Joo Hyun-mi Celebrates 40 Years Of Music On Immortal Songs

On May 10, 2025, KBS 2TV's 'Immortal Songs' aired a special episode celebrating the 40th anniversary of renowned singer Joo Hyun-mi. This heartfelt tribute featured a range of performances from various artists who expressed their admiration for the beloved trot singer. Among them were Kim Soo-chan, Ailee, Son Tae-jin, Hong Ji-min, Kim Jun-soo, Jo Jizz, Cheon-rok-dam, Geum Joong, and the band Oh Ah-ben, which includes Joo Hyun-mi's daughter, Soo-yeon.

The episode was particularly emotional as it highlighted the theme of family love, with Soo-yeon taking the stage for the first time in front of her mother. "I feel really nervous because it's the first time my mom is watching our performance like this," she confessed, adding a personal touch to the evening. Her bandmate So-jeong also shared how she has been friends with Soo-yeon since high school, revealing their close bond and the excitement of performing together.

In a heartwarming moment, So-jeong mentioned that her cousin is actor Byun Yo-han, drawing attention to their family connection. "People say we look alike," she smiled, recalling how Byun Yo-han supported her by encouraging her not to be nervous during their performances.

As the show unfolded, Joo Hyun-mi watched her daughter and the other performers with pride. She expressed her feelings about Soo-yeon's performance of her classic song 'Sinsa-dong, That Person', stating, "I'm so proud of you for expressing your love for music in your own way. Always remember that I'm your number one fan." This moment resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the bond between mother and daughter.

Other artists paid tribute to Joo Hyun-mi by performing some of her most beloved songs. Hong Ji-min selected 'Woman's Tears', dedicating it to her mother, which moved many viewers. Joo Hyun-mi herself was visibly emotional, stating, "It made me think solely of my mother," as tears welled in her eyes.

Throughout her illustrious career since her debut in 1985, Joo Hyun-mi has gifted the world with hits like 'Jjaksarang', 'Rain Falling on Yeongdong Bridge', and 'Sinsa-dong, That Person', establishing herself as a leading female trot artist in South Korea. The 'Immortal Songs' episode served as a retrospective of her journey, celebrating her contributions to the music industry while also showcasing the talents of younger artists who have been inspired by her legacy.

In addition to the performances, Joo Hyun-mi shared personal anecdotes about her life and career. She opened up about her secret relationship with Im Dong-shin, a guitarist and producer in Cho Yong-pil's band. "I was cautious about revealing my relationship because of the love from my fans. I would secretly meet him to avoid being seen by Cho Yong-pil," she recalled, expressing gratitude for the senior artist's understanding during that time.

Joo Hyun-mi also expressed her affection for the song 'Memories Leading to Farewell', produced by her boyfriend. "It’s special because it allowed me to explore a new genre, different from traditional trot rhythms," she said, highlighting her desire to work with him again despite their busy schedules. Host Shin Dong-yeop lightened the mood with a joke, saying, "Maybe you didn’t pay him enough," which elicited laughter from the audience.

The episode's emotional depth was further amplified by the performances of other artists. Ailee, who also appeared on the show, expressed her admiration for Joo Hyun-mi, stating, "She is a strict yet warm mentor. I have fond memories of singing 'Jjaksarang' during my childhood, and I hope to perform on 'Immortal Songs' 100 times." Her heartfelt tribute resonated with the audience, capturing the essence of Joo Hyun-mi's influence on the next generation of artists.

Enok, known for his work in both musicals and trot, also shared his experiences with Joo Hyun-mi, calling her a strict yet nurturing teacher. He performed 'Jjaksarang', a song he had sung during childhood talent shows, bringing a nostalgic touch to the evening.

The show concluded with a powerful sense of unity and respect among the artists, as they celebrated Joo Hyun-mi's remarkable career and the impact she has had on Korean music. The heartfelt performances and emotional exchanges created a memorable experience for viewers, solidifying the bond between generations of artists.

As 'Immortal Songs' continues to air every Saturday at 6:05 PM on KBS 2TV, this special tribute to Joo Hyun-mi will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on fans and newcomers alike. The love and appreciation shown during this episode reflect not only Joo Hyun-mi's significance in the music industry but also the enduring power of family and friendship in the world of entertainment.