On the evening of February 21, 2026, viewers across South Korea tuned in to KBS2 for a particularly festive episode of Immortal Songs. Episode 745 was no ordinary installment—it was a jubilant tribute to the legendary trot singer and songwriter Seol Woon-do, marking his 44th year in the music industry. The show, known for its tradition of pitting talented artists against each other as they reinterpret classic hits, took things up a notch with a theme that felt as much like a family reunion as a musical competition.
As reported by Celuvmedia, the night’s lineup was a who’s who of rising and established stars: Son Tae-jin, Jadu, Kim Su-chan, Lee Seung-hyun, LUN8, Cheon Rok-dam, D82, Jeon Yoo-jin, Kim So-hyang & Yoon Hyung-ryeol (from the musical Anna Karenina), and Park Seo-jin. Each brought their own flair to Seol Woon-do’s beloved catalog, but what really set this episode apart was the playful—if fiercely competitive—"family feud" that unfolded on stage.
According to TopStarNews, the rivalry was framed as a battle for Seol Woon-do’s affection. Son Tae-jin, often called Seol’s “adopted son,” Jeon Yoo-jin, the “adopted daughter,” and Lee Seung-hyun, Seol’s actual son, all vied for the spotlight and, perhaps more importantly, for Seol’s symbolic approval. The show’s producers leaned into this theme, even referring to it as a “household squabble,” much to the amusement of the audience and the cast alike.
The first part of the competition unfolded with Cheon Rok-dam taking the stage to perform “Is This Love?” His mature, restrained approach set a contemplative mood, drawing the audience in with a delicate build-up and a heartfelt delivery. As the song progressed, Cheon’s emotional intensity grew, culminating in a performance that felt almost like a personal confession of love. The subtlety and sincerity were not lost on the crowd, who responded with rapt attention.
Next up was Lee Seung-hyun, Seol Woon-do’s biological son. He chose “I Loved Only You,” delivering a performance that showcased both his stable vocals and his inherited stage presence. Lee’s gestures and vocal control seemed to echo his father’s style, creating a sense of continuity between the generations. Despite his impressive showing, Lee didn’t secure a win in this round, but his performance underscored the familial bond and musical legacy at the heart of the episode.
Then came Jeon Yoo-jin, who electrified the room with her rendition of “Samba Woman.” She leaned into a diva concept for the night, focusing on both powerful vocals and dynamic choreography. “I realized I’ve never really shown a performance on Immortal Songs before,” Jeon shared, according to TopStarNews. “Tonight, I wanted to focus on my performance as a diva.” Her energetic stage presence and ability to command both the song’s rhythm and the audience’s attention quickly made her a favorite, as she overtook Cheon Rok-dam to become the round’s victor.
The baton then passed to Son Tae-jin, whose performance of “Love Twist” was a masterclass in blending tradition with personal style. He kept the original’s upbeat rhythm but layered in his own unique vocal color, creating a fresh yet familiar atmosphere. Son’s smooth movement across the stage, relaxed expressions, and easy rapport with the audience turned the performance into a genuine celebration. “I also prepared a performance,” Son teased before the show, “and if I can outdo Yoo-jin with it, I’ll have bragging rights for a whole year!” The friendly rivalry between Son and Jeon was palpable, adding an extra spark to the proceedings.
LUN8 closed out the first half with a high-energy reinterpretation of “Let’s Cha-Cha-Cha Together.” Their choreography-driven performance injected youthful enthusiasm into the classic, and the group’s dynamic stage presence was impossible to ignore. The original’s infectious spirit was preserved, but the arrangement and dance moves gave it a modern twist. Seol Woon-do himself was moved to comment, “Today is a day when trot music truly thrives. Meeting such talented singers and seeing ‘Let’s Cha-Cha-Cha Together’ reborn as new music makes me so happy.”
But the drama didn’t end with the performances. As TopStarNews detailed, the so-called “family feud” reached a comedic peak when Son Tae-jin presented a special gift: a prized “turtle stone” that Seol Woon-do had given him. “I heard only two people have received a stone from the teacher—me and Lim Young-woong,” Son said, brimming with pride. Lee Seung-hyun, however, was stunned. “That’s from my father’s villa! He never even let me touch it!” Lee exclaimed, drawing laughter from the cast and audience. Not to be left out, Jeon Yoo-jin set her sights on the coveted stone, declaring, “I’ve never received a stone from Seol Woon-do. My goal tonight is to get one.” The playful back-and-forth turned the rivalry into a lighthearted spectacle, making the episode as entertaining for its banter as for its music.
The final showdown of the first part came down to Son Tae-jin and LUN8. Both acts had delivered standout performances, but in the end, it was Son Tae-jin who clinched victory, earning 424 votes and the title of first part winner. His journey from “adopted son” to champion was complete, at least for the night. The result was celebrated with cheers and applause, and the sense of camaraderie among the contestants was evident—even amid the competitive spirit.
The episode’s success was more than just a testament to Seol Woon-do’s enduring influence; it was a showcase of how his music continues to inspire new generations of performers. The blend of reverence, rivalry, and humor created a uniquely memorable night, one that resonated with fans of all ages. And with the special set to continue the following week, anticipation for more music—and perhaps more “family drama”—was running high.
As the curtain fell on the first part of the Seol Woon-do special, one thing was clear: the legacy of trot music, and of Seol Woon-do himself, is alive and well, carried forward by artists who honor the past while boldly making it their own.