(Photo courtesy of Immortal Songs)

[Hanteo News = Reporter KIM YEONWOO] K-POP idols who have introduced Korean music and culture to audiences around the world have taken their performances to a royal palace. BOYNEXTDOOR, NMIXX, and ATEEZ each showcased their distinctive musical styles against the historic backdrop of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Although the performances were pre-recorded, fan-filmed videos from the venue have already generated considerable buzz, with the upcoming broadcast set to bring the excitement to a wider audience.


 


KBS2's ‘Immortal Songs’ will air the second part of its special episode, ‘2026 Royal Culture Festival – Awakening Art at the Palace’, on October 31 as its 778th episode. The performances were held at Heungnyemun Square in Gyeongbokgung Palace as part of the Royal Culture Festival's opening-eve celebration, bringing together Korea's traditional cultural heritage and contemporary popular music.

The special will feature a diverse range of performances by K-POP idols. With three groups representing different musical styles taking the stage at a historic palace, anticipation is growing over how each will incorporate its unique identity into the setting.

BOYNEXTDOOR performed ‘똑똑똑’, ‘Animal’, and ‘ADIOS!’. Known for translating everyday emotions and experiences into music, the group has gained popularity for its free-spirited energy and natural performance style. Attention is turning to how the group's varied stage arrangements and styling for the three songs complemented the serene atmosphere of the royal palace.

NMIXX selected ‘Blue Valentine’ and ‘Heavy Serenade’, showcasing the group's musical strengths through powerful vocals and dynamic performances. In particular, a fan-filmed video of NMIXX's performance attracted considerable attention ahead of the broadcast, recording 3.9 million views. With the performance already generating strong interest through footage captured at the venue, the full broadcast is expected to reveal its complete staging and production.

ATEEZ delivered powerful performances of ‘BAD’ and its new song ‘Drip’. Known for its exceptional energy and highly synchronized choreography on global stages, ATEEZ also made history during the special by becoming the first K-POP idol group to perform at Deoksugung Palace. The combination of the palace's traditional beauty and ATEEZ's signature intensity promises a distinctive visual experience.

Stage styling is another highlight of the performances. With the traditional architecture of the royal palace providing a backdrop for contemporary K-POP, costumes and stage production tailored to each group's musical identity add to the overall visual appeal. As the special celebrates the beauty of Korean culture, attention is also focused on how the artists' styling and performances reflect the event's theme.
 


Beyond K-POP, the special will feature performances spanning ballads, rock, and trot.

Lee Seung-gi will perform ‘I'll Give You Everything’, ‘Don't Forget, Remember, Don't Be Late’, and ‘Will You Marry Me’, while Lyn will deliver emotional performances of ‘Back in Time’ and ‘Camellia Lady’. The two artists will also join forces for a special collaboration stage featuring ‘Return’, showcasing the expressive appeal of ballad music.

The Kim Chang-wan Band will connect with audiences through ‘The Meaning of You’, ‘Reminiscence’, and ‘I Love You’, while Park Ji-hyun will bring lively energy to the event with a medley featuring Na Hoon-a's ‘Life’, ‘Foolish Man’, ‘Sseurirang’, and ‘Mangbuseok’. The performances will bring together artists from different genres and generations, united through music.

The first part of the special, which aired on October 24, featured Honey J, xikers, BTOB's SEO EUNKWANG and LEE MINHYUK, Park Ji-hyun, Heo Yong Byeol, Song Ga-in, LA POEM, and Kim Young-im, among others, filling the autumn evening with memorable performances.

In particular, Kim Young-im and LA POEM's collaborative performances of ‘Arirang’ and ‘Hand in Hand’ highlighted the harmony between traditional and contemporary music, adding significance to the special.

While Part 1 centered on awakening the palace through excitement, sound, and spirit, Part 2 will present an even broader range of performances focused on beauty, light, and art. Media facade projections illuminating Heungnyemun Square at Gyeongbokgung Palace also offered a fresh perspective on the historic architecture, adding another visual dimension to the event.

 


As K-POP idols continue sharing the appeal of Korean music on global stages, this performance holds special significance for bringing their music into the setting of Korea's cultural heritage. By combining the traditional beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace with contemporary idol performances, the event is expected to showcase the diverse appeal of Korean culture beyond music itself.

Meanwhile, Part 2 of the ‘Immortal Songs – 2026 Royal Culture Festival’ special airred on KBS2 on October 31 at 6:05 PM KST.

 yeonwoo38@hanteo.com