KBS2’s Immortal Songs Celebrates 40 Years of Trot Queen Joo Hyun-mi
KBS2’s long-running music competition show Immortal Songs will air a special episode this week dedicated to celebrating the 40th anniversary of legendary South Korean trot artist Joo Hyun-mi. Premiering on June 3, this 704th episode titled Artist Joo Hyun-mi promises a heartfelt tribute from a new generation of male trot performers inspired by her esteemed career.
Since debuting in 1985, Joo Hyun-mi has captivated audiences with timeless hits such as “Yeongdong Bridge in the Rain,” “The Person from Sinsa-dong,” “Wait a Minute,” and “Wild Rose.” She remains a cornerstone in the trot music scene, and this special episode will dive into her musical journey while bridging generations through powerful tribute performances.
The lineup includes stars like Cheon Rok-dam, Enoch, Kim Soo-chan, Kim Junsu, Son Tae-jin, Kwak Young-kwang, and newcomers Jo Jeje and OABe. These male trot singers will go head-to-head in a passionate competition, paying homage to Joo Hyun-mi while staking their claim in Korea’s modern-day trot renaissance.
Joo Hyun-mi herself returns to the stage for a special medley of classics like “Hwangseong Historic Site” and “Nocturne of Sorrow,” delivering emotional performances that left even the green room in awe. Her stage presence continues to command respect and admiration from peers and audiences alike.
A particularly touching moment is expected from Lee Jeong, appearing under his trot persona Cheon Rok-dam, who showcases a bold artistic transformation. Meanwhile, OABe makes their first Immortal Songs appearance, sharing a deeply personalized interpretation of one of Joo Hyun-mi’s masterpieces.
Behind the scenes, friendly rivalries and shared memories of past collaborations with Joo Hyun-mi fuel the storytelling further. From Kim Junsu’s confessions of past evaluations from the legend to Son Tae-jin and Hong Kyung-min boasting duets and texting privileges, the camaraderie is just as thrilling as the competition.
With heartfelt performances and personal tributes, this episode of Immortal Songs serves as both a celebration of Joo Hyun-mi’s breathtaking legacy and a spotlight on the evolving trot genre’s next male superstars.
