a challenge, confronted her fellow competitor Lee Chan-seok with a pointed, “Do you think you will win?”—a line that drew both laughter and gasps from those watching. Kim Shin-young, not to be outdone, tried to assert her seniority, asking, “What year were you born? I’m early ’45!” The banter was sharp, playful, and rooted in a tradition of on-stage hierarchy that Korean variety shows have long celebrated.
But it wasn’t just the humor that had people talking. For weeks, rumors had swirled about Lalal’s supposed ownership of the building known as “Lalalland”—a myth that’s been the subject of much online speculation. In character as Lee Myung-hwa, Lalal addressed the whispers head-on, declaring, “It’s all rented; if I had money, would I be here? I came here to make money!” The statement, as reported by NEWSIS, was delivered with trademark gusto, earning hearty laughs and a sense of relief from fans eager for the truth. For anyone who thought Lalal was quietly amassing a real estate empire, her forthrightness put the matter to rest—at least for now.
As the cameras rolled, even seasoned entertainers found themselves bemused by the world of sub-characters. Song Il-guk, a veteran actor, admitted with a bewildered expression, “I don’t know Lee Myung-hwa or Aunt Dabi. The concept of a sub-character is completely new to me.” His candid reaction, captured by Edaily, highlighted just how much the landscape of Korean entertainment has evolved, with creators like Lalal blurring the lines between comedy, music, and performance art.
Lalal’s comedic prowess didn’t go unnoticed by her peers, either. Park Joon-hyung, a respected comedian, remarked, “Lalal’s job may be creator, but from our perspective, she’s a comedian.” Kim Shin-young echoed the sentiment, exclaiming, “We’re of the same bloodline!” The camaraderie and mutual respect among the performers were palpable—proof that the boundaries between traditional comedians and new media creators are more porous than ever.
Yet beneath the laughter and bravado, Lalal shared a more vulnerable side. She revealed, “I actually considered taking the KBS open recruitment comedian exam on my mother’s recommendation when I was struggling after giving up on being a musical actor. But just as I was preparing, the exam was suddenly canceled. At the time, I thought, ‘Some people just aren’t meant to make it,’ and I was really discouraged.” This behind-the-scenes story, as detailed by NEWSIS, resonated with many viewers who have faced their own unexpected setbacks and detours.
The night wasn’t all jokes and jabs, though. When it came time for Lalal to perform, she shed her comedic persona and delivered a stirring rendition of Shim Kyoo-sun’s “Arari.” Before stepping onto the stage, she told the audience, “You’ve never seen me sing from start to finish without a hint of laughter.” True to her word, Lalal’s performance was earnest and deeply moving, leaving both the judges and her competitors stunned. According to Edaily, it was a side of Lalal that few had witnessed—a testament to her versatility and commitment to her craft.
For those keeping track, Immortal Songs has long been a Saturday night staple, airing at 6:05 PM and offering a stage where established stars and rising talents can shine. The “2026 Entertainment King of Singers” competition, split into two parts with the first airing on March 28 and the second on April 4, brought together a cross-section of Korea’s entertainment world. But this latest episode stood out for its blend of humor, honesty, and heartfelt performances.
In the talk waiting room, the sparks between Lalal and Kim Shin-young’s alter egos set the tone for a night of friendly rivalry and creative expression. The laughter was infectious, but the stories shared—about dashed dreams, sudden changes, and the realities of show business—struck a chord with viewers who know that success is rarely straightforward.
Lalal’s journey, in particular, offers a window into the unpredictable world of modern entertainment. Once a hopeful musical actor, she found herself at a crossroads when the path she’d planned was abruptly blocked. Rather than giving up, she reinvented herself as a creator, comedian, and now, a singer capable of moving an audience to silence. Her willingness to address rumors directly—especially about her financial status and the “Lalalland” building—added a refreshing note of transparency in an industry often clouded by image and speculation.
Meanwhile, the reactions of her fellow performers—ranging from admiration to confusion—highlighted the changing face of Korean entertainment. The rise of sub-characters, the blending of genres, and the embrace of digital creators all point to a future where talent is measured not just by traditional standards but by the ability to connect, surprise, and adapt.
As the credits rolled on another memorable episode of Immortal Songs, one thing was clear: Lalal’s story is far from over. Whether she’s making people laugh, challenging old hierarchies, or singing her heart out, she embodies the spirit of an industry in flux—resilient, inventive, and always ready for the next act.