Im Hero and Friends' 'Immortal Songs' Special Finale Captivates Viewers, Secures Top Ratings

KBS2's 'Immortal Songs' concluded its highly anticipated 'Im Hero and Friends' special with its second part, delivering a moving and unforgettable musical experience that solidified its status as a top-tier music program. The broadcast on Saturday, the 6th, featured Im Hero alongside his musical companions Lyn, Roy Kim, Jo Jae-e, and Choi Yu-ri, who presented stages showcasing their individual artistic styles.

The episode not only highlighted their unique musical talents but also offered glimpses into the personal charm of Im Hero, creating a rich and engaging viewing experience. The show garnered a nationwide viewership rating of 6.6%, securing the number one spot in its time slot and reaffirming the enduring legacy of 'Immortal Songs' as a legendary music entertainment show.

A particularly heartwarming moment occurred when Im Hero revealed his deep admiration for Choi Yu-ri, confessing to being her 'ultimate fan'—a fact he had kept private until now. Choi Yu-ri reciprocated the sentiment with a playful anecdote about why she had previously kept her friendship with the star under wraps, eliciting laughter from the audience. Their interactions, including playful teases about each other's playlists and Choi Yu-ri's heartfelt rendition of 'Our Blues' dedicated to Im Hero, added a touching layer to the program.

Lyn joined the stage with the intriguing keyword 'Public Proposal,' recalling a time she openly expressed her desire to collaborate with Im Hero on a variety show. Im Hero, in turn, reminisced about a serendipitous encounter with Lyn during his university days, likening her appearance to that of a goddess. Their duet performance of 'Believe Me Now' and Im Hero's soulful response with 'I Loved You' were met with thunderous applause, culminating in a spectacular rendition of Pateko's 'Samseong-dong' that left a lasting impression. Lyn, despite recent personal matters, proved her mettle as a musical powerhouse with her captivating performances.

Roy Kim was introduced with the keyword 'First Kiss,' revealing that he was the composer and lyricist behind Im Hero's second album track, 'Melody For You.' The playful banter between Im Hero and Roy Kim about their creative collaboration led to the reveal of their first duet performance of 'Melody For You,' which was unveiled for the first time and received immense attention. Roy Kim’s soulful rendition of 'Love Always Runs Away' and Im Hero's powerful performance of 'Let's Break Up Then' showcased their distinct musical strengths.

Lastly, Jo Jae-e appeared under the theme 'Secret Meeting,' sharing how their friendship began with an unexpected visit to Jo Jae-e's establishment. Their genuine camaraderie, previously unknown to the public, was evident as Jo Jae-e delivered emotionally charged performances of 'A Drink of Song' and 'Will We Meet Again,' a song requested by Im Hero, showcasing a different facet of his musicality.

Concluding the show, Im Hero delivered a powerful encore performance of 'Life's Anthem' after the ending song 'You and I,' leaving the audience with a lingering sense of awe. Following the broadcast, social media and online communities buzzed with positive reactions, with viewers praising Im Hero's undeniable talent, the exceptional lineup, and the memorable collaborations. 'Immortal Songs' airs every Saturday at 6:05 PM KST on KBS2.

Im Hero is a South Korean trot singer who rose to fame after winning the competition show 'Mr. Trot.' He is widely celebrated for his distinctive vocal tone and emotionally resonant performances, appealing to a broad demographic. His musical versatility extends beyond trot, incorporating elements from various genres, contributing to his widespread popularity.