KBS2 "Immortal Songs"'s Lee Ji-hoon and Son Ho-jun won the trophy together for the first time in 6 years, showcasing their reputation as the "musical prince."
According to the ratings agency Nielsen Korea, the 696th episode of "Immortal Songs" (directed by Park Hyung-keun, Kim Hyung-seok, and Choi Seung-beom) recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 5.3% and 4.6% in the metropolitan area, achieving the top rating for the time slot. This marks an impressive 109 weeks of maintaining the number one position, making it the unrivaled leader of Saturday entertainment.
KBS2 "Immortal Songs" is unquestionably the best music entertainment program, boasting top viewership ratings. The 696th episode, aired on the 8th (Saturday), was themed as the "Immortal Way Special," featuring performances by Seven & Jin-jin, Choi Jung-won & Jung Young-joo, Ken (KEN) & Kay, Yang Ji-eun & Kim Da-hyun, and Lee Ji-hoon & Son Jun-ho, each showcasing musical numbers with their unique styles, highlighting the prestige of K-musicals. Additionally, Park Kyung-rim appeared as a special MC, making the talk room atmosphere lively.
Before the formal competition began, the musical "Dream High" team performed the opening stage. The newly created musical "Dream High," based on the KBS drama "Dream High," radiated the vibrant energy of youth, singing of dreams and hope, captivating everyone's attention.
As the formal competition began, Seven & Jin-jin were the first names drawn. They selected the number "Celebrity" from "Dream High," kicking off the competition. Seven and Jin-jin presented a performance that truly proved why the identity of "Dream High" is a "show musical." Their performance stimulated the five senses with shoulder-shaking movements and heart-pounding energy. Additionally, Im Se-joon of Victon appeared as a guest, adding vigor to the stage and exploding with energy.
Next, Choi Jung-won & Jung Young-joo took the stage with the musical "FAME"'s number "FAME." Choi Jung-won and Jung Young-joo overwhelmed with their voices as they began. Even while executing the choreography, the two showcased explosive vocal strength, surprising the audience. Moreover, in the middle of their performance, they got the audience on their feet to enjoy the stage together. Choi Jung-won and Jung Young-joo, alongside the ensemble, displayed an overwhelming presence and passion that reminded everyone of an actual musical, capturing attention. Consequently, Choi Jung-won & Jung Young-joo secured the winner's seat with more votes than Seven & Jin-jin.
The third pair, Ken & Kay, performed "A Whole New World" from the musical "Aladdin." Ken and Kay became the prince and princess of "Aladdin," presenting a fantastic harmony. Their voices blended beautifully, evoking a fairy-tale-like sensation. While gazing at each other, Ken and Kay exchanged sweet looks and smiles, exhilarating the audience. Especially delightful was the laughter that erupted from both after finishing the song, adding to their charm. In the second match, Ken & Kay defeated the strong favorites Choi Jung-won & Jung Young-joo, fulfilling Kay's aspiration for a victory.
Yang Ji-eun & Kim Da-hyun, leveraging traditional Korean music, followed up with "Let's Go on the Path" and "While Living" from the musical "Seopyeonje." With a solid traditional music foundation, the two conveyed deep emotions that resonated with the audience. Additionally, from the beginning of the performance, a children's musical choir appeared, enhancing the stage's completeness and emotional impact. Yang Ji-eun & Kim Da-hyun delivered the musical's message with an angelic harmony, soothing the hearts of the audience. However, in the third battle, Ken & Kay secured a two-time victory with more votes than Yang Ji-eun & Kim Da-hyun, maintaining their position as winners.
Finally, Lee Ji-hoon & Son Jun-ho became the stars of the finale stage. Choosing the number "This Moment" from "Jekyll and Hyde," they filled the stage with voices and harmonies that exemplified the title of "musical prince." The exchange between the youthful Lee Ji-hoon and the deep-voiced Son Jun-ho elevated the performance to its maximum completeness. Particularly captivating were Lee Ji-hoon and Son Jun-ho's high notes that evoked admiration. Their chemistry, showcased multiple times in duets on "Immortal Songs," stood out. Consequently, Lee Ji-hoon & Son Jun-ho halted Ken & Kay's three-time winning streak, securing the trophy for the final victory. After 6 years, they celebrated the addition of another trophy under their names.
This special episode featured a variety of performers, including legends of the globally impactful K-musical, pillars, and newcomers, presenting a feast of beautiful musical numbers, while also providing an opportunity for viewers to enjoy diverse musical styles in one place, greatly elevating audience satisfaction.
[Photo] Capture from KBS 2TV "Immortal Songs" broadcast.
[OSEN = Reporter Kang Seo-jung]