On February 21, 2026, the legendary KBS2 music program Immortal Songs returned with its 745th episode, treating viewers to a dazzling celebration of South Korea’s beloved trot icon, Seol Woon-do. The special, titled 'Artist Seol Woon-do Special', marked the 44th anniversary of Seol’s storied debut, and the air was electric as ten of the nation’s top artists gathered to honor his legacy and vie for the coveted next-generation legend title.
Seol Woon-do, often dubbed 'the Elvis Presley of Korea,' is no stranger to accolades. With over 200 songs penned and composed, and a career that has shaped the very landscape of Korean trot, Seol’s influence spans generations. His hits—like 'Samba's Woman,' 'Love Twist,' and 'Let's All Cha-Cha'—have become cultural touchstones. As MHN reported, Seol has also gifted songs to stars such as Lim Young-woong and Song Ga-in, earning him a reputation as the 'Midas hand' of the trot world.
This episode of Immortal Songs was no ordinary tribute. The stage was set for a fierce but friendly rivalry between two camps: the 'Trot faction,' led by Kim Soo-chan, and the 'Other genres faction,' captained by Jadu. From the get-go, sparks flew—Kim Soo-chan, sporting bold attire, joked, “Is this what rivalry looks like?” while Jadu rallied her team with a spirited “Everybody, stand up!” The banter, as reported by MHN, set the tone for an evening brimming with anticipation and camaraderie.
The night opened with Cheon Nok-dam, a rising star in the trot scene, performing 'Is This Love?', a song composed by Seol Woon-do and his wife, Lee Soo-jin. Cheon, with a wink to his wife in the audience, promised to sing with the freshness of their first meeting. His playful, jazz-infused performance had the audience swaying, and even Seol Woon-do himself was moved to say, “Listening to Cheon Nok-dam, I felt that it won’t be long before K-trot conquers the world.” According to KBS2, Cheon’s stage set a high bar for the evening, earning him enthusiastic applause and a win against Lee Seung-hyun in their first match-up.
Next up was Lee Seung-hyun, Seol Woon-do’s own son, who took the stage with 'I Loved Only You.' Lee’s performance was a heartfelt nod to his father’s towering presence in his life and music. “My father is such a huge figure to me. If he praises me today, I might just break down on the spot,” Lee confessed. The performance, layered with emotion and a polished band sound, drew a touching response from Seol, who admitted, “I was nervous watching, but I believe this will be the moment when ‘Singer Lee Seung-hyun’ truly blossoms.” The father’s recognition brought Lee to tears, a moment that resonated with viewers and fellow contestants alike.
But the competition was just heating up. Jeon Yoo-jin, hailed as the 'next OST queen,' delivered a show-stopping rendition of 'Samba's Woman.' It was her first time staging such a performance-driven number on Immortal Songs, and she didn’t hold back. With powerful vocals and a fiery samba rhythm, Jeon captivated the audience and left her rival, Son Tae-jin, momentarily speechless. “I take back what I said about my performance being the night’s highlight,” Son admitted, while Seol Woon-do declared, “From now on, we should call Jeon Yoo-jin the ‘Samba’s Woman.’” Jeon’s efforts paid off—she secured 403 votes, defeating Cheon Nok-dam and clinching her first victory on the show, as noted by 셀럽미디어.
Son Tae-jin, not to be outdone, soon reclaimed the spotlight. Selecting Seol Woon-do’s mega-hit 'Love Twist,' Son promised to deliver a “10 out of 10” performance. With a retro musical flair and infectious energy, he transformed into the episode’s 'Twist King.' His lively stage had the entire judging panel and audience on their feet, dancing along. Lee Seung-hyun quipped, “It was like watching Elvis Presley,” while Seol Woon-do, clearly delighted, said, “I think I need to give Son Tae-jin another twist song next time.” In a dramatic head-to-head, Son bested Jeon Yoo-jin and went on to achieve a record-breaking 424 votes, taking home the episode’s final trophy.
Adding another layer of excitement, LUN8, a boy band making their Immortal Songs debut, performed 'Let's All Cha-Cha.' Their bright, synchronized choreography and fresh take on the classic won over the crowd. Jadu, visibly moved, remarked, “It was a stage where all generations could come together. My heart feels completely refreshed.” Seol Woon-do himself beamed, “Today is a day when trot is truly thriving.”
Of course, the man of the hour, Seol Woon-do, didn’t just watch from the sidelines. He delivered a special performance of his beloved hit 'Last Love,' drawing admiration and even a few tears from the contestants and judges. The moment underscored the emotional weight of the evening and reminded everyone why Seol’s music endures.
Throughout the broadcast, viewers were treated to a kaleidoscope of genres—jazz, punk, samba, twist, and even K-pop—all woven into Seol Woon-do’s timeless melodies. This genre-bending approach, as highlighted by KBS2, allowed each artist to pay homage to the originals while infusing their own unique flavor. The result was a night of laughter, nostalgia, and genuine musical discovery.
Audience reaction was swift and effusive. Social media buzzed with praise: “Seol Woon-do’s songs are so addictive, I keep replaying them,” “Cheon Nok-dam’s stage was pure class,” “Lee Seung-hyun’s sincerity and stage presence were top-notch,” and “Son Tae-jin, you’re the dancing king!” Fans also celebrated LUN8’s explosive debut, calling them “the living embodiment of Pocari Sweat” for their refreshing energy.
The episode not only topped its time slot with a 6.4% nationwide viewership rating (according to Nielsen Korea), but also reminded audiences why Immortal Songs remains a Saturday night staple. The show’s ability to bridge generations, genres, and emotions is no small feat—and with legends like Seol Woon-do at the heart of it, the magic is bound to continue.
As the first part of the 'Artist Seol Woon-do Special' wraps up, anticipation is already building for the next installment. With every performance, the torch of trot is passed a little further, and the search for the next legend continues—one unforgettable stage at a time.