Lee Chan-won Teases Free Agency Amid Recontracting Talks on 'Immortal Songs'

Lee Chan-won (이찬원), the MC of KBS 2TV's 'Immortal Songs' (불후의 명곡), appears to be swayed by Lim Han-byeol's (임한별) recruitment pitch. In the upcoming episode airing today (November 30), the show will feature a special segment titled '2024 Ballad War'.

Lim Han-byeol, who has recently celebrated the signing of his first artist, Heo Gak (허각), is fully embracing his role as a talent scout. Seizing the opportunity to connect with top male vocalists gathered for the event, he enthusiastically hands out business cards, declaring, "Everyone here is my prey."

When comedian Kim Jun-hyun (김준현) inquires if Lim is open to signing trot singers, Lim quickly responds, "Isn't Lee Chan-won capable of handling various genres? If you have time, come visit me in Sinsa-dong!" This playful banter seems to delight Lee Chan-won, who humorously notes, "I have two months left on my contract," generating laughter among the attendees.

The '2024 Ballad War' special promises fierce competition among South Korea's leading male vocalists. Notably, Heo Gak is revealed to be a key figure behind this event. After witnessing Kim Gi-tae's (김기태) performance in the '2024 First Half King of Kings' competition, Heo Gak declared, "This is unfair," and initiated a 'revenge battle', taking charge of the planning, directing, and casting for this special.

The lineup includes some of the country's strongest male vocalists, with Monday Kiz (먼데이 키즈) performing Namhee's (나미) 'Sad Relationship', Lim Han-byeol covering Kim Gun-mo's (김건모) 'Love Only for Me', and Shin Yong-jae (신용재) singing Park Jae-jung's (박재정) 'Let's Break Up'. DK (디케이) will perform Lee Moon-sae's (이문세) 'When Standing Under the Shade of a Tree', while Heo Gak will take on Lee Seung-hwan's (이승환) 'How Can Love Be Like This', and Kim Gi-tae will sing Shin Yong-jae's 'The Reason I Became a Singer'. All eyes will be on the new performances that will emerge from this gathering. Tune in at 6:05 PM today!