The legendary lineup of the '80s Seoul Music Awards has been revealed, igniting anticipation for the main event set to take place on Sept. 11.
On Aug. 23, the MBC variety show 'What Do You Do When You Play?' (directed by Kim Jin-yong, Lee Joo-won, Ahn Ji-sun, Lee Do-eun, Bang Seong-su/writer Noh Min-sun) featured a segment unveiling the identities of the 15 participants in the '80s Seoul Music Awards. Producer Yoo Jae-seok, Haha, Joo Woo-jae, and writer Lee Yi-kyung showcased a time travel experience bringing the participants from 2025 to the 1980s, signaling the official start of the music awards.
The '80s Seoul Music Awards' not only heated up online but also continued to gain viewership ratings. The broadcast of 'What Do You Do When You Play?' recorded a 6.3% viewership rating in the metropolitan area, achieving first place among variety shows in the same time slot and on Saturdays. The key indicator measuring the channel's competitiveness and popularity, the 2049 rating, stood at 3.0%, marking first place among all Saturday programs, including variety shows and dramas. The top minute featured legendary singer Yoon Do-hyun and the surprising talented actor Lee Joon-young, along with rapper DinDin, finishing their song, which saw a peak viewership rating of 7.3%. (according to Nielsen Korea for the metropolitan area)
The participants formed groups of three to sing hit songs from the 1980s and reveal their identities. The first team, Gongjak Sangga-Donga Planning-Jongno Bookstore, made their appearance singing 'When You Enter My Heart' (by Jo Deok-bae). Jongno Bookstore was revealed to be Woozi, the main character of the viral song 'Drowning' that swept the first half of 2025. Woozi noted, "I sang in the preliminary round the day after I was discharged from the military," sharing a behind-the-scenes story that drew attention. Gongjak Sangga's Park Myung-soo, who passed after the qualification round, stated, "The one who survives wins," expressing his thoughts. Donga Planning was revealed to be the trustable voice of Ha Dong-kyun, who appeared tired and drained next to Park Myung-soo, bringing smiles.
The appearance of Namsan Tower actor Park Young-kyu, who showcased desperation and passion to succeed in the qualification round, was welcomed. The song 'Friend' (by Jo Yong-pil) sung by the trio of Namsan Tower-Jamsu Bridge-Nakwon Sangga resonated with everyone's hearts. Nakwon Sangga was the heroic actor Jung Sung-hwa from the musical world. Yoo Jae-seok shared a story about Jung Sung-hwa, recalling a moment during a past performance at Seoul Arts College when he thought, "Did this friend sing so well?" The identity of Jamsu Bridge, whom Yoo Jae-seok guessed to be over 40, was revealed to be Ma Sua's Choi Jeong-hun. Choi Jeong-hun explained, "I was told my gestures revealed my age," sharing the reason for his youthful fashion and reflecting on the lessons learned from being eliminated in the MSG Wannabe audition, stating, "This time, I focused on capturing the feel of the 80s in accordance with the purpose of the music awards."
The three-member female group Midopa Department Store-Sangbong Terminal-New York Confectionery heightened the atmosphere by singing 'I Still Don't Know Love' (by Lee Ji-yeon). The identity of New York Confectionery was the global idol IVE's Liz, and Yoo Jae-seok cheered, "It's Liz's era now." Born in 2004, Liz commented, "I have many songs my mother loves, even though I didn't experience the 80s directly," while Haha expressed surprise, noting that Liz's mother was born in 1977, saying, "She's two years older than me." Midopa Department Store, showcasing a contrasting vibrant voice with powerful arms, was the trending creator Lalal. Lalal jokingly complained, "Why did you close-up on my arms?" eliciting laughter. Sangbong Terminal was Mamamoo's Solar. Park Young-kyu praised Solar's rendition of 'To J' (by Lee Sun-hee) during the preliminary round, stating it was better than the original and expressed a desire to duet.
The only mixed group, Olympic Boulevard-Third Han River Bridge-Marronnier Park, filled the stage with their voices singing 'Regret' (by Sinchon Blues). The identity of Marronnier Park, as everyone guessed, was Lee Jeok, who caught attention as he met Yoo Jae-seok for the first time in 14 years since 'Infinite Challenge' music awards. Lee Jeok mentioned, "I feel so good to participate as a contestant after only judging for a long time," expressing his thoughts. The buzzworthy participant, Third Han River Bridge, who topped the views for the song shorts in the preliminary round, is the singer Choi Yu-ri, who receives love calls from many singers. Haha said, "I've only heard of her through rumors, so it's my first time seeing her in person," expressing delight. Olympic Boulevard was comedian Lee Yong-jin, showcasing surprising vocal skills among competitive singers. Yoo Jae-seok praised, "Singing like this is different."
Sundori-Gulrungso Boy-Pimatgol ended the show with the movie OST 'Watercolor on a Rainy Day.' Pimatgol's identity was, as expected, Yoon Do-hyun, whose appearance amazed Yoo Jae-seok, saying, "I didn't expect Yoon Do-hyun to participate in the music awards." Gulrungso Boy was the actor Lee Joon-young from the OTT dramas 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' and 'Weak Hero 2.' Before his acting career, Lee Joon-young debuted as an idol in U-KISS and showcased solid high notes during the preliminary round, earning a pass. Yoo Jae-seok commented, "These days he's truly in his prime," expressing delight. The identity of Sundori, who lay down to sing in the preliminary round, was rapper and singer DinDin, who is also good at singing. Yoo Jae-seok shared, "The production team honestly thought DinDin would get eliminated in the preliminary round," providing a postscript that drew laughs.
From the chilling legendary singer to hidden gems unknown in the field and unexpectedly talented performers, the '80s Seoul Music Awards' lined up 15 individuals with distinct personalities and charms, raising expectations for an unprecedented music awards. There's curiosity about whether they will appear as solo artists or form a group. In the midst of this, the popular 'attached man' Park Myung-soo showed interest in Solar, Choi Yu-ri, and Liz, while Park Myung-soo and Park Young-kyu made everyone laugh with their playful chemistry. Yoo Jae-seok expressed, "I really look forward to the music awards. I think no one can predict the outcome."
In the recently revealed trailer at the end of the broadcast, Yoo Jae-seok announced the main event of the '80s Seoul Music Awards' will take place on Sept. 11, receiving a barrage of questions from the ambitious participants. Notably, the iconic guest, actress Kim Hee-ae, will make an appearance, increasing anticipation. MBC's 'What Do You Do When You Play?' airs every Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
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