'Immortal Songs' Yoo Yeol returns to the stage after as long as a 10-year battle with illness. In particular, Yoo Yeol, who overcame pulmonary fibrosis that made even breathing difficult, is said to deliver a miraculously moving performance through 'Immortal Songs,' drawing intense public attention.
KBS2 'Immortal Songs' (directed by Kim Hyung-seok and Choi Seung-beom, hereafter 'Immortal') is the unrivaled top music variety program that has continued its history for more than 700 episodes. The 741st episode, which will air on the 24th, will feature a special 'Immortal Songs - artist Yoo Yeol' episode.
Since debuting in 1986, Yoo Yeol has produced numerous hit songs represented by the 'Yoo Yeol sensibility,' such as 'Just the way I am,' 'Since our breakup,' and 'The brilliant days have gone,' making him a leading figure of 1980s Korean ballads. He was also active as a radio DJ and loved by the public, but in 2023 he first revealed his battle with pulmonary fibrosis and temporarily suspended activities after appearing visibly ill, prompting sadness. However, early last year, Yoo Yeol announced the resumption of activities along with news of a successful lung transplant, drawing warm support and delight.
After finishing a long 10-year battle with illness, Yoo Yeol returns to the 'Immortal' stage in strong health to present his dramatic musical life story and the journey he has taken. Above all, Yoo Yeol expressed gratitude toward the donor, saying, "My life reached a critical stage, and I don't know how to properly thank the donor and their family who donated the lung," and added, "I am overwhelmed and grateful. This is a major turning point in my life," reportedly moving the judging panel to tears with his emotion at his first performance in a long time. Moreover, Yoo Yeol, having overcome pulmonary fibrosis that had made singing practically impossible, is said to present a special 2026 version of 'Just the way I am,' heightening interest in what promises to be a miraculous moment on stage.
Alongside this, five junior artists will revisit Yoo Yeol's classic songs: Noh Min-woo, Enoc, Woody, La Poem, and Liberante (Kim Ji-hun & Jinwon). Noh Min-woo will perform 'The brilliant days have gone,' Enoc will sing 'Hymn of love,' Woody will perform 'Autumn rain,' La Poem will sing 'Eruhwa,' and Liberante (Kim Ji-hun & Jinwon) will choose 'One day suddenly' to reinterpret Yoo Yeol's singular musical sensibility that could melt even a cold snap.
Will the living legend Yoo Yeol, who returned to the public after a 10-year battle with illness, deliver an honest life story and move audiences with his classic songs? Expectations for the 'Immortal' broadcast are skyrocketing.
Meanwhile, the 'Immortal Songs - artist Yoo Yeol' special will meet viewers on the 24th. 'Immortal Songs,' which creates legendary videos you want to watch again each episode, airs every Saturday at 6:05 p.m. on KBS2.