▲ In the 12th broadcast of '2026 Korea-Japan King of Singers' (Episode 5), the youngest contestants from Korea and Japan, Lee Su-yeon and Karen Arakawa, meet in a rematch. Photo: Crea Studio
[SPOTV News=Reporter Kim Won-gyeom] On MBN's "2026 Korea-Japan King of Singers," Lee Su-yeon and Karen Arakawa are set for a rematch.
In the 12th episode—Episode 5 and the finale—Lee and Arakawa will square off for national pride. Both are the youngest members of their teams, which adds an extra edge to the showdown.
Lee opened with a teasing warning: "Do you see stars? Take one hit from me and you'll see them." Arakawa, who lost to Lee in the first round, revisited that defeat and replied with steely resolve: "This time, I'll win."
Lee selected "Byeora Byeora," a song by Park Seo-jin (the Season 2 champion of the incumbent "King of Singers" series), delivering aching emotion and powerful, soaring high notes. Arakawa answered with Lee Sun-hee's "To J," layering Korean lyrics onto a soulful, pleading performance.
Immediately after the performances, Arakawa cried out "Oh my God" in visible shock, leaving viewers eager to learn what happened in this rematch between two prodigious talents.
Meanwhile, Japan's champion Hon Inoue broke down onstage in uncontrollable sobs, silencing the audience. Several members of the Japanese team were seen in tears—what prompted such an emotional reaction?
Produced by Crea Studio, MBN's "2026 Korea-Japan King of Singers" pairs Crea Studio's top seven from "Incumbent King of Singers—Ga-hee (Japan)" with South Korea's top seven from "Incumbent King of Singers 3." The series bills itself as the world's only Korea-Japan national music showdown, with both sides competing for national honor and pride.
