(The CEN News / Reporter Ahn Seo-yeon) South Korea’s 'ga-wang' champion Hong Ji-yoon and Japan’s representative Bon Inoue are set to face off in the 2026 Korea–Japan Ga-wang Competition, a winner‑take‑all clash pitched as a contest of national pride.
Since its debut, the program has led Tuesday entertainment ratings for four consecutive weeks. In the third round, aired on the 5th, organizers withheld the 240-point Korea–Japan public panel score; with Korea ahead 4–3, the final entered as a nail‑biter.
The final, airing at 10:00 PM on the 12th on MBN, will pit the two countries’ top vocalists in an all‑out, winner‑take‑all showdown on what producers are calling the “first and last” Korea–Japan ga-wang stage.
Hong Ji-yoon said she will give her all as Korea’s ga-wang and plans an authentic Japanese enka set that includes a specially prepared secret element from Japan. Backed by her fluency in Japanese, she aims to deliver a commanding performance.
Bon Inoue, determined to win, chose MAMAMOO’s “Decalcomanie.” He told producers he would single‑handedly tackle the group’s full performance—handling the singing, rap and choreography himself.
With the two titleholders locked in a fierce contest, panelist Yudai conceded, “It’s too difficult,” underscoring how hard the outcome is to predict. The final will determine whether Korea extends its streak to three straight wins or Japan secures its first revenge victory.
Host Shin Dong-yeop also amplified the studio’s energy, delivering a playful warning to the fired‑up Korea–Japan celebrity judging panel—a moment producers teased to heighten anticipation.
Produced by Crea Studio, the “2026 Korea–Japan Ga-wang Competition” bills itself as the world’s only Korea–Japan national music showdown. The winning country will be revealed during the 10:00 PM broadcast on the 12th.
Photo: Crea Studio
(The CEN News) Reporter Ahn Seo-yeon press@mhns.co.kr
