Yoon Soo Il, the celebrated South Korean singer, made a notable appearance on the KBS show 'My Ugly Duckling' on February 22, 2025, where he shared insights and memories surrounding his iconic song 'Apartment'. This episode not only celebrated his musical legacy but also marked the renewed popularity of 1980s Korean music, exemplified by the recent resurgence of 'Apartment' through covers and re-interpretations.
During the show, Yoon Soo Il candidly discussed how the song 'Apartment' was born out of personal experiences, particularly inspired by the heartbreak of his friend whose partner had left, leading him to write lyrics filled with emotional resonance. "The song was inspired by seeing my friend's heartbreak when their partner left, leading me to create 'Apartment'. It was decided within five minutes," he recounted, quoted on KBS2TV. This candid moment provided insight not just on the song but on the poignant narratives often found within his music.
The episode transformed the atmosphere by presenting reinterpretations of Yoon's classics by newer artists. One highlight was Son Seung-yeon's rendition of 'Beautiful,' which conveyed fresh energy and emotion, earning praise from Yoon Soo Il himself. He watched with enthusiasm as younger talents paid homage to his work, remarking, "When I went to the Miss Korea event to present flowers, participants whom I gave flowers to ended up winning top awards," another cherished memory from his past.
MC Shin Dong-yup added humor to the narrative by recalling the coincidental success of the contestants Yoon gifted flowers to during the Miss Korea pageants, including renowned actresses Go Hyun-jung and Oh Hyun-kyung, who both received awards after his thoughtful gestures.
Yoon Soo Il’s original musical style, often characterized by a vibrant funky rhythm, created lasting impressions not just on audiences but also shaped the soundscape of K-pop during the 1980s. Artists today draw from his legacy, with 'My Ugly Duckling' serving to spotlight both historical and contemporary achievements of musicians.
Throughout the episode, viewers were treated to the remarkable engagements between the MCs and Yoon Soo Il, as they navigated through stories of past triumphs and current successes. The show articulated not just nostalgia but the living legacy of his music as it continues to inspire new generations.
'My Ugly Duckling', often celebrating the contributions of musicians like Yoon Soo Il, creates space for artists to reflect on their impact on music and culture. It's not merely about revisiting songs but about recontextualizing them within the fabric of current pop culture—connecting the dots between past and present.
With its mix of heartfelt storytelling and lively performances, the show transcended ordinary musical tributes, allowing audiences to appreciate the depth of connection between artists and their songs. Fans commented on social media with enthusiastic responses, highlighting their memories and experiences related to Yoon's legendary music.
Yoon Soo Il's appearance on 'My Ugly Duckling' marked not just another episode of the series but also served as a reminder of the enduring power of music as it evolves, yet remains timeless—an art form capable of bridging generational gaps and evoking shared experiences.
Through this celebrated appearance, Yoon Soo Il solidified his role not only as a nostalgic figure but as one whose music still resonates today, capturing the hearts of listeners across ages.