On April 19, 2025, KBS2's popular show Immortal Songs featured members of the girl group Lovelyz, Kei and Ryu Soo-jeong, as they shared heartwarming anecdotes about their connection with renowned musician Yoon Sang. This episode, titled 'Artist Kim Hyun-cheol X Yoon Sang X Lee Hyun-woo', showcased the extraordinary musical talents of three artists who have significantly influenced the Korean music scene over the past three decades.
According to the production team of Immortal Songs, this special episode, the 702nd in the series, not only highlighted the impressive careers of Kim Hyun-cheol, Yoon Sang, and Lee Hyun-woo but also celebrated their enduring friendship. The trio has been affectionately dubbed 'musicians' musicians' for their profound impact on the ballad and pop genres in South Korea.
During the episode, Kei and Ryu Soo-jeong revealed their admiration for Yoon Sang, who is often referred to as the 'father of Lovelyz's music'. Kei remarked, "Yoon Sang really adores his son. So, I've seen Anton's friends a lot since his debut," referring to Yoon Sang's son, Anton, a member of the group RIIZE. This comment elicited laughter from the audience as it showcased Yoon Sang's proud fatherly side.
Ryu Soo-jeong added to the lighthearted atmosphere by sharing, "Yoon Sang constantly looks at his son's pictures. When I say, 'Your son looks really like you,' he says, 'I don't know,' and smiles shyly." This playful banter highlighted Yoon Sang's endearing personality and his tendency to shy away from compliments about his son.
In a touching moment, Kei expressed her gratitude towards Yoon Sang, stating, "Yoon Sang makes and gives me music color chips from the beginning, and he's like the father of Lovelyz's music." Her heartfelt appreciation for Yoon Sang's mentorship resonated with viewers, emphasizing the close bond they share.
However, the episode took an unexpected turn when Kei and Ryu Soo-jeong chose to perform Lee Hyun-woo's song 'Heartfelt Day' instead of one of Yoon Sang's compositions. This surprising decision caught everyone off guard, adding an element of excitement to the performance.
Meanwhile, fellow contestant Lim Han-byul selected the song 'Lee Byeol's Grune', humorously expressing her hopes that performing one of Yoon Sang's songs could elevate her stage presence globally. Her ambition to reach international audiences through the revered musician's work added a competitive edge to the show.
This special episode not only celebrated the musical legacies of Kim Hyun-cheol, Yoon Sang, and Lee Hyun-woo but also showcased a lineup of talented artists who brought fresh interpretations to their classic hits. The blend of established stars and emerging talents created a captivating viewing experience for fans.
Throughout the episode, the camaraderie among the three veteran musicians was palpable. Kim Hyun-cheol, known for his incredible vocal prowess, humorously suggested that Lee Hyun-woo perform the 'Gangnam Style' dance, eliciting laughter from the audience. Lee Hyun-woo's witty response, asking for Kim to be removed for being a distraction, further entertained viewers and showcased their playful dynamic.
Lee Seok-hoon, who previously appeared on Immortal Songs during the SG Wannabe special, made a memorable return to keep a promise he had made. "I came to this spot to keep the promise I made to come back if I sang a song," he stated, reminding fans of his commitment to the show.
As the episode progressed, the atmosphere was filled with lighthearted competition. Contestants joked about Lee Seok-hoon's status as a 'visual rival', with Go Young-bae humorously noting that they were both representatives of the 'glasses look' in the music industry. This playful banter added to the show's charm and kept the audience engaged.
Fans of Immortal Songs have come to appreciate the show's unique format, where singers reinterpret legendary songs in their own style while competing on stage. Since its debut in June 2011, the program has become a staple of Korean entertainment, with over 2000 songs reinterpreted and an audience count exceeding 280,000 people.
Each week, the show airs every Saturday at 6 PM on KBS2TV, maintaining its position as a leading music entertainment program in South Korea. The ongoing popularity of Immortal Songs speaks to its ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary artistry, making it a beloved platform for both seasoned musicians and rising stars.
As the two-week special featuring Kim Hyun-cheol, Yoon Sang, and Lee Hyun-woo continues, viewers eagerly anticipate more memorable performances and heartwarming moments. The rich history and ongoing evolution of these artists serve as a reminder of the enduring power of music to connect generations.