Singer Lee Jeok has returned as a contestant in a music contest after 14 years. He joined the music entertainment contest stage for the first time since the 2010 MBC 'Infinite Challenge West Coast Highway Song Festival.'
In the episode of MBC 'How Do You Play?' broadcast on the 23rd, the identities of the 15 qualifiers for the '80s Seoul Music Festival' were all revealed.
First, Gongjak Sangga, Dong-A Planning, and Jongno Bookstore passionately performed Jo Deok-bae's 'If You Enter My Heart.' Their identities were revealed to be Park Myung-soo, Ha Dong-gyun, and Woozi, who recently completed military service.
Woozi noted, "It has been about 24 days since I was discharged. I filmed a music video right the day after my discharge," sharing his feelings. He also mentioned the 'Drowning' song, which became a reverse craze during his time away, saying, "I was lucky. I've been busy these days."
In the next stage, Namsan Tower, Jamsu Bridge, and Nakwon Shopping Center sang Jo Yong-pil's 'My Friend.' Their identities were revealed to be actor Park Young-kyu, band member Choi Jeong-hoon from Jannabi, and musical actor Jung Seong-hwa.
Jung Seong-hwa confessed, "I was extremely nervous during the qualifiers. As someone who grew up listening to 80s songs, I wanted to sing songs I know well. I practiced a lot, but when I actually sang, I was so nervous."
Yoo Jae-suk praised Choi Jeong-hoon, saying, "You have a voice that matches the Seoul Music Festival perfectly," and asked, "Did you dress young on purpose today?" Choi Jeong-hoon replied, "That's right. I was told my gestures look obvious," bringing laughter.
In the third stage, Midopa Department Store, Sangbong Terminal, and New York Bakery selected Lee Ji-yeon's 'I Still Don't Know Love.' The identities of the participants were revealed to be Lalal, Mamamoo's Solar, and IVE's Liz.
Liz, born in 2004, said, "I had some difficulty selecting a song. However, my mother likes many of the songs. She likes senior Lee Sun-hee and senior Lee Moon-sae."
Next, Olympic Boulevard, the Third Han River Bridge, and Marronnier Park perfectly delivered Shinchon Blues' 'Regret.' Notably, Lee Jeok previously collaborated with Yoo Jae-suk on the legendary project in 2011 'West Coast Highway Song Festival,' where they performed 'Apgujeong Nallari,' gaining explosive popularity. His participation in this 'Seoul Music Festival' marks a meaningful return to the contest stage after 14 years.
Lee Jeok said, "I came to sing 80s songs. I thought I could just enjoy the music I loved in my youth without studying something new. There aren't many opportunities to sing 80s songs like this," adding, "I'm happy to be a participant after judging at other music contests since I performed 'Apgujeong Nallari' with Yoo Jae-suk 14 years ago."
In the final stage, Sundori, Gullyongsoe Boy, and Pimakgol chose 'Watercolor on a Rainy Day,' dominating the stage. Their identities were revealed as DinDin, Lee Jun-young, and Yoon Do-hyun. Yoon Do-hyun's explosive vocal power heated up the broadcast.
As the diverse group of qualifiers was revealed, anticipation builds for what performances these contestants will bring at the 'Seoul Music Festival' scheduled for September 11.
[Photo] OSEN DB, broadcast screen capture.
[OSEN]