Mr. Trot 4 masters praise contestants during first recording session

Judges Jin Sung, Kim Yong-im, Park Sun-joo, and Lee So-na expressed admiration for the talent and determination of contestants during the first recording of TV CHOSUN's 'Mr. Trot 4' ahead of its December premiere.

The masters of TV CHOSUN's 'Mr. Trot 4'—Jin Sung, Kim Yong-im, Park Sun-joo, and Lee So-na—expressed overwhelming admiration for the extraordinary skills and passion of the contestants during the first recording session.

The national variety show series 'Mr. Trot', which has written the history of Korean trot auditions, is returning for its fourth season. As 'Mr. Trot 4' prepares for its first broadcast in December, the masters, including returning judges Jin Sung, Kim Yong-im, and Park Sun-joo, along with Lee So-na, who joins as a new master after being the winner of 'Miss Trot 4', shared their impressions of the first recording and revealed key points of interest for this season.

Jin Sung, a living legend in the trot world, expressed his honor in participating as a master for a program that stands above all others. Comparing this season to the previous one, he noted that he was deeply moved by the contestants' intense determination, stating, "This time, I was very moved by how desperately they were doing their best."

He highlighted the Active Singer A category as one to watch, noting that some contestants were attempting the challenge for a second or third time. "I could see at a glance how much they had improved through hard work. It was good to see their determination to succeed no matter how many times they had to try," Jin Sung said.

Kim Yong-im, a representative diva of the trot genre with extensive stage experience, focused on the solid skills of the contestants and the new possibilities for trot. "I could feel from the first recording that everyone had prepared extensively," she remarked, evaluating the elevated skill level of the participants. "The traces of their preparation made me wonder just how much they must have practiced."

Kim identified the Other Genres category and the Active Singer category as areas of interest. "I am curious to see what kind of sound and feeling will emerge when those from other genres sing trot. They might show charms we haven't even imagined," she said, expressing anticipation for the unique stages of contestants crossing genres. She also predicted fierce competition in the confrontation between the active singers with trot experience and the non-active contestants.

Vocal expert Park Sun-joo reported that the stages were so surprising they rendered her initial concerns irrelevant. "As the seasons progress, I had some worries about whether new stars still remained. However, those worries completely disappeared from the first recording," she stated. She further praised the participants, saying, "They appeared with not only basic singing skills but also visuals, talent, and the power to command the stage. There were so many amazing performances that made me wonder, 'They are this good?'"

Park also noted that this season is distinguished by the fact that the contestants' skills have reached a high standardized level, while their individual personalities and charms have become even more distinct. She added to the anticipation regarding the performances of those from other genres and general applicants who may show a different sense than traditional trot.

Lee So-na, who returns as a master after being the winner of 'Miss Trot 4', also shared her impressions. Having once stood on the competition stage as a contestant, she is now judging the stages of her juniors. "Winning the title in 'Miss Trot' was something I couldn't even dream of, but sitting in the master's seat is something even more unimaginable," Lee said with emotion. She added, "I felt once again that there are many incredibly talented people in the world who have not yet seen the light."

Naming the Office Worker category as the most memorable, Lee remarked, "Everyone sang so well that I wondered if they weren't active singers; it was a pleasure to listen to." She also hinted at further curiosity by mentioning a contestant who shocked her with an unexpected "twist voice."

As the masters observed the first recording through their respective musical experiences and perspectives, they offered unreserved praise for the skills and passion of the contestants. Anticipation is building to see who these talented individuals are and who will emerge as the new trot star through this fierce competition.

TV CHOSUN's 'Mr. Trot 4' is scheduled to premiere in December.

Read the original (Korean)