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| Photo = TV Chosun |
On the March 13 broadcast of TV Chosun’s Geumtaneun Geumyoil, 10 trot stars went head-to-head in a death match, each performing signature and career-defining songs by “Live Queen” Kim Yong-im. Tension mounted as members rallied against Chun-gil, who was poised to clinch the Golden Cup, chanting “Take down Chun-gil.”
The episode posted a 4.7% nationwide rating on Nielsen Korea and peaked at 4.8%, placing it No. 1 among daily general and cable programs that day.
The opening battle featured “Mi” Oh Yoo-jin versus “Seon” Son Bin-a. Oh delivered Kim Yong-im’s “Bucho Gateun Insaeng” with a distinct emotional touch, earning 99 points from the karaoke master and seizing the early edge. Kim Yong-im, clearly moved by Oh’s delicate pitch inflections, praised her, saying she performed even better than the original. Son Bin-a followed with a fresh, upbeat rendition of “Na Sarang Geudaeyeo,” but scored 96, leaving the Golden Star to Oh Yoo-jin.
Round two matched “Jin” Jung Seo-joo against Chu Hyuk-jin. Jung interpreted Kim Yong-im’s “Ulji-mara Sewol-a” with lyrical sensitivity and drew strong reactions, yet posted a surprising 95. Chu Hyuk-jin, who was chosen by Jung Seo-joo to take the stage next, selected Kim Yong-im’s “Biikjo.” His wholehearted performance won praise from the cast and earned a perfect 100 from the karaoke master — a dazzling comeback for the last-place club captain.
The night’s biggest showdown pitted “Jin” Kim Yong-bin against Golden Star leader Chun-gil. Kim Yong-bin delivered Choi Sook-ja’s “Gaenari Cheonyeo” in a rich, traditional trot style that drew admiration. “When I didn’t know trot well, I learned a lot watching Yong-bin. Tonight he once again gave a performance only he can,” said “Mi” Chun Rok-dam. Chun-gil answered with Kim Yong-im’s “Sarangnim,” a charming, well-staged performance that energized the room. Despite expectations for a high score, Chun-gil received 95 and came up short. Kim Yong-bin took his sixth Golden Star with the win, drawing level with Chun-gil at the top.
In round four — featuring a surprise “megi singer” twist — “Seon” Bae Ah-hyun faced Choi Jae-myung. Bae opened with Kim Yong-im’s “Yeokdae-geup Yeoja,” delivering a powerful, dance-infused set. Choi chose Kim Yong-im’s “Hweol Hweol Hweol,” presenting a deep, soulful trot performance. “I sensed a real feeling of ‘han’ in Jae-myung’s stage tonight,” Kim Yong-bin said. Choi scored 98, edging Bae by two points to take on the megi singer.
The megi singer turned out to be “human vitamin” Yoon Soo-hyun. She performed Kim Yong-im’s “Oneuri Jeolmeun Nal” with bright energy and solid vocals but scored 96, falling short of Choi. Choi defeated the megi singer and added another Golden Star, reinforcing his presence in the competition.
The final fifth round matched Nam Seung-min against Chun Rok-dam. Nam picked Kim Yong-im’s “Cheonnyeonhak” and delivered an emotionally charged performance showcasing steady vocals and reliable high notes; he earned 96. Chun Rok-dam closed the night with Jo Mi-mi’s “Yeollakseon,” a charismatic performance that gave listeners chills and scored 97 — a one-point victory in a razor-close finish.
With Kim Yong-bin and Chun-gil tied at six stars each, the race for the Golden Cup has become even more unpredictable. Viewers are left wondering who will emerge as the competition’s first champion. TV Chosun’s Geumtaneun Geumyoil airs every Friday at 10:00 p.m.
[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung ent@stoo.com]
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