KBS2's "Immortal Songs" resonated with the sincerity of Cheon Rok-dam. Rather than Lee Jung, Cheon Rok-dam embraced the final championship trophy, acknowledging the sincerity and affection towards trot.

According to the audience rating survey agency Nielsen Korea, the 703rd episode of "Immortal Songs" (directed by Park Hyung-geun, Kim Hyung-seok, and Choi Seung-beom) recorded a nationwide rating of 5.2%, ranking first in simultaneous viewer ratings and maintaining its stronghold on the number one spot for 117 weeks.

The 704th episode, broadcast on the 3rd (Saturday), featured the segment "Artist Juhyun-mi," where Kim Soo-chan, Son Tae-jin, Kwak Young-gwang, Cheon Rok-dam, and Kim Jun-su took the stage one after another, adding new emotions to Juhyun-mi's famous songs.

Kim Soo-chan, who opened the competition, boldly presented "I Met You Again." Kim Soo-chan created a delightful stage with his unique energy, showcasing modern rhythms and trendy vocals while preserving the original song's emotions. During the performance, he approached the artist's zone to present a rose to Juhyun-mi and sang along with her, enhancing the joy of the moment. Juhyun-mi commented, "I usually greet him, but it has been a long time since I've seen him dress up and create his own stage. You were awesome, Soo-chan; you are the best!"

Son Tae-jin was called second to take the stage and delivered a rendition of "Itaewon Love Song" with his own depth. Son Tae-jin's unique heavy voice and delicate expressiveness drew the audience into the emotions as the performance progressed. The passionate movements of the dancers in the middle of the stage heightened the immersion. The final lines whispered during the climax left the audience emotionally moved. Juhyun-mi remarked, "It's hard to critique Son Tae-jin's singing. The more you sing this song, the more the poignant emotions seem to resonate in your heart. I was touched that he conveyed that poignancy on today's stage," expressing that he is her favorite junior in her heart. In this first match, Son Tae-jin celebrated his victory over Kim Soo-chan.

The third performer, Kwak Young-gwang, chose to sing "Regretting While Crying." Supported by Jang Yoon-jung, Kwak Young-gwang captivated the audience with an unexpectedly deep expressiveness for a newcomer. His trembling yet meaningful emotions generated admiration from onlookers. The wave of emotions he unleashed during the unaccompanied latter half made the audience nod along, as the panel of judges broke into cheers for Kwak Young-gwang. Juhyun-mi said, "I've seen performances before. It reminds me of when I sang at 25 years old. This newly interpreted stage sounded fantastic. I really appreciated it; thank you." In the subsequent battle, Son Tae-jin outperformed Kwak Young-gwang, securing another victory.

Fourth to take the stage, Cheon Rok-dam presented a performance of "Blues of Tears," seamlessly blending trot and blues. Cheon Rok-dam commanded the stage with a fully matured trot style. The rich tone and sophisticated arrangement enhanced the original song's charm. Toward the end of the performance, the jazzy atmosphere and captivating stage presence were remarkable. Juhyun-mi praised Cheon Rok-dam, stating, "Your voice is charming," before asking about the appeal of trot. Cheon Rok-dam replied, "I feel touched and happy, as if I've finally found my true self." Cheon Rok-dam successfully achieved his first win by receiving more votes than the strong candidate Son Tae-jin.

The fifth stage of fortune in this first part went to Kim Jun-su. Choosing "Rainy Yeongdong Bridge," Kim Jun-su mixed traditional Korean elements into his arrangement, giving it a fresh and new feel. Kim Jun-su overwhelmed the stage with a different level of deep breath and compelling traditional Korean vocals. As the performance progressed, he delivered a dramatic impression with explosive roars. Juhyun-mi remarked, "I am a fan of Kim Jun-su. I feel a kind of energy in the dark night. Even in parting, there are feelings of sadness, longing, and monologue. I believe it's a triumph that he can convey the charm of traditional Korean music to the public."

The one who celebrated the glory of ultimate victory that day was none other than Cheon Rok-dam. With his powerful performance on his first appearance on "Immortal Songs," Cheon Rok-dam successfully took home the championship trophy, embodying the wish for his song to resonate from Baekdusan to Hallasan.

This episode featuring "Artist Juhyun-mi" saw junior artists reinterpreting and reviving Juhyun-mi's masterpieces with their own interpretations and emotions, embedding musical respect that bridges generations. Kim Soo-chan showcased wit and energy, Son Tae-jin demonstrated profound resonance, Kwak Young-gwang conveyed deep emotions, Cheon Rok-dam displayed a jazzy sense, and Kim Jun-su expressed overwhelming vocal power, each delivering in their distinctive styles. Juhyun-mi's famous songs, infused with respect for the original works, moved viewers in their living rooms.

[Photo] Provided by the agency, broadcast capture.

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