On May 10, 2025, KBS2's 'Immortal Songs' featured its 705th episode, showcasing the artistry of renowned singer Joo Hyun-mi. The episode, which was the second part of a special tribute to the artist, saw musical diva Hong Ji-min clinching the final victory, marking a significant return to the stage after a long hiatus.
Hong Ji-min, who celebrated her 30th anniversary in the music industry, made headlines not only for her powerful performance but also for her impressive weight loss journey, having shed 32 kilograms after childbirth. "I lost a lot of weight, but since the outfits are set sizes, I need to lose a bit more to fit properly," she explained during the show, reflecting on her dedication to maintaining her performance standards.
This episode was particularly poignant as it highlighted the emotional journeys of the performers. Cheon Dan-bi had previously won first place on the show just three days earlier, on May 7, 2025. His victory was a remarkable achievement for a first-time participant, and he expressed his gratitude, stating, "I feel very honored to win on my first appearance. I want to thank my senior, Jo Jzzy, for his support."
As the first performer of the evening, Jo Jzzy captivated the audience with a soulful rendition of Joo Hyun-mi's 'Going to Memories'. His jazz-funky arrangement had the crowd swaying, and fellow artist Enoch praised him, noting, "Jo Jzzy truly captured the essence of the funky style. He doesn’t seem like a newcomer at all; he’s musically exceptional!"
Next up was the duo of Hong Kyung-min and Eun Soo-hyun. Known for his collaborations, Hong Kyung-min introduced Eun Soo-hyun, a talented newcomer who previously studied art and now also engages as a golf influencer. Together, they prepared a grand stage for their performance of 'Jjamkkanman', complete with 12 dancers and a 20-member choir, which left a lasting impression on the audience. "This stage is incredibly precious, and we prepared very hard for it," Hong Kyung-min remarked.
The third performance came from Oh Ah-yeon, whose member Soo-yeon had the unique experience of performing in front of her mother for the first time. They delivered a refreshing version of Joo Hyun-mi's 'The Man of Shinsa-dong', showcasing their vibrant vocals and musicality. The emotional weight of the moment was not lost on the audience, with Hong Ji-min commenting, "I could hear the heartbeat of both of them, and it brought tears to my eyes to see such a touching moment between mother and daughter."
Joo Hyun-mi herself expressed pride in her daughter Soo-yeon, saying, "She is the youngest in our family, but I feel she has grown up so much. I initially opposed her pursuing music, but she has developed her own unique style, and I couldn’t be prouder."
After a series of impressive performances, the competition heated up. Jo Jzzy initially took the lead, but Hong Ji-min's performance of 'Tears of a Woman' struck a deep chord with the audience and the judges alike. Infusing her rendition with the voice of her 94-year-old mother, who suffers from dementia, Hong Ji-min created a heartfelt atmosphere. Joo Hyun-mi commented, "It felt like a song dedicated to a mother. It was incredibly moving. I believe your mother will be very happy to hear this. Your mother’s voice was truly touching. Thank you!"
With this powerful performance, Hong Ji-min secured her first victory of the night, surpassing Jo Jzzy. The final act of the evening featured Enoch, who delivered a dazzling performance of 'Jjipsarang', captivating the audience with his theatrical style and elaborate staging. Joo Hyun-mi praised him for his creativity, stating, "This was a performance I wouldn’t want to miss; I’d love to see a full musical from him!"
The night concluded with Hong Ji-min achieving her final victory, solidifying her return to the spotlight after a nine-year absence from the show. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed a desire to return more than 30 times, saying, "I haven’t been able to participate since my second childbirth, but I hope to come back many more times!"
As the episode wrapped, the audience was left with a sense of nostalgia and inspiration, celebrating the resilience and talent of the performers. Hong Ji-min's emotional journey and triumphant return resonated with viewers, making this episode of 'Immortal Songs' a memorable tribute to both the artists and the enduring power of music.
