Immortal Songs: Hong Ji-min Delivers an Emotional Victory with ‘Woman’s Tears’
‘Immortal Songs’ continues its unstoppable reign in Korean entertainment, with its 705th episode once again topping national viewership ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the June 10 broadcast on KBS2 drew a nationwide rating of 5.2% and 4.9% in the Seoul metropolitan area, cementing its number one spot for the 118th week in a row.
The latest episode featured the second part of the special tribute to legendary artist Joo Hyun-mi, showcasing heartfelt performances from Jo Jazz, Hong Kyung-min x Eun Soo-hyung, Oh Ah-bae, Hong Ji-min, and Enoch.
The evening’s emotional high point came from musical actress Hong Ji-min, who brought the audience to tears with her rendition of “Woman’s Tears,” a performance dedicated to her late mother suffering from dementia. Her theatrical delivery, paired with a real audio recording of her mother singing the lullaby “Island Baby,” pierced hearts and won her the episode’s final victory.
Opening the second half, Jo Jazz offered a jazzy twist on “You Going Back to Memories,” complete with signature hats and sunglasses. His playful energy and free-wheeling performance impressed Joo Hyun-mi, who praised his youthful yet bold charm.
Next up was a delightful duet by veteran Hong Kyung-min and newcomer Eun Soo-hyung. The seasoned-fresh pairing chose the classic ballad “Wait a Moment,” thrilling the audience with a dance break and dynamic team chemistry during the chorus.
Oh Ah-bae followed with “That Man from Sinsa-dong” in their own colorful pop style. Particularly touching was the performance by Soo-yeon, daughter of Joo Hyun-mi, who seamlessly engaged with the crowd and shared a tearful embrace with her mother onstage. Joo Hyun-mi responded emotionally, declaring herself the group’s number one fan.
Despite spirited competition, Jo Jazz secured two consecutive wins. However, the tide turned with Hong Ji-min’s deeply personal performance, ending Jo Jazz’s streak and clinching the night’s crown.
The finale saw Enoch step in with the bittersweet hit “Unrequited Love.” Blending his musical theater background with strong vocals and expressive acting, he delivered what many praised as a masterful “musitrot” performance—emphasizing a blend of musical drama and trot music.
Closing the episode, Joo Hyun-mi expressed overwhelming gratitude to each artist, stating, “It felt like my life in music rewound in a beautiful celebration. I’ll never forget this night.”
With Hong Ji-min’s win and a tearful homage to familial love and memory, ‘Immortal Songs’ once again proved why it remains an irreplaceable part of the Korean music scene.
