Emotional Tribute: 서제이 Reflects on Late Brother During ‘불후의 명곡’ Performance

[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung] Singer Seojay reflected on the loss of his older brother.

On March 14, KBS2 aired an episode of \"Immortal Songs\" as Part 1 of a 30th-anniversary tribute to the late Kim Kwang-seok. The lineup included Forestella, Lucy's Choi Sang-yeop, Jeon Yoo-jin, Touched, JoJazz, Seojay, Kim Dong-joon, Seo Eun-kwang, Ha Sung-woon and ASTRO's Yoon San-ha.

When the comparison to \"Korea's Celine Dion\" came up, Seojay laughed it off, saying they only share a similar face shape and showing modesty.

He suggested that even younger artists who never heard Kim Kwang-seok perform live could still connect with his music emotionally, because they inhabited the same cultural era.

Seojay chose to perform \"Saranghaetjiman (I Loved You).\" He acknowledged the weight of singing such a beloved song but said sincerity would open listeners' hearts. While there are a few high notes, he said the true centerpiece was the guitar — used as a bridge between past and present, imagined as Kim Kwang-seok strumming alongside him.

He added that during rehearsals he naturally thought of his older brother. \"Two years ago, in a March when the flowers were blooming, my brother passed away after a nine-year illness,\" he said. \"I missed him deeply, and Kim Kwang-seok's songs brought me a lot of comfort.\"

He went on to say he hoped his performance would give strength to those facing hardship, whether they themselves are ill or caring for sick family members.

After the emotional performance, Seojay joked with fellow contestant Seo Eun-kwang — who shares the same surname on stage — that if you looked at the family registry, he isn't actually a Seo; his birth surname is Jeong. Score tallies gave Seo Eun-kwang the win with 379 points.

[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung ent@stoo.com]
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