“It’s still a dark night. The twinkling stars in the sky look at me from time to time. It’s still a dark night. The wind that just passed by wraps around my lonely soul.” –Jeon Young Rok, It’s Still A Dark Night [translated lyrics]

Episode 116 program acara musik “Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend” merupakan bagian pertama dari edisi spesial “The Heartthrob is Comeback!”. Episode tersebut mengudara pada tanggal 31 Agustus 2013 di stasiun televisi KBS, serta pada tanggal 21 September 2013 di channel KBS World. Dalam edisi spesial “The Heartthrob is Comeback!” Part 1 tersebut menampilkan Jeon Young Rok sebagai legend. He’s the heartthrob of the 80s and was the symbol of youth in 1980s. He’s a great singer-songwriter, dancer, and actor. Jeon Young Rok back then is a multi-talented entertainer that even could be compared to Rain nowadays. Salah satu lagu hits Jeon Young Rok yang dibawakan ulang dalam episode tersebut adalah sebuah lagu bertajuk “It’s Still A Dark Night”, yang ditampilkan oleh boy group EXO.

“It’s Still A Dark Night” is a song about solitude. It tells the feeling of someone who reminiscing their past. It describes the loneliness of someone who’s been left by their lover. In the middle of the dark night, sometimes we remember them who have left us, just out of nowhere. Under the twinkling stars and beneath the passing wind, we’re caught in the solitude. In the middle of the dark night, we let go all of the dark memories, even just only for that night, even someday it would come again. Just for tonight, even though it’s still a dark night, we just want to forget it all and become one with the dark in the solitude.

Dirilis pertama kali pada tanggal 1 November 1984, “It’s Still A Dark Night” merupakan bagian dari album kedelapan Jeon Young Rok, yang bertajuk “Exclusive Commemorative Album”. This song became a hit song with its new wave of dance choreography. It was voted as No. 1 song for five weeks on K-Pop Top 10 in 1985 and it made him win MBC Top 10 Singers. “It’s Still A Dark Night” yang dibawakan oleh EXO dalam “Immortal Songs 2” menjadi penampilan pamungkas dalam episode tersebut. Baekhyun, D.O, Chen, Kai, Lay, Sehun, and Xiumin showed both vocal and dance skills of EXO. They rearranged the dance retro pop song into R n’ B song with urban style dance. Meskipun mereka tidak memenangkan satu round pun dalam episode tersebut, penampilan EXO cukup meninggalkan kesan bagi para penonton. Indeed, they aren’t good for nothing.

EXO ketika membawakan lagu "It's Still A Dark Night" pada program "Immortal Songs 2" Episode 116

Well, I guess this is my last post in 2013. 2013 for me has been a great year. I got my bachelor degree, and there’s so much more that I’ve gained through this year. Lovers were come and go, but fortunately family and best friends were stay still. 2013’s nights were still dark nights, but at least the moon and stars were still hanging up there to light on the way. I will end this year with an earnest prayer that the moon and stars will keep giving me light through the 2014’s darkest night. Happy new year, and have a great year ahead, Readers!

“I will remember it someday, but now I shall forget the dark memories. We should let our love burns within the spark, and now, just like you’re a stranger to me, I will let you go.” –Jeon Young Rok, It’s Still A Dark Night [translated lyrics]

“Ajikdo eoduun baminga bwa

(It’s still a dark night)
Haneulen banjjakineun byeoldeuli nae moseubeul gakkeum chyeodabone

(The twinkling stars in the sky look at me from time to time)

Ajikdo eoduun baminga bwa

(It’s still a dark night)

Jigeumeun jinabeolin balami sseulsseulhage naleul gamssajune

(The wind that just passed by wraps around my lonely soul)

Eonjenga eolyeomputi gieoki nagetjiman

(I will remember it someday)
eodumui chueokillang ijeneun ideoyaji
(But now I shall forget the dark memories)

Uli ijen jinan yaegi bulbitcheoleom nalliugo

(We should let our love burns within the spark)
Cheoeum boneun taincheoleom eonjenganeun milyeon eobi

(And now, just like you’re a stranger to me, I will let you go)”

“You say that I really don’t know how the world runs. With a little bit of worry in your eyes, with a little bit of sorry in your smile. Perhaps I don’t know how the world runs, perhaps I’ve left on this long journey alone.” –Deulgukhwa, That Is My World [translated lyrics]

Solois pria, JK Kim Dong Wook, turut mengisi jajaran penampil dalam edisi spesial episode ke-100 program acara musik “Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend”. Penampilannya dalam episode tersebut merupakan ketiga kalinya ia hadir dalam “Immortal Songs 2”. Dalam dua edisi sebelumnya, yaitu edisi spesial legend Shim Soo Bong dan edisi spesial legend Lee Moon Sae, ia menjadi pemenang dan dua kali berturut-turut memboyong trophy “Immortal Songs 2”. Luar biasanya lagi, dalam penampilan pertamanya, ia menyamai rekor skor tertinggi pada waktu itu –yang sebelumnya telah dipegang Jung Dong Ha selama lima bulan– yaitu 438 poin. Namun, dalam episode 100, JK Kim Dong Wook harus mengalami kekalahan pertamanya sepanjang sejarahnya mengikuti “Immortal Songs 2”.

Episode 100 tersebut menampilkan grup band legendaris Korea Selatan, Deulgukwa (dalam Bahasa Inggris berarti “wild chrysanthemum”), sebagai legend. JK Kim Dong Wook terpilih sebagai penampil kedua dari dua belas tim penampil berdasarkan hasil undian. Ia membawakan salah satu lagu hits Deulgukhwa yang paling laris, yaitu “That Is My World”. Sayangnya, penampilan luar biasanya tidak cukup untuk mengalahkan skor penampil pertama dalam episode tersebut, yaitu Ha Dong Kyun. Meskipun demikian, JK Kim Dong Wook tidak kecewa atas penampilannya, karena ia sanggup membawakan salah satu lagu favoritnya, “That Is My World”, dengan aransemen British rock yang selalu ingin ia tampilkan.

JK Kim Dong Wook ketika membawakan lagu "That Is My World" pada program "Immortal Songs 2" Episode 100

“That Is My World” is a song that was written to express the pain of the youth’s world back then, when independency of creativity was being suppressed by the Government. “You say that I really don’t know how the world runs.” I don’t know why but this sentence was hitting me so hard when I first read it. Mengerti apa kita tentang dunia yang kita tempati ini? Mengerti apa kita tentang hidup yang kita jalani ini? “Perhaps I don’t know how the world runs, perhaps I’ve left on this long journey alone.” Mungkin kita memang tidak tahu apa-apa tentang dunia ini, namun setidaknya, layaknya seseorang yang menjalani hidup, kita tidak memiliki rasa penyesalan atas apapun terhadapnya. Tidak atas tawa dan tangis yang telah kita tempuh, tidak atas impian dan cita-cita yang telah kita perjuangkan. Ini hidup kita, ini dunia kita. Dan tak ada manusia lain yang berhak menentukan maupun menghakimi atasnya.

Dirilis pertama kali pada tahun 1985, “That Is My World” merupakan bagian dari album perdana Deulgukhwa. Album ini terpilih sebagai album terbaik dalam daftar Korea’s Top 100 Albums. “That Is My World” ditulis oleh Deulgukhwa dalam keterpurukan ketika mereka dilarang untuk tampil di televisi dan media lainnya. “Even in this state, we can open the world of music. We made this song to give ourselves confidence.” Lagu ini diciptakan sebagai motivasi bagi diri mereka sendiri, serta bagi orang-orang di luar sana yang tengah mengalami masa-masa suram, untuk tidak menyerah dan tetap memperjuangkan mimpi-mimpi mereka.

“But I have no regrets about my dreams of laughter and tears. That is my world. But I just don’t regret all the dreams that I struggled to find. That is my world.” –Deulgukhwa, That Is My World [translated lyrics]

“Sesangeul neomuna moleundago nabogo geudaeneun aegihaji

(You say that I really don’t know how the world runs)
Jogeumeun geokjeongdoen nunbiteulo jogeumeun mianhan uteumeulo

(With a little bit of worry in your eyes, with a little bit of sorry in your smile)
Geulae ama nan sesangeul moleu nabwa honja ileoge meongileul tteonatnabwa
(Perhaps I don’t know how the world runs, perhaps I’ve left on this long journey alone)

Hajiman huhoeneobji ulmyeo utdeon modeun kkum geugeotmani naesesang

(But I have no regrets about my dreams of laughter and tears, that is my world)
Hajiman huhoeneobji chada hemaen modeun kkum geugeotmani naesesang

(But I just don’t regret all the dreams that I struggled to find, that is my world)
Geugeotmani naesesang

(That is my world)

Sesangeul neomuna moleundago na ttohan neoege yaegi haji
(I also say to you that you don’t know how the world runs)

Jogeumeun geokjeongdoen nunbiteulo jogeumeun mianhan uteumeulo

(With a little bit of worry in your eyes, with a little bit of sorry in your eyes
Geulae ama nan sesangeul moleunabwa honja geuleoge geugile namatnabwa

(Perhaps I don’t know how the world runs, perhaps I’m left in this long journey alone)”

“How am I supposed to understand you, when you don’t understand me? We don’t know what awaits us. It won’t be fun to know everything. If wind blows, get blown away in the wind. If it rains, get wet away in the rain. That’s how life is.” –Kim Kook Hwan, Ta Ta Ta [translated lyrics]

Dua orang solois pria legendaris Korea Selatan, Kim Jung Soo dan Kim Kook Hwan, hadir sebagai legenda dalam episode 126. Pada masanya, yaitu dekade 90-an, Kim Jung Soo dan Kim Kook Hwan adalah lawan sekaligus kawan yang menghiasi dunia musik Korea Selatan dengan karya-karya mereka. Hadir sebagai salah satu tim penampil dalam episode 126 itu adalah duo female vocal Davichi. Episode tersebut mengudara pada tanggal 9 November 2013 di stasiun televisi KBS, serta pada tanggal 30 November 2013 di channel KBS World. Duo yang beranggotakan Lee Hae Ri dan Kang Min Kyung tersebut tampil membawakan salah satu lagu hits Kim Kook Hwan yang bertajuk “Ta Ta Ta”.

Davichi ketika membawakan lagu "Ta Ta Ta" pada program "Immortal Songs 2" Episode 126

Don’t imagining “Ta Ta Ta” as a cheerful dance pop song. “Ta Ta Ta” is actually a traditional ballad pop song that tells about life. The lyrics say it all. We’ve got to enjoy living this life despite any hardships that might come after us. That the mystery of life is what makes it interesting. We go anywhere the wind blows, and we follow anywhere the water flows. That’s how we living this life. It’s come what may. Life is worth living indeed, no matter how wrecked it is. Making mistakes is part of living this life. People learn from their mistakes and there’s no need to blame and punish ourselves too much for those mistakes. That the worry of life is what makes it interesting. When we have no worries, and all that we have is happiness, then that’s the bonus of life that we get from our right-doings. Indeed, life is about reaping what you sow. We were born naked, but now we put clothes on as we live. And that’s the main purpose of living this life, to ‘put clothes on’ ourselves with our lessons.

Dirilis pertama kali pada tahun 1991, “Ta Ta Ta” merupakan bagian dari album perdana Kim Kook Hwan. Sebelumnya “Ta Ta Ta” sempat dinyanyikan oleh dua penyanyi lain, yaitu pertama adalah Hwi Il Jong dan kedua adalah Cho Yong Pil. Namun, meskipun lagu ini diciptakan oleh composer Kim Hee Gap dan lyricist Yang In Ja yang terkenal sebagai hits-maker pada waktu itu, “Ta Ta Ta” tidak dikenal publik secara luas hingga Kim Kook Hwan yang menyanyikannya. The thing that made it special when Kim Kook Hwan sang it was the laughter part in the middle of the song. This laughter was a kind of laughter that encompassed all the joys and sorrows of life. It’s the highlight of the song. It sounds like he’s crying and laughing at the same time. It’s a laughter that no one could copy.

Kang Min Kyung ketika membawakan lagu "Ta Ta Ta" pada program "Immortal Songs 2" Episode 18

Sebelum Davichi menampilkannya dalam episode 126, “Ta Ta Ta” pernah ditampilkan oleh Kang Min Kyung secara solo dalam episode 18 program “Immortal Songs 2”. Penampilan tersebut menandai debut Kang Min Kyung dalam program acara tersebut. “Ta Ta Ta” versi solo Kang Min Kyung adalah sebuah lagu ballad yang mengalun indah dengan suara lembutnya. Namun, “Ta Ta Ta” versi Davichi adalah sebuah lagu pop yang diaransemen dengan musik tango. I love both versions. The ballad version has this painful feeling, when the tango one has this powerful feeling within. Well, I guess, whatever the arrangement is, the basic melody of this song itself was already the great one. Moreover, the lyrics were really something. It’s so poetic yet philosophic.

“Living is a good thing, life is worth it all the way. We were born naked, but we have a shirt on our way back now. We all make mistakes throughout our lives. It won’t be fun to live without any worries at all. Such is a bonus in life.” –Kim Kook Hwan, Ta Ta Ta [translated lyrics]

“Nega nareul moreuneunde nandeul neoreul alketneunya

(How am I supposed to understand you, when you don’t understand me?)
Hanchi apdo modoo molla da anhamyeon jaemieobji

(We don’t know what awaits us, it won’t be fun to know everything)
Baramee boryeooneun naleun barameuro

(If wind blows, get blown away in the wind)
Bi ohmyeon bieh jeojeo saneunkeoji geureonkeoji

(If it rains, get wet away in the rain, that’s how life is)

Sandaneungeon joheunkeoji soojimatneun jangsajanhso

(Living is a good thing, life is worth it all the way)
Almomeuro taeuhnaseo oot hanbeoleun keonjeotjangso

(We were born naked, but we have a shirt on our way back now)
Oorineh heotjipeun insaengsalee

(We all make mistakes throughout our lives)
Han sesang keokjeongjocha eobsisalmyeon mooseun jaemi
(It won’t be fun to live without any worries at all)

Georeonke deomeejanhso

(Such is a bonus in life)”

“It’s not just sadness that we face throughout life. It’s our own fault that we go through darkness. If I could live alone, that’s because of the memories that we know we love each other as we say our farewells.” –Sunflower, Not Just Sadness [translated lyrics]

Program acara musik “Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend” menghadirkan Lee Joo Ho sebagai legenda dalam episode 95 dan 96. Lee Joo Ho adalah penyanyi, musisi, sekaligus pencipta lagu yang menjadi pionir musik folk di dunia musik Korea Selatan bersama grup yang dibentuknya, Sunflower. Lagu-lagu hits Sunflower –yang dalam Bahasa Korea disebut “Haebaragi”– dilahirkan kembali dalam “Immortal Songs 2”. Hadir sebagai salah satu penampil dalam episode 95 adalah Moon Myung Jin, the R n’ B hidden master. Ia tampil membawakan lagu hits Sunflower yang bertajuk “Not Just Sadness”. Episode tersebut mengudara pada tanggal 6 April 2013 di stasiun televisi KBS, serta pada tanggal 27 April 2013 di channel KBS World. Menariknya, penampilan tersebut merupakan pertama kalinya Moon Myung Jin tampil dalam “Immortal Songs 2”. Tidak hanya itu, penampilan itu adalah penampilan pertama Moon Myung Jin setelah sepuluh tahun lamanya absen dari panggung musik dan televisi. Marking his very first television and music stage appearance after the long ten years of hiatus, Moon Myung Jin made his breath-taking comeback.

“Not Just Sadness” is a song about life. The lyrics say it all. That life is not just about sadness, nor always about happiness either. That we live this life while we reap what we sow. Whether it’s good or bad things, it would come around. And there’s nothing that lasts forever. Even during our darkest night, we must remember that the moon and stars are always shining up there. They say that we don’t know what we’ve got until it’s gone. So, we must be grateful and appreciate what we have right now. We must love to the fullest everything that we have right now, since it’s in front of us. Because when it’s gone as the time passes by, there won’t be any regrets. We couldn’t avoid sadness that comes along when we lose it, but at least we won’t have any regrets. So that despite of anything that left us, we could continue on living because of the precious memories that we’ve made. Because the love was real, that it gives us strength to move on.

Moon Myung Jin ketika membawakan lagu "Not Just Sadness" pada program "Immortal Songs 2" Episode 95

Dirilis pertama kali pada tahun 1989, “Not Just Sadness” merupakan bagian dari album keempat Sunflower. It’s a very special song for Lee Joo Ho, as he stated, “When that song comes on, listen to the lyrics. I hope you’ll realize why I’m reminded of that song.” And indeed, this song is one of a kind. It’s a song that eases sadness and speaks of love. Before his performance, Moon Myung Jin said why he chooses this song, “When I first heard this song, I realized this was the song for me. I think this song really went well with my emotions. From here on I’m hoping I’ll get more opportunities to perform on these shows.” His desperate hope to sing on the stage gave a deep meaning to this song. And so, Moon Myung Jin with his new R n’ B rendition of “Not Just Sadness” became a sensation. From then on, he made his way to shine. Yes, there will always be a way. It’s not just sadness that we face throughout life.

“When I gaze at the moon, when I gaze at the stars, I’m reminded of this in my darkest hours. Our every thing that we love could be in front of us. There will be sadness when the past is forgotten.” –Sunflower, Not Just Sadness [translated lyrics]

“Seulpeummaneun anigetjyo uri saragada

(It’s not just sadness that we face throughout life)

Eoduul su itneungeon jasin ttaemunigetjyo

(It’s our own fault that we go through darkness)
Honja saragal su itdamyeon ibyeoldwie tteooreuneun

(If I could live alone that’s because of the memories)
Maneun chueokeul saranghagi ttaemunigetjyo

(That we know we love each other as we say our farewells)

Bamhaneul dareul bomyeo bamhaneun byeolreul bomyeo

(When I gaze at the moon, when I gaze at the stars)
Gipeun eodume jeodjeo deulttaemun tteoolreuneun

(I’m reminded of this in my darkest hours)
Saranghal su itseotdeon uriape geu modeungeot

(Our every thing that we love could be in front of us)

Idjeobeorinchae sewolri gamyeon seulpeumigetjyo.

(There will be sadness when the past is forgotten)
La la la la laaa~ idjeobeorinche sewolri gamyeon seulpeumigetjyo

(La la la la laaa~ there will be sadness when the past is forgotten)”

“Like a pigeon flying over the blue sky, our hearts are soaring through the sky. Let’s all smile and live while dreaming of a brighter tomorrow.” –Nami, Friends Forever [translated lyrics]

Tampil sebagai pemenang dalam program acara musik “Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend” episode 127 adalah Kim Chang Yeol dan Im Chang Jung. Hmmm, two winners? Yup! Episode ini adalah edisi spesial “Autumn Men”, di mana para penampil dalam episode tersebut melakukan kolaborasi untuk menampilkan lagu-lagu musim gugur. Episode ini ditayangkan pada tanggal 16 November 2013 di stasiun televisi KBS, serta pada tanggal 7 Desember 2013 di channel KBS World. Kim Chang Yeol, main vocalist of the legendary hip hop group DJ DOC, meets with Im Chang Jung, the multi-talented actor. These two best friends of 20 years collaborate on “Immortal Songs 2” stage! Lagu yang mereka tampilkan pun sangat sesuai untuk mereka berdua, yaitu sebuah lagu berjudul “Friends Forever”.

“Friends Forever”, seperti judulnya, adalah sebuah lagu kebangsaan untuk para sahabat. Lagu ceria ini membangkitkan semangat persahabatan bagi semua orang yang mendengarnya. Dalam kalimat-kalimat sederhana nan indah, lirik lagu ini mendendangkan makna persahabatan yang sesungguhnya. Bahwa sahabat itu membebaskan jiwa kita, untuk terbang bersama meraih impian dan cita-cita. Bahwa sahabat itu mendamaikan kita, membuat kita tersenyum dalam kedukaan dan tertawa dalam penderitaan. Bahwa sahabat itu menerangi kita, mendampingi setiap jalan kehidupan bahkan yang tergelap sekalipun. Bahwa sahabat adalah uluran tangan, yang akan selalu ada ketika dibutuhkan. Bahwa sahabat adalah lagu ceria, yang akan selalu membawa semangat ketika dinyanyikan. Friends forever means happy mind and joyful life, and there’s nothing more precious than that.

Kim Chang Yeol dan Im Chang Jung ketika membawakan lagu "Friends Forever" pada program "Immortal Songs 2" Episode 127

Dirilis pertama kali pada tahun 1979, “Friends Forever” dibawakan oleh grup band Nami and The Boys. It became known when it was featured in Nami’s solo album later. Nami’s signature husky voice and the funky disco music made this song a hit. Chang Brothers had successfully shown a great finale performance. They dominated the stage with their energetic and attractive presence. As the last stage of that episode, the Chang Brothers were far from disappointing. It was one of a kind performance that could only be pulled off by people who had shared deep friendship like them. Kolaborasi antara dua sahabat ini memang fantastis dan layak untuk membawa pulang trophy “Immortal Songs 2” pada edisi spesial “Autumn Men” tersebut.

“Like those stars in the wide night sky, all of us become good friends. Let’s all hold hands and sing a happy song together.” –Nami, Friends Forever [translated lyrics]

“Palanhaneul maemdoneun bidulgi nalgaecheoleom

(Like a pigeon flying over the blue sky)
Ulideului maeumeun haneuleul nalagayo

(Our hearts are soaring through the sky)
Seolo dagati uteumyeonseo bakeun naeilui kkumeul kiumyeo salayo

(Let’s all smile and live while dreaming of a brighter tomorrow)

Oooh~ yeongwonhan chingu

(Oooh~ friends forever)
Oooh~ haengbokhan maeum

(Oooh~ happy mind)
Oooh~ jeulgeoun insaeng ye!
(Oooh~ joyful life, yes!)

Neobgo neobeun bamhaneul sumaneun byeoldeulcheoleom

(Like those stars in the wide night sky)
Uli modu dajeonghan chinguga doeeoteoyo

(All of us become good friends)
Seolo dagati soneul jabgo jeulgeoun nolae haengbokui nolae bulleoyo

(Let’s all hold hands and sing a happy song together)”

“I cannot forget that woman in the rain, I cannot forget her. The yellow raincoat, the dark eyes, I can’t forget them.” –Shin Jung Hyun, Woman in the Rain [translated lyrics]

Program acara musik “Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend” menayangkan edisi spesial “Battle of Kings” dalam episode 71 dan 72. Dalam edisi spesial ini, hadir sebagai penampil adalah mereka yang pernah memenangkan trophy “Immortal Songs 2”. That was an epic match-up, a do or die battle between the winners to choose the King of the kings. For this unimaginable battles among the best, the legend who appeared in that episode was beyond imagination too. Dia adalah Shin Jung Hyun, the everlasting Godfather of Korean rock music. He’s the founder of Korean rock music, and he’s also the living legend of Korean popular music. He’s surpassed legend and become a part of mythology. Amazingly, for the first time in “Immortal Songs 2”’s history, everyone was on their feet when he entered the studio.

Salah satu dari dua belas tim penampil yang hadir dalam edisi spesial tersebut adalah Park Jae Bum alias Jay Park. Ia tampil dalam episode 72, yaitu bagian kedua dari edisi spesial “Battle of Kings”, dan membawakan salah satu lagu hits Shin Jung Hyun yang berjudul “Woman in the Rain”. Episode ini mengudara pada tanggal 27 Oktober 2012 di stasiun televisi KBS, serta pada tanggal 17 November 2012 di channel KBS World. As expected from the king of performance, Jay Park, he re-arranged the rock-blues song into an R n’ B dance song and showed a marvelous dance performance. Namun sayangnya, meskipun menjadi favorit penonton untuk dapat memenangkan edisi spesial tersebut, Jay tidak memenangkan satu round pun.

Jay Park ketika membawakan lagu "Woman in the Rain" pada program "Immortal Songs 2" Episode 72

Satu tahun kemudian, lagu “Woman in the Rain” kembali ditampilkan dalam program “Immortal Songs 2”. Kali ini dalam episode 127 yang merupakan edisi spesial “Autumn Men”. Episode ini ditayangkan pada tanggal 16 November 2013 di stasiun televisi KBS, serta pada tanggal 7 Desember 2013 di channel KBS World. Dalam episode tersebut, lagu ini ditampilkan oleh salah satu kolaborasi yang unik, yaitu vokalis utama boy group B1A4, Sandeul, dan aktor veteran, Choi Min Soo. The most charismatic man, Choi Min Soo, meets the youngest contestant of the show, Sandeul. Surprisingly, the unconventional duo of two generations marvelously brought an impressive deep blues rendition of “Woman in the Rain”. They showed the novel harmony of 22 years old innocent boy and 52 years old autumn man. The performance was Min Soo’s style, and everyone was impressed that Sandeul could pull it off.

Sandeul dan Choi Min Soo ketika membawakan lagu "Woman in the Rain" pada program "Immortal Songs 2" Episode 127

Dirilis pertama kali pada tahun 1963, “Woman in the Rain” adalah lagu debut Shin Jung Hyun. It’s the first Korean rock song, and was released when he organized the first Korean rock band, Add4. It’s an experimental blues song that incorporated both guitar and violin sounds. It’s the song that’s the root of Korean rock. The lyrics talk about a guy who misses the woman he saw in the rain. He couldn’t forget that girl somehow. He couldn’t get rid of her image from his mind no matter what. Everything about her on that night still is lingering and won’t go away. There’s no need to talk about it out, there’s nothing more to say, he knew he fell in love right at the moment when they walked together under the rain in silence.

I personally love the Choi Min Soo and Sandeul’s remake version very much. They gave an unexpected and surprising ending in their performance. Moreover, the new arrangement was so great. Sandeul exuded different air on that performance, and for the first time I saw him as a mature gentleman, not an innocent boy anymore. I was so in love with his ad-libs in that performance. They mixed “Woman in the Rain” with another song called “Alley”, but instead of ruining the song, the mixing was empowered the original song itself. Overall, Choi Min Soo and Sandeul showed an amazing collaboration, and they deserved the high score that they got on that episode.

“With a warm smile, she held her black umbrella for me. Watching the raindrops fall, without words, we walked in silence.” –Shin Jung Hyun, Woman in the Rain [translated lyrics]

“Idji mothal bitsokui yeoin geu yeoineul idji mothane

(I cannot forget that woman in the rain, I cannot forget her)
Noolran reinkoteue geomeun nundongja idji mothane

(The yellow raincoat, the dark eyes, I can’t forget them)

Dajeonghage misojimyeo geomeun usaneul batchyeo june

(With a warm smile, she held her black umbrella for me)
Naelrineun bitbangul balrabomyeo maleobsi maleobsi geolreotne

(Watching the raindrops fall, without words, we walked in silence)”

“I have one more thing to do as I live this life. I’m not lonely even though I stand in the middle of a windy field. However, when a single pine needle falls, my tears fall with it. And then, the sun will rise again on each of our aching hearts.” –Sunflower, With Love [translated lyrics]

The pioneer of folk music in South Korea, Sunflower, was being the honorary legend on episode 95 and 96 of music program “Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend”. Sunflower –yang dalam istilah Bahasa Korea disebut “Haebaragi”– adalah sebuah grup musik folk yang digawangi oleh Lee Joo Ho, sebagai vokalis dan gitaris utama, sekaligus pencipta lagu. For 37 years, they sang of love and hope with guitars. They moved a lot of people with their poetic lyrics and beautiful melodies. They made the world beautiful with their music. They brought the nation together and became the textbook example of acoustic guitars with their perfect melody. Sunflower sang the songs that heal your aching heart with faint yet reverberate deep within.

Dalam episode 95, yaitu bagian pertama dari edisi spesial Sunflower, terpilih sebagai penampil pertama dari sebelas tim penampil adalah Sonya, seorang aktris panggung teater musikal. Episode tersebut mengudara pada tanggal 6 April 2013 di stasiun televisi KBS, serta pada tanggal 27 April 2013 di channel KBS World. Sonya, the icon of emotion, sang the signature song from the icon of hope that will never change, Sunflower. The song’s called “With Love”. This song was first released on 1989 and it’s a song that Lee Joo Ho cherishes the most. “With Love” is a beautiful song with lyrical melodies that evangelizes love.

Terdapat sebuah kisah menarik dan menyentuh hati di balik penciptaan lagu yang termuat dalam buku pelajaran wajib sekolah tingkat menengah di Korea Selatan ini. Lagu ini diciptakan oleh Lee Joo Ho pada tahun 1987 setelah ia melihat sebuah tragedi dalam berita. Tragedi di mana di Korea Selatan ditemukan empat orang anak gadis yang mencoba bunuh diri akibat kondisi keluarganya yang memprihatinkan. Kedua orang tua mereka bekerja sebagai pembersih jalan dan tidak sanggup membiayai keempat anaknya, sehingga mereka hidup dalam kemiskinan. Segera setelah melihat berita itu, Lee Joo Ho tergerak hatinya dan lahirlah lagu “With Love”.

Sonya ketika membawakan lagu "With Love" pada program "Immortal Songs 2" Episode 95

“With Love” is a song that speaks of love and hope. It tells us that even though there always will be despair in life, love is the only way to light the darkness. Although there always be some times when life gets so hard to handle, love is the only hope that we have. We’re not alone in this world, and we’re not the only one with miserable life in this life. There’s always something out there that watches over us and gives us reasons to keep going on. There’s always something inside ourselves that strengthens us and gives us faith to keep living on. And when we feel strong enough, when we feel tough enough, we could relay it and give it over to everybody else out there who needs. For those who need our helps, we must not hesitate to reach out our hands.

Indeed, emotions are connected from heart to heart. Sonya sang “With Love” with all her heart out and it gave her three rounds winning. Mendengar vokal Sonya sendiri saja sudah sanggup membangkitkan emosi dari dalam hati. Ditambah lagi, Sonya ditemani oleh paduan suara anak-anak. The children choir of 30 kids gave off more positive energy into the performance. Everyone was in awe watching Sonya and the children choir’s performance. And even the legend himself praised it. I love both the original version and Sonya’s remake version. Moreover, I love the song itself very much.

“With our love that will never change forever, I’ll reach out my hand in darkness and light the way.” –Sunflower, With Love [translated lyrics]

“Naega saraganeun dongane hal ili tto hanaitji

(I have one more thing to do as I live this life)
Barambuneun beolpane seo itseodo naneun oerobji ana

(I’m not lonely even though I stand in the middle of a windy field)
Geulreona soliphana tteoleojimyeon nunmulttala heulreugo

(However, when a single pine needle falls, my tears fall with it)
Uri taneun gaseum gaseummada haetsaleun dasi tteoolreune

(And then, the sun will rise again on each of our aching hearts)

Aaa~ yeongwonhi byeonchianeul urideulrui sarangeulro

(Aaa~ with our love that will never change forever)
Eoduun gotse soneul naemilreo bakhyeo julrilra

(I’ll reach out my hand in darkness and light the way)”

“The gentle rain is flowing silently like tears. Who’s crying in the middle of the night? The forgotten memories of my love that had gone away, and I couldn’t find the way back. The one who’s crying a blood, the eye eventually turns black.” –Bae Ho, Who Is Crying [translated lyrics]

Program acara musik “Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend” menayangkan edisi spesial yang didedikasikan untuk salah satu legenda dalam dunia musik Korea Selatan yang telah berpulang ke haribaan, yaitu Bae Ho. Edisi spesial tersebut terdiri dari dua episode, yaitu 76 dan 77. Dari dua belas jajaran tim penampil dalam edisi spesial tersebut, penampil yang terpilih untuk tampil pertama sebagai pembuka festival tidak lain tidak bukan adalah aktor musikal, Im Tae Kyung. Sebagai penampilan pembuka dalam episode 76, Im Tae Kyung tampil membawakan salah satu lagu hits almarhum Bae Ho yang paling terkemuka, “Who Is Crying”, yang dirilis pertama kali pada tahun 1966.

“Who Is Crying” is a song about someone who reminiscing the past, when it’s raining in the middle of the night. It’s about the rain that’s drenching our hearts with memories of the love that had gone away. About the forgotten memories. About the reluctant wounds. About getting lost in those memories and couldn’t find the way back. About being drown in those memories and couldn’t remember anything else. About the midnight rain that turns everything black.

Life really is unpredictable. Siapa yang menyangka, bahwa dengan terpilih sebagai penampil pertama, Im Tae Kyung justru membukukan sebuah rekor baru dalam sejarah program “Immortal Songs 2”? Ya, hadir sebagai penampil pertama, ia meraih skor tertinggi untuk penampilan pertama pada waktu itu, dan menyapu bersih seluruh peserta lainnya dari episode 76. Tidak hanya itu, kejayaannya berlanjut hingga episode 77, dan total ia memenangkan sebanyak tujuh round berturut-turut, yang membuatnya menyamai rekor yang pernah dibuat oleh Sung Hoon pada edisi spesial Kim Gun Mo. Indeed, Im Tae Kyung is really something!

Im Tae Kyung ketika membawakan lagu "Who Is Crying" pada program "Immortal Songs 2" Episode 76

Tentang almarhum Bae Ho sendiri, dia adalah penyanyi solo legendaris Korea Selatan yang berjaya pada tahun 1960-an. Meninggal muda pada usia 29 tahun akibat penyakit TBC, almarhum Bae Ho meninggalkan karya-karya abadi bagi masyarakat Korea Selatan dan mengukir legenda, walaupun hanya dengan masa karir yang singkat selama delapan tahun. He was the master of low pitch with a golden and sorrowful voice, and also handsome image. He was every woman’s dream and every man’s favorite singer. Among the singers that have passed away, this person’s voice is the most missed. And so, the late Bae Ho special episodes were made to commemorate the 41^st anniversary of Bae Ho’s death.

Pada setiap pembukaan acara “Immortal Songs 2”, ketika para penampil biasanya menyerukan “Singing the legend!”, maka dalam episode tersebut mereka berseru, “Singing Bae Ho!”. The Korea’s favorite songs were reborn on those episodes. Termasuk “Who Is Crying” yang dilahirkan kembali oleh Im Tae Kyung dengan luar biasa pada episode 76. Episode tersebut mengudara pada tanggal 24 November 2012 di stasiun televisi KBS, serta pada tanggal 15 Desember 2012 di channel KBS World. Satu kata cukup untuk menggambarkan penampilannya pada episode tersebut: perfect! The way he interpreted and delivered the song was amazing. His expression was astonishing. Im Tae Kyung had brought “Who Is Crying” to the next level, and yes, he deserved the most-winning record.

“The gentle rain is flowing endlessly like tears. Who’s crying in the middle of the night? The reluctant wounds of my love that had left away, and I couldn’t even remember. The one who’s crying like a kid, the eye eventually turns black.” –Bae Ho, Who Is Crying [translated lyrics]

“Solieobsi heulleo naelrineun nunmulgateun iseulbi

(The gentle rain is flowing silently like tears)
Nuga ulreo i hanbam idjeotdeon chueokinga

(Who’s crying in the middle of the night? The forgotten memories)
Meolli gabeolrin naesarangeun dolraolgil eobneunde

(Of my love that had gone away and I couldn’t find the way back)
Piga maedjhige geunuga ulreo ulreo geomeunnuneul jeoksina

(The one who’s crying a blood, the eye eventually turns black)

Hayeomeobsi heulleo naelrineun nunmulgateun iseulbi

(The gentle rain is flowing endlessly like tears)
Nuga ulreo i hanbam silreotdeon sangcheoinga

(Who’s crying in the middle of the night? The reluctant wounds)
Meolli tteonagan naesarangeun giyakjocha eobneunde
(Of my love that had left away and I couldn’t even remember)

Aega tadolrok geunuga ulreo ulreo geomeunnuneul jeoksina

(The one who’s crying like a kid, the eye eventually turns black)”

“It was a windy day when she waved away her small hand, and with an awkward smile, she looked me in the eyes. But I couldn’t make her stay back then, and although I regret it now, when I saw her getting far from me, I felt so afraid. My heart ached.” –Kim Sung Ho, Kim Sung Ho’s Reminiscence [translated lyrics]

Pada musim gugur ini, program acara musik “Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend” menyiarkan sebuah edisi spesial “Autumn Men”. Dalam episode 127 tersebut, tidak ada legenda tertentu yang ditampilkan, tetapi sebagai gantinya, sebanyak enam ‘autumn men’ didatangkan sebagai bintang tamu untuk berkolaborasi dengan para penampil dalam episode tersebut. Salah satu kolaborasi yang menarik adalah antara Lee Hae Ri dan Kim Dong Hyun. Lee Hae Ri, seperti yang sudah dikenal, adalah leader dari duo vocal Davichi. Sedangkan Kim Dong Hyun, yang mungkin namanya masih asing, adalah atlet nasional martial arts Korea Selatan. A man who loves sport meets a woman who loves music. The best fighter and the best female vocalist are in a duet!

Episode 127 edisi spesial “Autumn Men” menampilkan lagu-lagu musim gugur yang legendaris, the autumn men’s autumn melodies. Episode ini ditayangkan pada tanggal 16 November 2013 di stasiun televisi KBS, serta pada tanggal 7 Desember 2013 di channel KBS World. Duet the beauty and the beast, Lee Hae Ri dan Kim Dong Hyun, tampil membawakan sebuah lagu berjudul “Kim Sung Ho’s Reminiscence”. Dirilis pertama kali pada tahun 1989, versi original lagu pop folk ini bukan merupakan lagu duet. Namun, di tangan Lee Hae Ri dan Kim Dong Hyun, “Kim Sung Ho’s Reminiscence” menjadi sebuah lagu duet pop ballad yang tak kalah indah dengan versi originalnya.

Lee Hae Ri dan Kim Dong Hyun membawakan lagu "Kim Sung Ho's Reminiscence" pada program "Immortal Songs 2" Episode 127

“Kim Sung Ho’s Reminiscence” is a song about a man who reminisces on his past lover. Its sentimental lyrics talked about the day of the breakup. Since the first time I heard this song and knew the meaning of its lyrics, it suddenly hit me hard. I mean, what’s written in its lyrics is something that everyone has experienced. And yes, it’s what I’ve experienced too. Everyone in their life must have a sad memory about their past lovers, with a little bit of pain and a little bit of regret. Well, I guess there’s nothing more to say, the chorus part is already explaining everything. “I sometimes shed tears, when I feel that I’m all alone. I miss her so much, but I don’t even have any single picture left. She cried when she left me, but it wasn’t easy for me either. I was too young back then, I didn’t know how precious she was.”

Indeed, autumn is the season of loneliness. And this song fits the season well. It has sorrowful melody and lyrics that make this song perfect for autumn. Moreover, Lee Hae Ri and Kim Dong Hyun’s calm yet deep performance was touching everyone’s hearts. The way the interpreted the song was so great. Their rendition of “Kim Sung Ho’s Reminiscence” gave this kind of feeling, ‘The man who thought that he’s less than perfect, and the woman who thought that he’s more than perfect. They were so caring for each other that they decided to break up.’ With their performance, Lee Hae Ri and Kim Dong Hyun had successfully taken “Kim Sung Ho’s Reminiscence” to the next level. Though they didn’t win a round on this episode, their performance was beautiful and impressive.

“Those times that I’ve spent with her weren’t so bad. I resented her couples of times, but she was a good person. But that’s not so true, she gave me pain and made my heart aches. We sometimes walked without talking, but it was a good memory. I felt so sorry.” –Kim Sung Ho, Kim Sung Ho’s Reminiscence [translated lyrics]

“Barami mobsi buldeon nalieotji geunyeoneun jogeuman soneul heundeulgo

(It was a windy day when she waved away her small hand)
Eosaekhan misolreul jieumyeonseo naui nuneul boatji hmmm~

(And with an awkward smile, she looked me in the eyes, hmmm~)
Hajiman butjabeul suneun eobseotseo jigeumeun huhoelreul hago itjiman

(But I couldn’t make her stay back then, and although I regret it now)
Meolreojyeoganeun dwitmoseub bomyeonseo dulyeoumdo neukkyeotji hmmm~

(When I saw her getting far from me, I felt so afraid, hmmm~)
Naneun gaseum apatseo

(My heart ached)

Ttaelroneun nunmuldo heullyeotji ijeneun honjalrago neukkilttae

(I sometimes shed tears, when I feel that I’m all alone)
Bogosipeun maeum hani eobjiman jjidjeojin sajinhanjang namji anatne

(I miss her so much, but I don’t even have any single picture left)
Geunyeoneun ulmyeonseo gatjiman nae maeumdo pyeonhajineun anatseo

(She cried when she left me, but it wasn’t easy for me either)
Geuttaeneun neomuna eolryeotseotgie geunyeoui sojunghameul alji mothaetne

(I was too young back then, I didn’t know how precious she was)

Geulreohge nappeujin anatseo geunyeowa hamkke haetdeon sigandeulreun
(Those times that I’ve spent with her weren’t so bad)

Han dubeon wonmangdo haetseotjiman joeun saramieotseo hmmm~

(I resented her couples of times, but she was a good person, hmmm~)
Hajiman kkok geulreoji ana neomu nae mameul apeuge haetji

(But that’s not so true, she gave me pain and made my heart aches)
Seolro maleobsi geotgido haetjiman joeun gieokieotseo hmmm~
(We sometimes walked without talking, but it was a good memory, hmmm~”

Neomu aswiwotseotseo

(I felt so sorry)”