In KBS2's 'Immortal Songs,' La Poem defeated Kim Ki-tae and successfully avenged their loss in the championship. La Poem achieved a score of 3:1 against Kim Ki-tae and also secured a ticket to the championship.
According to Nielsen Korea, 'Immortal Songs' (directed by Park Hyung-geun, Kim Hyung-seok, and Choi Seung-beom) recorded a viewership rating of 5.8% nationwide and 5.1% in the capital area for its 695th episode, marking it as the number one show in its time slot. This marks an impressive 108 weeks of undisputed number one status in the Saturday variety program.
KBS2's 'Immortal Songs' is undoubtedly the best music variety program, boasting a consistent number one viewership rating. The 695th episode, aired on March 1, featured the special 'March 1st, sounds of the day, awaken today!' with performances from ONEWE, Seo Do Band X Kim Tae-yeon, Kim Dong-hyun, Jung Dong-ha, Kim Ki-tae, and La Poem, reflecting back on the struggles for independence amid the oppression of the Japanese.
The show opened with ONEWE, who was the first to be called on stage. They chose the 'Independence Army Song' and expressed hope that viewers would see the spirit of independence activists in their performance. The stage, which began with a verse of Arirang, blended the orchestral melody with ONEWE's band sound. Amidst the change in atmosphere during the performance, the megaphone and drum sounds resonated, dramatically conveying messages of 'independence' and 'freedom,' evoking a heartfelt response.
Seo Do Band X Kim Tae-yeon took the stage for the second performance with Shin Moon-hee's 'Beautiful Country.' Amid the stage effects of sparkling fireflies, Seo Do and Kim Tae-yeon's voices and band sounds flowed dreamily. Seo Do Band showcased authentic traditional Korean music using Western instruments such as drums and guitars, amazing the audience. As a meeting of the strongest names in traditional music, the stage presented a sophisticated fairy tale-like experience, touching the audience. The victory went to ONEWE, who took the winner's seat.
Third to be called, Kim Dong-hyun sang 'Sol Ah Sol Ah Blue Pine' by Saram Who Find Songs. Kim Dong-hyun opted for a straightforward approach, relying solely on his voice for a more captivating performance. His unique and chilling high notes created a sense of awe. As if captivated by the spirit of the patriots who sacrificed for independence, Kim Dong-hyun knelt on the floor and shed tears, earning applause from those watching. ONEWE, making their first appearance on 'Immortal Songs,' succeeded in achieving their second consecutive win, defeating Kim Dong-hyun to maintain their winner's seat.
Jung Dong-ha stepped up for the fourth performance with Ahn Yeo-eun's 'Song of the 8th Prison Cell.' Jung Dong-ha's signature intense voice added a solemnity, clearly expressing the theme. The choir waving the Taegeukgi during Jung Dong-ha's passionate cry recreated the spirit of the independence struggle. The images of female independence activists from the time, displayed on the screen behind the stage, evoked strong emotions. The shout of 'Long live Korean independence' at the end of the performance resonated deeply. Jung Dong-ha stopped ONEWE's three-win streak and achieved a victory.
Kim Ki-tae rose to the fifth stage with rearrangements of the 'National Anthem' and Yang Hee-eun's 'Evergreen.' The images of the fallen patriots that appeared behind the stage helped draw the audience in from the very start. Kim Ki-tae led the performance with a rough and desperate emotion in his voice. The choir supported him, adding a grand charm. Kim Ki-tae incorporated the National Anthem at both the beginning and end of the performance, strongly touching the hearts of the listeners with its connection to the spirit of the Samil Movement. Kim Ki-tae succeeded in achieving one win by defeating Jung Dong-ha. The revenge match between Kim Ki-tae and La Poem was realized.
La Poem closed the show with the 'Judgment Day,' the OST of the drama 'Gaksital.' La Poem, who recreated iconic scenes from 'Gaksital' with the K Tigers, elevated the stage's perfection to its peak with a brilliant performance and storytelling. The harmony of the three members of La Poem intertwined with the K Tigers' performance, producing an impact beyond that of a musical. The raised arms at the end of the stage perfectly encapsulated the message of this special episode.
In the big match between La Poem and Kim Ki-tae, victory went to La Poem. La Poem successfully avenged their defeat in the championship against Kim Ki-tae, fulfilling their sense of grievance. La Poem defeated Kim Ki-tae and also secured a ticket to the championship for the first half of the year.
This special episode heated the hearts of viewers by capturing the spirit of our fallen patriots. The stage that revisited the noble sacrifices and dedication of the independence activists was sufficient to moisten the audience's living rooms with tears.
[Photo] Capture from the broadcast of KBS 2TV's 'Immortal Songs'
[OSEN]