KBS2's Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend group Forestella continued their unbeaten run and clinched the final winner's trophy in their first full-group competition since Go Woo-rim's discharge.
The 722nd episode of Immortal Songs, which aired on the 13th (Sat) (directed by Park Hyung-geun, Kim Hyung-seok, Choi Seung-beom / hereafter "Immortal Songs"), was the "Actress Lee Young-ae, Immortal masterpieces" edition, featuring Cha Ji-yeon & Kim Da-hyun, Yuk Joong-wan Band, STAYC, Forestella, W24 and Hong Kyung-min performing in order to retrace the footsteps of "national actress" Lee Young-ae through music.
The first names called were Cha Ji-yeon & Kim Da-hyun. The specially formed duo performed consecutive songs from Lee Young-ae's signature work Dae Jang Geum: the OSTs Onara and Hamangyeon. Cha Ji-yeon portrayed the adult Jang-geum and Kim Da-hyun the young Jang-geum, creating a fantastical atmosphere that transcended time. Over a gugak sound created by a choir and pungmul ensemble, Cha Ji-yeon's storm-like vocal power and Kim Da-hyun's solid, clear tone completed an epic. Lee Young-ae praised them, saying, "Listening to this made me feel like I had to run to the folk village. Hearing it again made me cry."
The second stage was performed by Yuk Joong-wan Band. They reinvented the title OST of the film Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring, starring Lee Young-ae, by adding their own color. Before the stage, Yuk Joong-wan captured attention by expressing the bittersweet feeling of love with harmonica playing. He built emotion with a restrained vocal style early on, then sought a dramatic turn with a desperate roar toward the end of the performance. A rough yet lyrical vocal laid over a plain, warm band sound left a lingering impression. Lee Young-ae admired, "I felt tears welling up while listening. The original is good, but Yuk Joong-wan Band's interpretation felt like emotions dripping beyond poignancy into despair." Cha Ji-yeon & Kim Da-hyun won with 395 votes.
Next, STAYC took the third baton. Selecting Nam Il-hae's Red Shoes Lady, which evokes Lee Young-ae's film Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, STAYC dressed as Geum-ja with red shoes and trench dresses. Emitting a bewitching mood, they tore off their coats and performed a dance break, showcasing a charm reminiscent of a musical. STAYC's fresh energy blended with the bewitching mood to deliver an unmissable performance. After the stage, Lee Young-ae said happily, "My daughter really likes them, so I became a fan too," and praised them, saying, "They added a fresh, modern take and various colors. STAYC's unique charm will likely win them more fans." Nevertheless, Cha Ji-yeon & Kim Da-hyun held the winner's seat with a two-win streak.
Forestella was the fourth act. Choosing Yang Hee-eun's Flower Vase as a tribute to Lee Young-ae, they added deep resonance of a quartet to a restrained arrangement that reduced flamboyance. The four captivated listeners with a sublime harmony relying only on their voices. With controlled emotion, they fully conveyed the song's message and held everyone's attention. The stage felt especially moving because it resembled Lee Young-ae's path. Lee Young-ae said, "Listening made me think I should book tickets for a concert. It was even better to hear it live. It was wonderful," and said she had become a fan. Forestella blocked Cha Ji-yeon & Kim Da-hyun's three-win streak by winning with 399 votes.
W24 was called as the fifth act. They chose Bitgaram & Sogeum's Fairy of Shampoo and reinterpreted it with a refreshing band sound. Despite it being their first appearance on Immortal Songs, their outstanding skill and composed stage manner instantly won over the judges. W24 reimagined the 1990s song Fairy of Shampoo with a trendy sensibility, leaving a strong impression. Lee Young-ae said, "Watching the stage, I looked up when you perform. I need to book soon. Many will not regret going," and gave a thumbs up. Amid W24's momentum, Forestella maintained the lead and achieved a two-win streak.
The final finale was Hong Kyung-min's turn. Choosing DAY6's One Page to please Lee Young-ae and her daughter, Hong Kyung-min dominated the stage with his distinctive vocal and energy. His voice, marked by his fingerprint, was a perfect match for the selection. A large choir joined the stage to add energy and fully express the song's message. Toward the end, Hong Kyung-min added meaning by saying to Lee Young-ae, "I ask that our stage be remembered as one page in your life." Lee Young-ae praised him, saying, "I knew your voice was good, but hearing it live was moving," and added, "Your ability to command the stage is remarkable."
Finally, Lee Young-ae expressed gratitude, saying, "I want to thank the producers and the singers for preparing so diligently," and wittily added, "I want to live more kindly and work harder to meet expectations so I can come back again."
The joy of the final victory went to Forestella. Forestella accepted the trophy handed by Lee Young-ae and smiled brightly. In their first competition stage since their full-group comeback, Forestella not only continued their unbeaten run but also took home the final winner's trophy.
This "Actress Lee Young-ae, Immortal masterpieces" edition added meaning by illuminating the influence Lee Young-ae's name has had on Korean popular culture and the facets of the works she participated in, beyond musical reinterpretation and competition. Matching Lee Young-ae's multifaceted image, a variety of music and stages unfolded, providing abundant enjoyment.
Broadcast every week at 6:05 p.m.
[Photo] Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend
[OSEN]