'Immortal Songs' Yang Dong-geun clinched the final championship trophy with his lively, whimsical charm and distinctive stage production.
The 728th episode of 'Immortal Songs' aired on the 25th (directed by Park Hyung-geun, Kim Hyung-seok, Choi Seung-beom, hereafter 'Immortal Songs') as part two of the 'Artist Nam Jin' special, with six teams — 82MAJOR, Kim Gi-tae, Na Tae-ju, Jeon Yu-jin, Yang Dong-geun and Dickpunks — taking the stage in turn to breathe fresh resonance into Nam Jin's classics. As a result, the 727th episode of 'Immortal Songs' recorded a nationwide rating of 5.2%, ranking first in its time slot and proving the enduring class of the music variety show (Nielsen Korea, household ratings).
82MAJOR, making their first appearance on 'Immortal Songs', were the first act. 82MAJOR reinvented 'Nimgwa Hamkke' with a modern sensibility. They combined flashy rapping and powerful performance to maintain the original song's cheerfulness while filling the stage with fresh youthful energy. The refreshing yet hip idol version of 'Nimgwa Hamkke' lit up the atmosphere. Nam Jin said, "You sang it so coolly. I see a bright future. I hope you become a global star."
Kim Gi-tae, who performed second, sang 'Bin Jan.' The stage began with piano accompaniment and put Kim Gi-tae's vocals front and center, captivating the audience with a straightforward approach. With long breaths and dynamic control, Kim Gi-tae drew gasps from the audience, and a classic arrangement broadened the song's spectrum. Kim Gi-tae's distinctive voice and emotion left a deep impression. Nam Jin praised, "It felt like a completely different song. The richly pleading tone made my heart race, so I was surprised." Kim Gi-tae earned 379 points, defeating 82MAJOR and winning.
Next, Na Tae-ju took the third baton with the 'Dungji' stage. Known as the epitome of 'trot taekwondo,' Na Tae-ju performed barefoot and delivered a perfect live show with flashy performances. 'Dungji,' which combined tumbling and kicks, inherited Nam Jin's vigor and style while exploding with Na Tae-ju's own 'taekwondo energy.' Nam Jin gave a thumbs up, saying, "He was flying through the air yet didn't miss a single pitch or beat. I thought he was really cool today." Na Tae-ju received 383 votes, beating Kim Gi-tae and heading to the winner's seat.
Jeon Yu-jin took the fourth stage. Selecting 'Where Is Love,' Jeon Yu-jin fully transformed into a rocker with smoky makeup, unleashing the powerful charisma she had previously hidden. Through 'Where Is Love,' presented with a band sound, Jeon Yu-jin broke away from her previously pure trot image and showcased boundless potential. Nam Jin marveled at Jeon Yu-jin's new challenge, saying, "It's a different style from the stages she has done so far, but her delivery is really good." Na Tae-ju defeated Jeon Yu-jin to achieve a second consecutive win.
Yang Dong-geun continued the baton with members of 'Passe' on 'Geudaeyeo Byeonchi Mao.' Yang Dong-geun completed his own cheerful stage by combining a dance break with DJing. Witty performance and rhythmic direction added up to a fresh, new charm. Applying Yang Dong-geun's lively color to Nam Jin's original created an irresistible spectacle. Nam Jin applauded, saying, "I was really surprised watching today. It was cool. The best." Yang Dong-geun won with 384 votes, one more than Na Tae-ju.
Dickpunks took the final competitive stage and added a band sound to 'If I Had a Lover.' From the start, Dickpunks dominated the stage and the panel of judges with a rocking sound. Vocalist Kim Tae-hyun's energetic lead and the band's solid ensemble produced a uniquely interpreted stage. Kim Tae-hyun's resonant vocals combined with the band's playing exploded into musical synergy. Regarding Dickpunks' stage, Nam Jin praised, "I also feel greedy. I want to do band music again. Let's do it together next time."
Notably, Dickpunks appeared on 'Immortal Songs' for the first time since Kim Tae-hyun's marriage. Kim Tae-hyun recently married model Choi Yeon-su, who is 12 years his junior, and Choi Yeon-su is the daughter of celebrity chef Choi Hyun-seok. Kim Tae-hyun said, "From my position, I think many would have opposed the marriage. There's a big age gap and she's young. So my wife is said to have appealed a lot to get permission to marry. When they were in their third year of dating, marriage came up but was opposed, and they were told if they dated longer approval would be given, and five years later they finally tied the knot."
Celebrating his 60th anniversary, Nam Jin smiled as he wrapped up the competition, saying, "I am grateful that my songs were sung newly and splendidly to fit the times. It is an honor to be together today."
The final victory that day went to Yang Dong-geun. Yang Dong-geun's exotic song interpretations and stage production won the hearts of the largest number of the panel of judges.
Meanwhile, the finale of this episode added resonance with a generation- and genre-spanning unity collaboration stage. Leading the 'trot faction' with Shin Yu and featuring Yang Dong-geun for the 'other-genre faction,' everyone gathered to sing 'Nimgwa Hamkke' in unison, creating a special synergy. MC Lee Chan-won also added his voice, enhancing the moment. Nam Jin, the 11 cast members and Lee Chan-won all came together in one spirit to commemorate Nam Jin's 60th anniversary and Korea's popular music history, writing a meaningful moment together.
'Immortal Songs,' which creates legendary videos you want to watch again each time, airs every week at 6:05 p.m. on KBS2.
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