Korea Current

Kim Young-ok (김영옥) and Haru Shine in ‘Legendary Man’ Special

The MBN variety show features a star-studded lineup celebrating the Chuseok holiday

Category: Arts & Culture

In a vibrant display of talent and camaraderie, the MBN variety show Legendary Man showcased its special episode titled ‘Paldo Myungmul Daejanchi’ on September 23, 2026. The program featured a star-studded lineup including veteran actress Kim Young-ok (김영옥) and singer Haru, who captivated audiences with their performances and heartfelt exchanges.

This episode, which aired as part of the Chuseok festivities, brought together a diverse cast representing regions across Korea, including Gyeongsang-do, Gyeonggi-do, Jeolla-do, Chungcheong-do, and more. The show has gained popularity for its engaging format, where contestants compete in musical challenges themed around local specialties.

Kim Young-ok, a legendary actress with a 69-year career in entertainment, made a notable appearance as a member of the Seoul team. Her presence was met with enthusiastic applause as she expressed her excitement for the event, saying, "I came to enjoy the party." Known for her love of trot music, she revealed her admiration for Haru during the show, stating, "I voted for Haru during the finals because she is beautiful and sings so clearly." This confession surprised many viewers and added a personal touch to the episode.

The Domestic Response

The episode featured various performances, including a special duet between Kim Young-ok and Haru, where they sang Hyun-chul's song ‘Ajnuna Seona Dangsin Saenggak’ (앉으나 서나 당신 생각). Their collaboration was a highlight, bridging generational gaps and offering a delightful experience to the audience. The duet received positive feedback, with many viewers appreciating the chemistry between the two artists.

Alongside Kim Young-ok and Haru, the show included the ‘TOP7’ from the previous competition Nameless Legend, featuring participants like Seong-ri, Jang Han-byul, and Hwang Yun-seong. Each team competed for regional pride, with performances that showcased their unique styles and talents. The episode achieved impressive ratings, peaking at 4.4%, solidifying its position as a leading program in the music entertainment genre.

The competition featured various segments, including a playful interaction between the contestants. For example, Hwang Yun-seong, representing Chungcheong-do, humorously responded to a challenge from Seong-ri, saying, "You’ve only been singing ballads for 19 years, so you might not know how tough it is to dance and sing at the same time!" His wit and charm contributed to the light-hearted atmosphere of the show.

Other notable performances included a spirited rendition of ‘Simbawda Simbawso’ by Binnie, who cleverly integrated traditional Korean elements into her act, and a powerful duet by Maria and Jeong Yeon-ho, who sang ‘Really Good’ (정말 좋았네) together. Maria’s performance stood out, earning her victory in their round.

As the show progressed, the young talent segment featured children known as ‘Trot Prodigies,’ who amazed audiences with their skills. The youngest participants, including six-year-old Lee Ha-rin, showcased impressive vocal abilities that belied their age. The segment highlighted the future of trot music, with audiences expressing admiration for these budding stars.

Kim Young-ok and Haru’s duet concluded the episode on a high note, leaving viewers with a sense of nostalgia and joy. The actress’s heartfelt remarks about Haru resonated with many fans, who appreciated her genuine admiration for the younger artist.

With its engaging format and diverse lineup, Legendary Man continues to capture the hearts of viewers every Wednesday at 9:40 PM. The show entertains and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Korea through music and performance.

The success of the episode is a reminder of the enduring appeal of trot music and the power of generational collaboration in the entertainment industry. As the show gears up for its next episode, fans eagerly anticipate more memorable performances and heartfelt moments.