KBS2's Immortal Songs Celebrates Kim Hae-sook in Emotional New Year Special

KBS2's Immortal Songs (불후의 명곡) kicked off 2025 with a heartfelt tribute to actress Kim Hae-sook in its New Year special, '2025 New Year Project Part 1: Special Feature on Kim Hae-sook.' The episode, which aired on January 11, captivated viewers with its emotional performances and dynamic entertainment, achieving a nationwide rating of 7.2%, making it the top show in its time slot according to Nielsen Korea.

This 688th episode featured a star-studded lineup including La Poem, Jeon Yu-jin, Hong Yi-sak, Jung Ji-so, Hwang Ga-ram, Lim Han-byeol, Choi Dae-cheol, Jung Young-joo, Mongni, and Sweet Sorrow. The performances celebrated Kim Hae-sook's 51-year career, showcasing her iconic roles as a beloved mother and actress through songs from popular dramas.

Sweet Sorrow, returning to Immortal Songs after six years, delivered a vibrant rendition of 'I Like You' by Jo Yong-pil from the drama 'Hospital Playlist.' Mongni performed a stylish version of 'Our Night is More Beautiful than Your Day' from 'My Demon,' while Trot queen Jeon Yu-jin passionately sang 'Prayer' from the 'Autumn in My Heart' OST. Hong Yi-sak moved the audience with 'On the Street,' a song by Kim Kwang-seok, which Kim Hae-sook particularly enjoys.

The performances reflected the various facets of Kim Hae-sook's career. Jeon Yu-jin's 'Prayer' depicted a raw and emotional portrayal of a sacrificing mother, while Mongni's stage exuded confidence and charm reminiscent of Kim Hae-sook. Sweet Sorrow enhanced their performance by displaying Kim Hae-sook's photos on an LED screen, adding a cute and refreshing touch. They remarked, 'When we think of Kim Hae-sook, the first image that comes to mind is the nation's mother, but there’s another side to her that we can feel in this song.'

Kim Hae-sook's dedication to her craft over the years was also highlighted. Jung Young-joo praised her wide acting spectrum, while Choi Dae-cheol noted her incredible focus when performing. A memorable moment was shared about her commitment to portraying a genuine mother in 'Autumn in My Heart' by appearing without makeup, showcasing her sincerity in every role.

The New Year special also featured personal stories from the artists. Jeon Yu-jin made her debut on Immortal Songs at the age of twenty, while Lim Han-byeol, born in the Year of the Snake, also participated. Sweet Sorrow expressed their excitement about returning after six years, and Hong Yi-sak, fresh off his win on 'Singer Gain,' brought a relaxed vibe to the stage. Mongni, celebrating their 20th anniversary, shared their intention to return to busking, reminiscent of their early days.

In the end, Hong Yi-sak won the competition with his rendition of 'On the Street,' triumphing over Jeon Yu-jin and Mongni. He was joined on stage by his supportive friend Choo Seung-yeop, who also participated in 'Singer Gain.' Kim Hae-sook expressed her appreciation for Hong Yi-sak's performance, stating, 'I personally love Kim Kwang-seok's songs. They feel like a conversation rather than a performance, and Hong Yi-sak's rendition brought a different passion and emotion that deeply moved me.'