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| Photo=TV Chosun Geumtaneun Geumyoil |
[Sports Today reporter Song O-jung] Ssesibong’s 58-year musical journey, now approaching its final curtain, was laid bare on TV Chosun’s Geumtaneun Geumyoil.
Episode 15, which aired on the 3rd, was billed as a special: “The Last Story of Ssesibong.” Jo Young-nam, Yoon Hyung-ju, Song Chang-sik, Kim Se-hwan and the group’s official MC Lee Sang-byeok reunited to reflect on 58 years of friendship and music. The broadcast drew a nationwide Nielsen Korea rating of 4.2%, peaking at 4.8% and ranking first among that day’s general and cable programs.
Host Kim Seong-ju surprised viewers when he announced that that night’s performance would be the Ssesibong family’s final broadcast appearance. Yoon Hyung-ju confirmed that their ongoing national tour would serve as the group’s farewell stage, and said they came on the show to thank fans for decades of support — a revelation that left many viewers wistful.
The episode opened with the New Zealand folk song “Pokarekare Ana.” Their time-weathered harmonies, rich and resonant, flooded the stage and captivated the audience instantly. Despite an average age hovering around 80, the group delivered vivid, undiminished energy.
The performance momentum was carried by the group’s youngest member, Kim Se-hwan. Facing the farewell stage, he showed palpable emotion and energized the room with a medley of pop songs. He and Song Chang-sik then delivered their first-ever duet of “The Loving Heart,” a tender highlight that delighted listeners.
Song Chang-sik later underscored his stature as a master, performing “Once or Twice” and “The Piper” live with South Korea’s leading guitarist Ham Chun-ho. Kim Seong-ju called it a rare privilege to hear that lineup in person, and even top trot stars in attendance hailed the set as historic.
The show also staged a reunion of Trio Ssesibong, the precursor to Twin Folio. Original member Lee Ik-gyun — who had stepped away from performing after serving in the Vietnam War — made a surprise return to join Yoon Hyung-ju and Song Chang-sik on stage. Their unchanged timbres instantly recalled the era’s emotions and memories.
The group’s candid banter remained a highlight. Though they joked they weren’t particularly close, the members’ sharp observations of one another and playful back-and-forth produced laughs throughout the broadcast.
Younger artists offered heartfelt tribute performances. Jin (Jin) Kim Yong-bin and Nam Seung-min chose Jo Young-nam’s “Moran Dongbaek” and “Hwagae Market,” respectively. When Kim Yong-bin said, “I think I found a song that suits me — I want to sing it again on stage,” Jo Young-nam warmly encouraged him, creating a touching moment.
Sun Bin-a moved the audience with “We Are,” a tribute dedicated to the Geumtaneun Geumyoil members, while Mi Cheonrokdam reimagined “A Verdant Day,” giving the song a fresh emotional color. Original composer Song Chang-sik responded to each distinct staging with generous applause.
The first part closed with Chun-gil and Chu Hyuk-jin delivering a soulful rendition of Kim Se-hwan’s “On Saturday Night,” leaving a lingering afterglow. Part 2 of TV Chosun’s special The Last Story of Ssesibong is scheduled for next Friday, the 10th, at 10 PM.
[Sports Today reporter Song O-jung ent@stoo.com]
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