How Do You Play? Episode 297: 80s MBC Seoul Song Festival Eve
A Nostalgic Prelude to the 80s MBC Seoul Song Festival
In How Do You Play? Episode 297, the excitement builds as the 80s MBC Seoul Song Festival approaches, just seven days away. This episode, aired on September 1, 2025, captures the eve of the festival, where participants gather to finalize their song choices and discuss their preparations. From shy newcomers to seasoned performers, the episode is packed with heartfelt moments, unexpected song selections, and a nostalgic vibe that transports viewers back to the 1980s.
Song Selection Meeting: A Blend of Shyness and Talent
The episode kicks off with a song selection meeting hosted by Director Yu and Writer Ha. They meet with four participants: Choi Yu Ree, WOODZ, Lee Jun Young, and Choi Jung Hoon. These artists, described as the "silent but powerful" ones, bring a mix of introversion and talent to the table. Their shyness, evident in previous gatherings, adds charm to their interactions as they open up over a spread of tteokbokki and sundae.
Choi Yu Ree: The Introverted Star
Choi Yu Ree, known for her soulful voice, admits to being an INTJ and a total introvert. She shares a humorous anecdote about her family, who only recognize her as a celebrity when she’s on TV. Yu Ree is torn between two classic 80s songs: "I’ll Give You All My Love" by Lee Ji Yeon and "Wind, Please Stop Blowing." Director Yu suggests the former, believing it complements her voice perfectly, while she also considers an upbeat duet, hinting at her versatility.
WOODZ: A High-Note Contender
WOODZ, fresh from a recent gig, impresses with his vibrant energy and colorful hair. He’s considering "The Way Back Home" by Pak Sun Zoo, a 1989 hit that won a Silver Award at the Riverside Song Festival, and "The Girl in My Memories" by Hwang Chi Hoon. His choice leans toward the former, with its catchy melody and emotional lyrics, promising a performance that will showcase his vocal range.
Lee Jun Young: The Dancer’s Dilemma
Lee Jun Young, a former idol, is encouraged to leverage his dance skills. While he initially chooses "In the Rain" by Lee Moon Sae, Director Yu and Writer Ha push for "Missing You" by Park Nam Jung, a 1988 hit famous for its iconic L-shape dance move. The suggestion comes with a promise of soap bubbles to enhance the performance, making it a potential show-stealer.
Choi Jung Hoon: The Crow Impersonator
Choi Jung Hoon, an extrovert who claims to hold back to avoid awkwardness, entertains with a crow impression that falls flat but endears him to the group. He’s torn between "You Let Me Go with a Smile" by Lee Eun Ha and "First Snow Is Coming" by Lee Jung Suk, a 1986 Campus Music Festival winner. The latter’s tempo shift and nostalgic vibe seem to suit his style, especially with his 80s-inspired hairstyle.
Festival Eve: A Star-Studded Gathering
The episode transitions to the festival eve, where more participants join, including Ralral, Solar, Park Myung Soo, Park Young Gyu, Chung Sung Hwa, Lee Juck, Lee Yong Jin, Yoon Do Hyun, and LIZ. The lively atmosphere is filled with banter, with Park Myung Soo’s comedic jabs and Ralral’s playful energy stealing the show. The participants discuss their song choices and the order of performances, building anticipation for the festival.
Notable Song Choices
- Park Young Gyu selects "We Are" by Song Chang Sick, a timeless anthem that resonates with its powerful lyrics about life and unity.
- Park Myung Soo surprises everyone with "Because I Love You" by Yoo Jae Ha, a challenging six-minute masterpiece voted the top 80s song by viewers.
- WOODZ performs a snippet of "The Way Back Home", earning praise for his clear, emotive vocals.
- Lee Juck previews "I Want to Cry" by Lee Nam E, delivering an intellectual and soulful rendition.
- Ha Dong Qn and Yoon Do Hyun steal the show with an impromptu duet of "Alley" by Shinchon Blues, a blues masterpiece that feels like the festival has already begun.
Duet Dreams and Grand Award Buzz
The episode hints at potential duets, with Choi Yu Ree and Choi Jung Hoon’s possible performance of "A Breakup Story" by Lee Moon Sae and Goh Eun Hee generating buzz as a Grand Award contender. WOODZ also expresses interest in a duet but struggles to find a suitable male-male duet from the 80s. The chemistry between Ha Dong Qn and Yoon Do Hyun suggests their collaboration could be a highlight of the festival.
Why This Episode Is a Must-Watch
Episode 297 of How Do You Play? is a nostalgic journey that blends humor, talent, and anticipation. The participants’ interactions, from shy confessions to comedic banter, create a warm, engaging atmosphere. The song choices, rooted in the 80s, evoke memories of a vibrant era while showcasing the artists’ unique interpretations. Whether you’re a fan of K-pop, variety shows, or retro music, this episode sets the stage for an unforgettable festival.
Join the 80s MBC Seoul Song Festival Hype
With the festival just a week away, the excitement is palpable. Will Choi Yu Ree and Choi Jung Hoon’s duet steal the Grand Award? Can Park Myung Soo pull off Yoo Jae Ha’s masterpiece? And will WOODZ’s high notes in "The Way Back Home" captivate the audience? Tune in to find out, and join the conversation on social media using #80sMBCSeoulSongFestival.