Heo Chan-mi and Park Ji-hu lead preliminary round with 194 points

Heo Chan-mi and Park Ji-hu secured solo first place in the preliminary round of TV CHOSUN's 'Miss Trot For You' during the October 29 broadcast. The "Jewelry Box Special" episode recorded a 3.6% nationwide viewership rating, ranking first among all daily programming on general programming channels.

Heo Chan-mi and Park Ji-hu took solo first place in the preliminary round of TV CHOSUN's 'Miss Trot For You'.

During the 23rd episode of 'Miss Trot For You' broadcast on October 29, the "Jewelry Box Special" was held. The set was heated by a large number of singers who had gained recognition through various audition programs such as 'Mr. Trot 3' and 'The National Singer'. The TOP7 formed teams with partners each possessing unique charms to engage in fierce preliminary competition. This episode recorded a 3.6% viewership rating nationwide according to Nielsen Korea, simultaneously ranking first among variety shows in the same time slot and first among all daily programming on general programming channels. The peak viewership soared to 3.9%.

The first stage featured Hong Seong-yun and Shin Gi-seong, known as 'Yi Mong-ryong and Cotton Candy'. Shin Gi-seong drew attention with his unique background as a winner of the "1st Yi Mong-ryong Selection Contest" while working as an actor. Appearing with striking looks, he showcased a sweet tone by selecting Yoo Jae-ha's 'Because I Love You'. Son Bin-a was impressed by his excellent lyrical delivery, and Yoon Yun-seo joined in to comment that his voice was "as sweet as cotton candy."

Hong Seong-yun and Shin Gi-seong performed a duet of Sorisae's 'You and I'. The two exchanged tender emotions while looking into each other's eyes, creating a scene reminiscent of the love story between Chunhyang and Mong-ryong. The cast members praised the performance, saying, "It felt like watching a drama." However, the duo recorded 168 points, resulting in a disappointing elimination from the preliminaries.

Next, Gil Ryeo-won and Im Chan, known as 'Grape and Doenjang', appeared. Im Chan, appearing for the first time in a long while since 'Mr. Trot 3', drew attention with a transformed visual—removing his glasses and growing his hair—and an honest confession regarding plastic surgery. Im Chan selected Johnny Lee's 'Rockin' on Heaven's Door', proving his nine years of experience as a trot singer with an even more powerful and deep voice. Son Bin-a highly praised him, saying, "It was a voice like well-aged wine," and Song Eun-i also expressed surprise at how both his appearance and singing skills had changed.

Gil Ryeo-won and Im Chan continued with a duet of Noh Sa-yeon's 'The Long Way Around'. The two left a lasting impression by harmoniously blending earthy tones with deep emotions. Chun-gil, who had faced Im Chan in 'Mr. Trot 3' in the past, evaluated the performance by saying, "It feels like the singing has grown much more than back then." As a result, the duo recorded a high score of 192 points.

The third pair to perform was Heo Chan-mi and Park Ji-hu, known as 'Air Conditioner and Heater'. The two, whose connection had missed its mark at a duet song festival this past April, finally met as a team, raising expectations. Park Ji-hu first selected Lee Eun Mee's 'Nocturne', providing a treat for the ears with an unobstructed voice. It was revealed that Park Ji-hu had suffered a vocal cord injury during the 'Mr. Trot 3' competition and had undergone surgery and recovery afterward, which caused surprise.

The song chosen by Heo Chan-mi and Park Ji-hu was Park Mi-kyung's 'A Reason That Doesn't Seem Like a Reason'. The duo heated up the atmosphere with powerful vocals from the very first verse and captivated the audience by perfectly executing a dance performance. Son Bin-a could not hide her surprise, noting, "He couldn't dance when he was competing, but now he has become a dancing machine." Consequently, the two recorded 194 points, taking the solo lead in the preliminary round.

The performance of Lee So-na and Kim Dong-hyeon, known as 'Charcoal and Cider', was also brilliant. Kim Dong-hyeon, a runner-up from 'The National Singer', selected HYNN's 'Like Watering a Withered Flower' and displayed powerful vocals that felt as refreshing as cider. As he easily handled difficult high notes, the cast members were stunned, asking, "Is that really live?"

Lee So-na and Kim Dong-hyeon performed a duet of Kim Min-woo's 'It's Only Love'. The two presented a high-quality stage, from delicate emotional expression to steady live vocals. In particular, Lee So-na proved her wide musical capabilities by demonstrating excellent skill in ballads beyond trot. Watching this, Chun-gil offered praise, saying, "I think an all-time legendary stage has emerged throughout the 'Miss Trot For You' stages." The duo recorded 191 points, placing third in the preliminaries.

The fifth contestants were Yoon Tae-hwa and Lee Jeong-gwon, known as 'Salmon and Wind'. Lee Jeong-gwon, who previously drew attention for singing Kang San Ae's 'Like Those Vigorous Salmon Swimming Upstream' on 'National Singing Contest', performed that same signature song again. Lee Jeong-gwon, who dominated the stage with a mature tone and rich volume, received a standing ovation.

Yoon Tae-hwa and Lee Jeong-gwon evoked the atmosphere of autumn with Lee Moon-sae's 'A Story of Parting'. The two delicately expressed the sentiment of a lonely parting, exchanging lyrics as if having a conversation. Chun-gil praised the performance, stating, "It was a stage where you could feel the deep scent of autumn leaves." The duo recorded 177 points.

Finally, Yoon Yun-seo and Lee Byeong-chan, known as 'Weightlifting and Milk', took the stage. Lee Byeong-chan, a member of the TOP5 from 'The National Singer', showed deepened emotions with Jo Sung-mo's 'Sad Funeral for a Soul'. He moved the listeners' hearts by singing with his characteristic soft voice and sorrowful emotions.

Yoon Yun-seo and Lee Byeong-chan reversed the mood with Ahn Chi-hwan's 'People Are More Beautiful Than Flowers'. The two added excitement to the stage by emitting energetic energy throughout. Simultaneously, Yoon Yun-seo proved her grown singing skills by stably handling difficult harmonies. The duo recorded 182 points and successfully advanced to the main round.

With Heo Chan-mi and Park Ji-hu emerging as strong contenders for the win after taking first place in the preliminaries, attention is also focused on the challenge for honorary graduation by Yeom Yu-ri and Han Da-seong, who are currently on a three-win streak. Anticipation is building to see which team will overcome the fierce competition to claim the final victory of the "Jewelry Box Special." Meanwhile, TV CHOSUN's 'Miss Trot For You' airs every Thursday at 10 PM.

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