On the evening of February 21, 2026, KBS2’s long-running music competition show Immortal Songs delivered a special episode brimming with nostalgia, rivalry, and humor as it paid tribute to one of South Korea’s most enduring trot legends, Seol Woon-do. Celebrating his 44th year in the music industry, the 745th episode—aptly titled the ‘Artist Seol Woon-do Special’—brought together a constellation of rising and established stars to reinterpret his classic hits in a spirited contest for both the audience’s applause and Seol Woon-do’s approval.
The episode, which aired at 6:05 PM KST, set the stage for not just a musical showdown, but a playful family drama of sorts. According to TopStarNews, the night’s central narrative revolved around what was jokingly called a ‘household battle’ for Seol Woon-do’s affection, featuring his biological son Lee Seung-hyun, his so-called ‘adopted son’ Son Tae-jin, and his ‘adopted daughter’ Jeon Yoo-jin. The friendly rivalry, laced with inside jokes and heartfelt moments, gave the evening a unique warmth that resonated with viewers and participants alike.
The competition’s first part saw performances in the following order: Cheon Rok-dam, Lee Seung-hyun, Jeon Yoo-jin, Son Tae-jin, and the idol group LUN8. Each artist brought their own flair to Seol Woon-do’s timeless tracks, reimagining them for a new generation while honoring their original spirit. Cheon Rok-dam opened with “Is This Love?”, captivating the audience with a mature tone and restrained emotional delivery. As reported by TV Daily, his performance began simply but crescendoed with emotion, drawing listeners into the song’s bittersweet lyricism and earning him an early lead.
Next up was Seol Woon-do’s own son, Lee Seung-hyun, who took the stage with “I Loved Only You.” His stable vocals and commanding presence immediately drew comparisons to his legendary father. Lee’s relaxed gestures and robust singing suggested that musical talent runs deep in the family, even if he ultimately ceded victory to Cheon Rok-dam in this round. Nonetheless, the performance showcased Lee’s potential and left a strong impression on the panel and audience.
Jeon Yoo-jin, known as the ‘adopted daughter’ of Seol Woon-do, then electrified the room with her rendition of “Samba Woman.” Her passionate energy, dynamic vocal range, and bold stage presence flipped the mood on its head, transforming the atmosphere into a lively celebration. Jeon’s ability to balance vocal power with nuanced performance won her the round against Cheon Rok-dam, making her the new leader—and setting the stage for an even more intense rivalry.
It was then Son Tae-jin’s turn to take the spotlight. Performing “Love’s Twist,” he managed to both honor the original’s upbeat rhythm and infuse it with his own unique vocal color. His smooth movement, relaxed expressions, and easy rapport with the audience turned the performance into a joyful party. According to TV Daily, Son’s approach “created a festive atmosphere” and ultimately allowed him to surpass Jeon Yoo-jin, positioning him as the lead contender for the night’s top prize.
LUN8, the final act of the first part, reimagined “Let’s Cha-Cha Together” with youthful energy and synchronized choreography. Their fresh arrangement and dynamic dance moves breathed new life into the classic, earning praise from Seol Woon-do himself. As he remarked, “Today is a day when trot is being celebrated. Meeting such great singers and seeing ‘Let’s Cha-Cha Together’ reinterpreted into a new kind of music makes me so happy.”
The first part of the competition culminated in a head-to-head showdown between Son Tae-jin and LUN8. After a close vote, Son Tae-jin emerged as the victor, securing 424 votes and claiming the evening’s top honors. This win was more than just a personal triumph—it symbolized the passing of the torch from one generation of trot musicians to the next.
But the competition wasn’t limited to musical prowess alone. The night was peppered with light-hearted banter and playful jabs as the three ‘children’ vied for Seol Woon-do’s affection—and, more specifically, his prized ‘turtle stone.’ This unique gift, as explained by TopStarNews, is a cherished item in Seol Woon-do’s collection, given only to Son Tae-jin and another singer, Im Young-woong. Son, proud of his status, declared, “There are only two people who have received a turtle stone from the teacher: me and Im Young-woong.”
Lee Seung-hyun, upon seeing the stone, was quick to express mock indignation, exclaiming, “That’s really from my father’s villa! I wasn’t even allowed to touch it!” The audience and fellow contestants erupted in laughter. Not to be left out, Jeon Yoo-jin made her ambitions clear, stating, “I’ve never received a turtle stone from Seol Woon-do. My goal today is to get one.” Her determined gaze at the coveted item added another layer of playful rivalry to the night.
This dynamic, fueled by affection and a healthy dose of competitiveness, was further amplified by the shared history between Son Tae-jin and Jeon Yoo-jin, often referred to as the ‘Trot trend Jinjin siblings.’ Both are known for their previous collaborations, but this time, the gloves were off. Jeon revealed, “I’ve never shown a performance on ‘Immortal Songs’ before. Today, I went for a diva concept and focused on the performance.” Son Tae-jin responded in kind, “I also prepared a performance. I want to beat Yoo-jin with my performance and tease her about it for a year.” Jeon, not one to back down, replied, “Losing to Son Tae-jin in performance would really hurt my pride.”
The friendly rivalry between the ‘siblings’ and the biological son brought out the best in each performer, pushing them to new artistic heights. The tension and camaraderie were palpable, making the episode not just a competition, but a celebration of the relationships that have grown around Seol Woon-do’s music and mentorship.
As the episode drew to a close, the audience was left with more than just memories of stellar performances. The playful ‘battle for dad’s love’—complete with the coveted turtle stone—served as a reminder of the deep bonds that music can forge. For viewers, it was a chance to see their favorite artists in a new light, not just as competitors, but as members of an extended musical family.
The Immortal Songs – Artist Seol Woon-do Special continues next week, promising more laughter, more rivalry, and more unforgettable interpretations of trot classics. For now, Son Tae-jin’s victory stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Seol Woon-do’s music and the vibrant energy of the new generation poised to carry his legacy forward.