Hangout with Yoo Episode 300: A Nostalgic Triumph at the 80s MBC Seoul Song Festival Recreation
Step back in time with Hangout with Yoo Episode 300, a Chuseok special that masterfully recreates the iconic 80s MBC Seoul Song Festival. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Yoo Jae-suk, this milestone episode blends retro vibes, powerhouse performances, and heartfelt moments, drawing massive cheers from a star-studded audience and judges like Han Young-ae and Kim Moon-jung. From emotional ballads to high-energy dances, the night was a celebration of K-pop's golden era. Dive into the highlights, standout acts, and award winners that made this episode unforgettable.
The Setup: Reviving 80s Glory on a Grand Stage
In Part 2 of the festival segment, the studio transformed into a glittering 1980s dreamscape complete with tuxedos, big hair, and neon lights. Director Yu donned a white tux, while performers channeled era-defining styles—from Choi Yu Ree's sophisticated black dress to Lee Jun Young's sharp dance moves. The episode's tension built like a live broadcast, with participants battling nerves in a high-stakes waiting room reminiscent of the original events.
Key Theme: "This is what we worked toward." The episode emphasized nostalgia, with covers of timeless hits like "I'll Give You All My Love" and "Mona Lisa," evoking tears, cheers, and even impromptu dances from the crowd.
Standout Performances That Stole the Show
The lineup featured 15 participants, including variety show legends, K-pop idols, and veteran singers. Each act transported viewers to the 80s, blending live vocals, choreography, and raw emotion. Here's a roundup of the episode's most thrilling moments:
- Choi Yu Ree (Participant 8) - "I'll Give You All My Love": Dubbed the "singing quokka," Yu Ree delivered a flawless, recording-like rendition that had judges saying, "It suits the fall season perfectly." Her pre-stage nerves melted into pure magic, earning tears and time-machine praise.
- Lee Yong Jin & Ralral (Participant 9) - "From Now": The only mixed-gender duo ignited the crowd with explosive energy. Ralral's parents beamed with pride as the pair sparked a full standing ovation and dance frenzy, proving their "Seoul Family" chemistry was unbeatable.
- Choi Jung Hoon (Participant 10) - "You Let Me Go with a Smile": Jannabi's frontman flew in like a butterfly, complete with custom steps and a full band. His 80s-gloved ensemble and heartfelt delivery left lips dry from cheering.
- Park Myung Soo (Participant 11) - "Because I Love You": In a career-best turn, "Mr. Dried Bonito" emerged from a streetlamp glow for a sincere, breath-control-testing ballad. Judges were floored: "I had no idea Myung Soo was such a great singer."
- DinDin (Participant 12) - "This Night Once Again": A hidden gem reinvented himself with soulful immersion, whispering post-performance, "Did I do well?" The answer? A resounding yes, with Hee-ae calling it "lovely."
- Lee Jun Young (Participant 13) - "Missing You": The triple threat (singer, actor, dancer) owned the stage with fierce choreography and live vocals. His introverted-to-iconic shift earned a standing ovation and shouts of "He's like a big present!"
- Song Eun-i & Kim Sook (Participant 14) - "A Song with You": As special guests, the comedy duo nailed Turami-inspired harmony and humor, clearing minds with a "cute performance" that had everyone smiling.
- Lee Juck (Participant 15) - "Mona Lisa": The finale closer rushed a last-minute Cho Yong-pil cover (approved just hours before) into a thunderous climax. "You're Mona Lisa—you make me sad," he sang, sealing the night with emotional depth.
Earlier participants like Yoon Do Hyun, Solar, and WOODZ set the retro tone in Part 1, but Part 2's intensity peaked with these acts, turning the studio into a livewire of nostalgia.
Award Winners: Who Took Home the Trophies?
The moment everyone awaited: Judges tallied scores (out of 100) by hand, echoing the era's authenticity. Cash prizes, trophies, and bouquets flew as winners sprinted down the iconic corridor. Here's the full breakdown:
| Award | Winner | Prize | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendship Award | Park Young Gyu (Participant 6) | $100 + Trophy | Voted by peers; his first award in 60 years brought tears. |
| Favorite Popularity Award | Lee Jun Young (Participant 13) | Music Video + $200 | Viewer-voted; "Mom, Dad, I'm popular!" |
| Bronze Award | Ha Dong Qn (Participant 7) | $300 + Trophy | "I hope my performance brings world peace." |
| Silver Award | Lee Yong Jin & Ralral (Participant 9) | $500 + Trophy | Tears and cheers; "Live with joy and happiness." |
| Gold Award | Choi Jung Hoon (Participant 10) | $700 + Trophy | 80s superfan; "Singing here was an honor." |
| Grand Award (Tie) | Lee Juck (15) & Lee Jun Young (13) | $1,000 each + Trophies | 86 points each; Dual speeches on gratitude and 80s love. |
The tie for Grand Award was a historic twist, with Han Young-ae presenting amid roaring applause. Participants like Yoon Do Hyun and Park Myung Soo graciously hugged the winners, embodying the festival's spirit.
Behind-the-Scenes Magic and Emotional Peaks
From waiting-room harmonies that amped up nerves to last-minute song switches (shoutout to Cho Yong-pil's timely nod), Episode 300 was as much about preparation as performance. Autograph swaps and CRT TV nostalgia in the green room added charm, while the group finale—"By Love"—dreamed of a "world filled with love," teasing future returns.
Viewer Buzz: Fans raved about the "unpredictable" awards and "time machine" feels. Ralral's proud parents and Myung Soo's "go big or go home" mindset went viral on social media.