KBS2 "Immortal Songs" Lee Seung-gi and Lee Hong-gi have upheld the pride of the Jeonju Lee clan, claiming the championship trophy. They also secured tickets for the mid-year King of Kings competition, heightening expectations for future performances.

According to Nielsen Korea, the viewership rating for "Immortal Songs" (directed by Park Hyung-keun, Kim Hyung-seok, and Choi Seung-beom) reached 6.1% nationwide and 6.2% in the metropolitan area, maintaining its position as the top-rated show in its time slot. This showcases the undeniable power of "Immortal Songs" as it solidifies its status as the leading program with a remarkable 119-week consecutive run at number one.

The 706th episode, broadcast on the 17th (Saturday), was a special episode titled "2025 Oh My Star," featuring Hong Ja and Lee Soo-yeon, Kim Junsu and Choi Soo-ho, Park Wan-kyu and Baek Cheong-gang, Lee Seung-gi and Lee Hong-gi, and Choi Sung-soo and Ahn Sung-hoon, who each took the stage in succession to showcase their perfect compatibility. Starting from this special episode, the scores of the winning teams were disclosed, adding a thrilling element to the competition.

The opening performance of this special episode was by Hong Ja and Lee Soo-yeon. The duo chose to sing Im Hee-sook's "My One and Only Person" with the ambition to showcase their rich and profound emotional lines. Their diverse emotions layered to create a deep narrative. Hong Ja's soulful voice and Lee Soo-yeon's soaring high notes harmonized beautifully, leaving a strong lingering sensation, and the narration conveyed through their voices shared even richer sentiments.

As the second competition team, Kim Junsu and Choi Soo-ho were called to the stage. The two, known as "Junsuho," sang Song Chang-sik's "Whale Hunting." The stage began with a percussive performance that instantly elevated the immersion, and midway through, a lively arrangement and dynamic dance performance changed the atmosphere and dominated the stage. It was a comprehensive stage that combined traditional and modern elements, particularly highlighted by an innovative choreography using the traditional Korean hat, or "gat." As a result, Kim Junsu and Choi Soo-ho earned 358 points, securing their first victory.

The third performance was by Park Wan-kyu and Baek Cheong-gang. They selected Park Jung-hoon's "You and the Rain" for their performance, truly showcasing the essence of rock ballads. The exquisite harmony of the two vocalists, each possessing contrasting charms, instantly moved the judging panel. Baek Cheong-gang's clear tone and Park Wan-kyu's rough voice crossed paths, creating delicate yet heavy emotional lines throughout the stage. The contrasting emotions of the two, paralleling their outfits, left a special lingering impression. In the final moments, their last embrace validated their musical connection. Kim Junsu and Choi Soo-ho maintained their lead, successfully achieving their second win.

Next, Lee Seung-gi and Lee Hong-gi took the stage. Choosing WOODZ's "Drowning," they showcased explosive energy and synergy in front of the stand microphones. The two, who had a playful interaction, transformed on stage, delivering an overwhelming performance filled with amazing vocal power and stage presence. Lee Hong-gi's unique rock sensibility combined with Lee Seung-gi's solid tone and high notes sparked a strong burst of energy. During the climax of the performance, Lee Seung-gi's high notes resonated throughout the unaccompanied stage, creating a mysterious thrill that captivated the audience. As a result, Lee Seung-gi and Lee Hong-gi recorded 418 points, halting Kim Junsu and Choi Soo-ho's three-win streak, marking their first victory.

The final performance belonged to Choi Sung-soo and Ahn Sung-hoon. They showcased a transcendent emotional connection through Kim Hyun-sik's "Creating Memories." The duo's stage produced a deep emotional resonance through their beautifully harmonized vocals, developed with mutual consideration. The addition of orchestral sounds enriched the song's emotional depth, and the combination of Choi Sung-soo's clear tone with Ahn Sung-hoon's gentle sensibility completed a high-class harmony. It was a beautiful stage that highlighted the bond between seniors and juniors in music.

Meanwhile, Lee Seung-gi and Lee Hong-gi celebrated their triumph on this day as the champions. The two lifted the trophy thanks to their exceptional chemistry and overwhelming stage immersion.

The "2025 Oh My Star" special left a significant impression, featuring Lee Seung-gi, who made his first appearance on "Immortal Songs" after 21 years since his debut, and Lee Hong-gi, who returned after a remarkable 12 years. Additionally, the resonant performance of Hong Ja and Lee Soo-yeon, the overflowing talents of Kim Junsu and Choi Soo-ho, the touching embrace of Park Wan-kyu and Baek Cheong-gang, and the beautiful connection of Choi Sung-soo and Ahn Sung-hoon provided a profound emotional impact.

Following the broadcast of the 706th episode of "Immortal Songs," various social media platforms and communities reacted enthusiastically, with comments such as, "Hong Ja and Lee Soo-yeon's beautiful voice harmony is the best. I was moved to tears by their emotional blend," "Kim Junsu and Choi Soo-ho's diverse performances and genuine vocal skills turned into a work of art. I was captivated by both of their charms," "Park Wan-kyu and Baek Cheong-gang's husky yet robust tone combined with a clear and bright melody made for an ear-pleasing treat. Please hold a concert, you two," "Lee Seung-gi and Lee Hong-gi are deserving of their reputation. Their performance was incredibly refreshing. May this combination last forever," "Choi Sung-soo and Ahn Sung-hoon's chemistry and harmony were the best. Their dream stage was touching," and "The lineup of 'Immortal Songs' is truly fantastic. They gather heavyweight talents all at once. Thanks to this resurgence, legendary stages are being created."

Meanwhile, Lee Seung-gi recently declared a break from the relationship with his father-in-law, who was indicted by prosecutors for stock manipulation and bribery. He garnered attention by announcing, "I will cut ties with my in-laws" along with an apology expressing his regrets.

[Photo] OSEN DB, "Immortal Songs"

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