Dongchun Circus scores 194 points on TV CHOSUN 'Ten Million Masters Show' as viewership hits 3.7%

The 101-year-old Dongchun Circus, South Korea's first and only traditional circus troupe, demonstrated its status by earning 194 points out of a possible 200 from the national judging panel on TV CHOSUN's 'Ten Million Masters Show.' The seventh episode, which aired Tuesday at 10 PM, recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 3.2% and a peak of 3.7% according to Nielsen Korea, marking its third consecutive week as the top-rated Tuesday variety program across all channels, including terrestrial broadcasters.

Appearing under the nickname "I'm 101 years old," the members of Dongchun Circus performed feats that pushed physical limits, including a five-tier ring body jump and lifting 30kg basketball hoop equipment with their feet to score baskets. Following their performance, Son Bin-a and Chun-gil, performing as 'Binchun Circus,' showcased high-difficulty acrobatics while singing "Applause." Despite suffering from acrophobia, the duo completed a unique aerial routine where Son Bin-a rotated her entire body and Chun-gil successfully jumped between high poles. The performance was so intense that the two collapsed from exhaustion afterward, moving Kang Ho-dong and the judging panel to tears.

The 'Fire Album' team, nicknamed "The Man with a Lot of Anger," delivered a high-heat blockbuster fire show. Utilizing fire whips, chains, and fire staffs, they even performed fire dancing with flaming hula hoops. The performance reached a massive scale using flamethrowers, resulting in the performers' costumes actually catching fire during the show. The team earned 160 points for their intense display.

Lee So-na and Yeom Yu-ri also challenged themselves with a fire performance. Lee So-na, who had previously caused laughter with a mishap, and Yeom Yu-ri, who was making her third fire performance, sang "Like a Flame" while wielding flaming swords and spinning fire staffs. Despite the difficulty of singing amidst the smoke produced by the flames, the two received enthusiastic applause for their dedication and vocal power.

In the 'Special Oddity Corner,' the show featured its first canine oddity: dog dancer Ravi and trainer Ko Eun-mi. Ravi, who placed second in an international dog dance competition, performed various techniques including backsteps, spins, and weaving through legs to music. Following this, Son Bin-a with her dog Ppotto, Jang Hye-ri with Baro, and Im Chan with Cheongwol participated in impromptu dog dance challenges.

The final performer was Ahn Won-jung, a belly dancer of 11 years nicknamed "World Champion of Shaking." Ahn, who began belly dancing in the fifth grade to manage weight and eventually became a world champion, earned 157 points for his precise pelvic and abdominal movements and explosive waves. Accompanying him was classical vocalist Gil Byeong-min, who provided a dramatic reversal by appearing in ornate, low-cut attire to perform a seductive belly dance to the song "Cheers, Cheers, Cheers," earning intense cheers for his flexible movements and facial expressions.

Viewers responded enthusiastically to the episode, with comments praising the "unbeatable" skill of Dongchun Circus, the emotional effort of Son Bin-a and Chun-gil, the "warrior-like" performance of Lee So-na and Yeom Yu-ri, and the unexpected charm of Gil Byeong-min.

TV CHOSUN's 'Ten Million Masters Show,' which brings together national-level oddities and top stars, airs every Tuesday at 10 PM.

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