By Seo Hye-bin of EPN NPNow — '2026 Korea-Japan King of Singers' will reveal the final showdown between South Korea and Japan.
MBN will broadcast the fifth episode of '2026 Korea-Japan King of Singers' at 10 p.m. on the 12th, featuring the decisive final match of the third round that will determine which country takes the title.
The series has ranked No. 1 among Tuesday variety shows across terrestrial, general programming and cable for four consecutive episodes, cementing its status as Tuesday's must-watch entertainment. In the third-round broadcast on the 5th, a partial tally — revealing only 120 points from the Korea-Japan celebrity judging panel — showed Korea leading Japan 4–3.
The 240 points from the Korea-Japan public judging panel will decide the final outcome. Viewers will be watching to see whether Korea can extend its three-win streak or if Japan can mount a comeback.
In the third round, Korea's current No. 1, Hong Ji-yoon, will go head-to-head with Japan's top-ranked active singer, Hon Inoue. The stakes rise further with a showdown between Lee Su-yeon and Karen Arakawa — a clash between the youngest prodigies from each country.
Rin, who had previously choked up and cried during the active singers' performances, appears stunned in this episode, her mouth agape in disbelief. Jeon Yu-jin clasps her hands in a prayer-like gesture, revealing how desperately she wants a win.
One celebrity judge even asked, "Are we going into overtime?" The back-and-forth, neck-and-neck contest keeps everyone guessing what result will take Rin and Jeon Yu-jin by surprise.
Japan's reigning champion Yudai also drew attention. He couldn't hide his excitement during the Korea-Japan performances and even danced from his seat among the celebrity judges. He beamed and called one contestant "so cute," bringing laughter to the venue.
Watching this, Kangnam quipped, "Doesn't he like him a little too much?" and the room laughed.
MBN's '2026 Korea-Japan King of Singers,' produced by Crea Studio, pits Japan's Top 7 from 'Current King of Singers — Kahi' against South Korea's Top 7 from 'Current King of Singers 3' in a country-versus-country music showdown. The winning country will be announced on the broadcast at 10 p.m. on the 12th.
Photo: Crea Studio
