Shin Hae-chul's Children to Perform Father's Hit Song at Revived MBC University Song Festival 2025
Korea's legendary music competition returns after 13-year hiatus with emotional tribute performance
South Korea's iconic talent discovery platform, the MBC University Song Festival, is making its comeback on October 26, 2025, marking 13 years since its last edition in 2012. The festival, which has launched countless Korean music careers since 1977, will air at 10:50 PM KST following a recorded competition held October 3 at Korea Maritime and Ocean University in Busan.
Massive Global Response
Nearly 2,000 students from 115 universities worldwide applied for the competition. After preliminary rounds in Seoul and Busan, 11 finalist teams will showcase their original compositions. The show features hosts Jang Do-yeon, actor Lee Jun-young, and Kim Min-joo (former IZ*ONE member).
Elite Judging Panel
Seven prominent musicians will evaluate contestants: Yoon Sang, Lee Juk, Park Kalin, Lee Won-seok of Daybreak, Lee Young-hyun, Yook Joong-wan, and Kim Yong-joon of SG Wannabe. According to early reports, judges were visibly impressed by the participants' exceptional talent.
Star-Studded Celebration Lineup
Special guest performances include Dynamic Duo & SINCE, WOODZ, Lee Mujin, LUCY, Xdinary Heroes, HITGS, and idntt. These artists will reinterpret classic winning songs from the festival's history. The outdoor event proceeded despite heavy rainfall on recording day.
The Shin Hae-chul Tribute
The festival's most anticipated moment features a tribute to legendary musician Shin Hae-chul, who won the 1988 grand prize with his band Muhangwedo performing "To You" ("Geudaeege"). His children, daughter Shin Ha-yeon and son Shin Dong-won, will perform their father's iconic song alongside indie band LUCY.
This performance carries profound meaning-Shin Hae-chul's victory at the 1988 festival launched one of Korea's most influential music careers. The song remains a beloved anthem at university festivals and sporting events across Korea.
Shin Ha-yeon and Shin Dong-won previously appeared on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block" in October 2024, commemorating their father's 10th death anniversary. Both children have grown into young adults; Ha-yeon is now a high school senior while Dong-won is in his first year.
Historical Significance
The MBC University Song Festival discovered many of Korea's biggest stars including Bae Chul-soo, Sim Soo-bong, No Sa-yeon, Shin Hae-chul, Kim Kyung-ho, and Kim Dong-ryul of Exhibition. The competition's emphasis on original compositions set it apart from typical singing contests.
After ending in 2012 due to declining viewership, a brief 2019 revival through MBC Plus occurred, but the 2025 edition marks the official return under the main MBC network.
Why It Matters
Unlike modern audition shows focusing on vocal performance, the University Song Festival emphasizes songwriting and originality-qualities that helped shape Korea's music industry. The revival signals renewed investment in discovering authentic musical talent among college students.
The October 26 broadcast promises an evening connecting generations of Korean music fans while honoring the past and nurturing the future of K-pop and Korean indie music.
Broadcast Details:
- Date: October 26, 2025
- Time: 10:50 PM KST
- Network: MBC
