KBS2 'Immortal Songs' Lee Jung-hyun was moved by her juniors' dignified performances.
The 725th episode of 'Immortal Songs' that aired on the 4th (Sat) (directed by Park Hyung-geun, Kim Hyung-seok, Choi Seung-beom / hereafter 'Immortal Songs') was the 'Artist Lee Jung-hyun' special, with Kim Ki-tae, Stephanie, Choo, Jo Kwon and CLOSE YOUR EYES taking the stage in sequence to give Lee Jung-hyun's hits a new color.
First, Kim Ki-tae formed a band, transformed into a rocker and took on a musical challenge with 'Ariari.' Kim Ki-tae captured the judges at once with a stage that clearly articulated pitch changes. The original song's energy combined with Kim Ki-tae's own cries and explosions to emit a powerful rock spirit. Added to this was the traditional percussion group's gugak support, completing an experimental and intense stage. Lee Jung-hyun praised, I like rock music, and I felt like I wanted to release an album in this version.
Stephanie took the second stage with 'You.' As a 'performance queen' who carries on Lee Jung-hyun's legacy, Stephanie fully asserted her presence. With her distinctive performance and unwavering vocal power, this packed stage, the culmination of a comprehensive art form, drew admiration from the judges. Watching this stage, Lee Jung-hyun said, I think I need to release an album soon, expressing her desire to make a comeback and drawing attention. Kim Ki-tae secured one win over Stephanie with 410 votes.
Next, Choo took the baton and sang 'Jullae.' Transforming into a Barbie doll, Choo paid homage to Lee Jung-hyun's stage and caught attention from the start. Choo added her own fresh and lively charm to Lee Jung-hyun's version of 'Jullae' and delivered an impressive performance. Her lovely, character-like performance captivated both Lee Jung-hyun and the judges. Lee Jung-hyun smiled and said, It's so cute. I wish my daughter would grow up like that, and I was surprised that she sang it more tastefully than I did. Kim Ki-tae continued his winning streak with two consecutive wins and held the winner's seat.
For the fourth stage, Jo Kwon chose 'Change.' Jo Kwon, who said he grew his dream of becoming a singer after watching Lee Jung-hyun's stage, infused his growth story into the performance. Following a stage with a child dancer that recalled 13-year-old Jo Kwon auditioning, he incorporated ideas inspired by the film The Matrix to create a new stage. In particular, the ending in which past Jo Kwon and future Jo Kwon meet and embrace delivered a deep resonance. Lee Jung-hyun admired, I was so surprised and got goosebumps. Jo Kwon received 417 votes, stopping Kim Ki-tae's three-win streak and taking the winner's seat.
The final stage was performed by CLOSE YOUR EYES. They transformed 'Mi-chyeo' into 'Saja Eyes' with the K-pop Demon Hunters (hereafter Kedehun) lion boy concept. Presenting a new and fresh 'Mi-chyeo' with powerful performances, CLOSE YOUR EYES executed it perfectly with a sophisticated arrangement that fit like a tailored outfit. Also, the stage production and composition, as if tearing out of 'Kedehun,' increased immersion. Lee Jung-hyun said, It felt so new. I especially liked the rearranged rap part, giving it a thumbs-up.
At the end of the episode, Lee Jung-hyun said, It feels like I'm dreaming. Truly outstanding juniors rearranged my songs so coolly and showed performances that were cooler than mine, and I think I won't be able to sleep tonight. I'm so moved and had goosebumps the whole time, sharing her impressions.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the finale stage of Lee Jung-hyun's mega hit 'Wa,' which returned after 10 years. Lee Jung-hyun exuded overwhelming energy with mature stage control and performance. In particular, this stage, supported by dancer Kim Si-won's participation, reached the highest level of completeness with a grand yet oriental mood. For this stage, Lee Jung-hyun said she personally made the costume and even drew stage designs in a sketchbook to share with the production team, showing how much effort she put in and moving the judges.
Meanwhile, the final winner that day went to Jo Kwon. Jo Kwon's heartfelt storytelling about dreaming of becoming a singer through Lee Jung-hyun and the stage energy that overwhelmed the venue moved the judges. Jo Kwon received the trophy from Lee Jung-hyun and enjoyed the joy and honor with a bright smile.
This 'Artist Lee Jung-hyun' episode was evaluated by many fans as a comprehensive gift set as Lee Jung-hyun returned as a singer after 10 years. Beyond the behind-the-scenes stories connected to Lee Jung-hyun's hits, episodes such as Lee Jung-hyun's love story and stories about her daughter enriched the episode. In particular, the juniors' stages, which were more than simple tribute performances and adopted new colors and concepts, delighted viewers' eyes and ears.
Immortal Songs, which creates legendary videos that viewers want to watch again every episode, airs every week at 6:05 p.m. on KBS 2TV.<
[Photo] provided
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