The preliminary round winners of the ’80s Seoul Song Festival’ have been announced. During the MBC entertainment program ’Hangout with Yoo!’ on the afternoon of the 23rd, the finalists gathered and revealed their identities. In the first stage, Peacock Shopping Center, Dong-A Planning, and Jongro Bookstore showcased their impressive vocals by performing Jo Deok-bae’s ″When You Enter My Heart.″ The contestants were revealed to be entertainer Park Myung-soo, singer Ha Dong-gyun, and Woodz.

Yoo Jae-suk expressed surprise at Woodz’s participation, asking, ″I’m surprised Woodz is here. How long has it been since you were discharged?″ Woodz responded, ″It’s been 24 days since I was discharged from the military. I filmed a video of myself singing ’Seoul Song Festival’ the day after my discharge. I feel lucky and have been keeping busy.″

Park Myung-soo, who received a deferred award in the preliminary round but ultimately passed, was asked if he felt disappointed. He replied, ″Not at all. Even I can’t say I passed.″ He added, ″I’m a huge fan of Ha Dong-gyun, and Woodz is a successful singer. It was fantastic to sing with him.″

The next performance featured Namsan Tower, Jamsugyo, and Nakwon Arcade, who performed Cho Yong-pil’s ″Friend.″ Namsan Tower was represented by actor Park Young-gyu, Jamsugyo by Choi Jung-hoon of the band Jannabi, and Nakwon Arcade by musical actor Jung Sung-hwa. Jung Sung-hwa shared, ″I was incredibly nervous during the preliminary round. I grew up listening to ’80s music, so I wanted to sing songs I knew well. I practiced a lot, but when it came time to perform, I was really anxious.″

Yoo Jae-suk praised Choi Jung-hoon, stating, ″His voice is perfect for the ’Seoul Music Festival,’″ and noted that he had assumed Choi looked like he was in his 40s during the preliminary round. When Yoo Jae-suk asked, ″Did you dress young on purpose today?″ Choi Jung-hoon replied, ″That’s right. They said my gestures were old-fashioned,″ which drew laughter from the audience. He added, ″I failed the last MSG Wannabe audition because I sang too hard. This time, I focused on sensibility to match the ’80s theme. Throughout the performance, I thought it would be great to form a team like this.″

In the third stage, Midopa Department Store, Sangbong Terminal, and New York Confectionery performed Shim Soo-bong’s ″I Don’t Know Love Yet.″ Their identities were revealed as YouTuber Lalal, singer Solar, and Liz from the girl group IVE. Liz, born in 2004, mentioned, ″It was a bit challenging to choose the songs. However, my mother loves many of them, especially Lee Sun-hee and Lee Moon-sae.″

Subsequent performances included Olympic-daero, Jeil Hangang Bridge, and Marronnier Park, who sang Sinchon Blues’ ″Sorrow.″ The appearance of comedians Lee Yong-jin, Choi Yu-ri, and Lee Juck prompted cheers from the contestants. Lee Juck remarked, ″I came because I was told I’d be singing ’80s songs. Instead of learning something new, why not just sing the music we enjoyed as kids?″ He continued, ″After doing ’Apgujeong Nallari’ with Yoo Jae-suk 14 years ago, I’ve only been a judge at other music festivals, so it feels good to be back as a contestant after such a long time.″

In the final performance, Son Dol-i, Gulreongsoe Boy, and Pimatgol performed ″Rainy Day Watercolor.″ Their powerful vocals heightened the expectations of the audience. The contestants’ identities were revealed, with Sundol-i being singer DinDin, Gulreongsoe Boy as actor Lee Jun-young, and Pimatgol as singer Yoon Do-hyun. Yoo Jae-suk commented on DinDin, saying, ″Many people thought he was a good singer after seeing him sing while lying down. He was an unexpected winner chosen by the production team. There were many strong contenders, but he passed the preliminary round with ease.″