[EPN Enpinow reporter Go Nari] MBN’s Unknown Legend — The Trot Men’s Ranking War has confirmed 14 semifinalists, setting another milestone in its headline-making competition.
In the 9th episode, which aired on the 22nd, teams faced off in the 3rd main round, titled the “National Song Battle,” wagering their reputations as they battled for spots in the semifinals.
According to Nielsen Korea, the show’s rating rose to 7.85%, keeping it No. 1 in its time slot for variety programs and No. 1 among general programming channels for the 9th straight week.
This installment drew on beloved songs by Choi Baek-ho, Jeon Young-rok, Jang Yoon-jung and Kim Jin-ryong to build its stages.
Team Glory of the Unknown, led by Gwak Yeong-gwang and featuring Han Garak, Marcus Kang and Ji Young-il, stood out with powerful choreography and strong vocal work. Their medley of Jeon Young-rok classics closed the show for the team and earned 886 points from the Top Pro panel.
Round 1 produced tight scoring among the 6 teams, leaving the outcome open and ripe for surprises.
Jung Yeon-ho, leader of last-place team Yeonho’s Jinppong Premium, chose a Lee Mi-ja song to try to turn things around. His emotional performance drew high marks and supportive encouragement from teammates.
Kim Tae-woong of Simkuungdan delivered a heartfelt take on a Jang Yoon-jung hit, and Jang Han-byul of Nangman Itjiu stepped in for an ailing leader, earning praise for a spectacular performance.
The fight for the top spots intensified. Lee Chang-min of Choir Nation tackled a demanding piece under pressure and scored 940 points, rattling the standings. Then Haru of Haru All Day combined piano and trot in a performance that scored a record-high 941 points, securing first place for his team.
Gwak Yeong-gwang’s Team Glory of the Unknown also pushed through to the end, wrapping up Round 2 with a strong showing.
When the scores were totaled, Haru All Day claimed the top team slot and secured a semifinal berth. Teams like Choir Nation, trailing by just 2 points, were pushed into elimination contention, heightening the tension.
Producers added to the drama by naming unexpected additional qualifiers. Lee Chang-min, Jung Yeon-ho, Kim Tae-woong and Jang Han-byul each clinched dramatic, last-minute tickets to the semifinals. Meanwhile, favorites Shin Sung, Choi Woo-jin and Lee Do-jin were eliminated in succession, surprising viewers.
The final top three were Haru in 1st, Lee Chang-min in 2nd and Jang Han-byul in 3rd. Jang Han-byul broke into tears when he learned he had entered the rankings.
With each round, previously hidden talents and strong competitors are rising to the surface, shaping an unpredictable road to the finals that has audiences hooked.
Unknown Legend’s streak at the top of Wednesday variety ratings has also translated to solid showings on music charts. Official tracks from the 3rd main round, the Top Ace Battle, will be released at noon on the 23rd, extending the competition’s emotional reach.
The semifinal, the competition’s final hurdle before the finale, will be broadcast as a special on MBN on the 29th at 9:10 p.m.
Photo=MBN Unknown Legend — The Trot Men’s Ranking War
