KBS2 "Immortal Songs" stars Park Ae-ri and Popin Hyun-jun won with a high-quality performance that blends traditional Korean music and dance.
According to the ratings agency Nielsen Korea, the 710th episode of "Immortal Songs" (directed by Park Hyung-geun, Kim Hyung-seok, and Choi Seung-beom) recorded a nationwide rating of 5.2%, maintaining the top spot for 123 consecutive weeks in the same time slot.
The 710th episode aired on the 14th (Saturday) as a special themed "Trust me, sister," featuring couples Mina-Ryu Philip, Cha Ji-yeon-Yoon Tae-on, Lim Jung-hee-Kim Hee-hyun, Eun Ga-eun-Park Hyun-ho, Park Ae-ri-Popin Hyun-jun, and Kim Sa-eun-Seong Min who showcased perfect chemistry on stage.
MC Shin Dong-yeob chose Mina-Ryu Philip as the first performers. The couple ignited the stage with their selection of "Now is the time" by Seoul Family. From the beginning, Mina's intense sexy dance performance captivated the audience, culminating in a mind-blowing pole dance. Ryu Philip supported with vocals and dance alongside members of the group So Real, leading a powerful chorus. The couple Mina-Ryu Philip, captivating both sight and sound, presented a stage that resembled a grand gift set.
The second act featured Cha Ji-yeon and Yoon Tae-on who reinterpreted the classic song "Please" by Lee So-ra from a male and female perspective, stirring emotions. Cha Ji-yeon's strident high notes intersected perfectly with Yoon Tae-on's low and rough voice, conveying the pain of love and separation. As they had once experienced a relationship crisis, the lyrics of "Please" sounded even more poignant. The exchanged glances between the two opened a dramatic scene on stage. In the fierce first competition, Mina-Ryu Philip succeeded with one win.
In the third performance, Lim Jung-hee and Kim Hee-hyun were selected to sing Lyn's "Time Flies Backwards." Currently in her 22nd week of pregnancy, Lim Jung-hee added meaningful significance by stating it was a stage "with the baby in her womb." Proving this point, Kim Hee-hyun's graceful dance performance combined with Lim Jung-hee's explosive vocal talent completed a theatrical piece. The gestures and dances from the Seoul City Dance Company that supported Kim Hee-hyun maximized the dimensionality of the stage, highlighting the beauty of Korea. Accordingly, Lim Jung-hee and Kim Hee-hyun prevented Mina-Ryu Philip from achieving a second win and claimed the winner's seat.
Following them were Eun Ga-eun and Park Hyun-ho. This couple, who chose Ed Po's "Woman in the Rain," captured attention from the start with a performance using umbrellas. Eun Ga-eun's refreshing high notes and Park Hyun-ho's stable harmonies, combined with lively performances from dancers, completed a refreshing stage. Particularly, their smooth couple dance demonstrated perfect chemistry. A deep kiss performance at the finale instantly caught everyone's attention. Eun Ga-eun and Park Hyun-ho claimed one win, not allowing Lim Jung-hee and Kim Hee-hyun's second victory.
The fifth stage featured Park Ae-ri and Popin Hyun-jun. They presented a fresh shock by structuring Song Chang-sik's "Lady at the Tobacco Shop" like a creative musical. Park Ae-ri showed off her charm in male attire, while Popin Hyun-jun transformed into female attire, delivering both comic and detailed emotional acting. Park Ae-ri showcased her traditional musical talents in the middle section, leading to an exciting stage. Moreover, Popin Hyun-jun's precise performance enhanced the overall quality. As a result, Park Ae-ri and Popin Hyun-jun, with more votes than Eun Ga-eun and Park Hyun-ho, claimed their place as the winners.
The final finale was decorated by Kim Sa-eun and Seong Min. The couple performed Nam Jin's "Partner," pouring their parental passion of eight months into the stage. Kim Sa-eun dominated the stage with her intense gaze and unwavering tone, while Seong Min enhanced the trot vocals with action, creating a couple's action scene reminiscent of the film "Mission Impossible." Thus, they completed the trot version of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith."
Park Ae-ri and Popin Hyun-jun triumphed over Kim Sa-eun and Seong Min to enjoy the joy of ultimate victory. Having met the judging panel of classic songs as the representative couple of "Immortal Songs" for a long time, Park Ae-ri and Popin Hyun-jun smiled while holding another trophy. This special featured six couples showcasing their love story, filling the screen with a pink hue and providing healthy and cheerful laughter. Each couple, based on exceptional talent, demonstrated perfect chemistry as lifelong partners, delivering a richly enjoyable stage to the audience.
[Photo] KBS 2TV "Immortal Songs" broadcast capture.
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