Han I-jae's Elimination Reaction: "I Will Become a Singer Who Sings with All My Heart" Amid Re-vote Controversy

Han I-jae sharing her thoughts on elimination / Photo by YouTube channel 'Han I-jae Trot' broadcast screen capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] Han I-jae, who gained attention with 'Asura Trot' on the show 'Tomorrow is Mr. Trot' (Mr. Trot), shared her thoughts with fans after being eliminated from the finals. Fans are demanding a re-vote, claiming there was a mistake by Noh Sa-yeon during the voting process.

On the afternoon of the 16th, the list of 48 finalists was revealed as the 'National Support Vote' began on TV Chosun's audition program 'Mr. Trot'.

However, Han I-jae's name, who appeared on the 2nd and impressed with 'Asura Trot', was nowhere to be found on the ballot.

On the same day, Han I-jae uploaded a video titled 'Mr. Trot [Asura Trot] Han I-jae "First Release Video"' on her YouTube channel 'Han I-jae Trot'.

In the video, Han I-jae said, "Hello. I am Han I-jae, the singer you always want to see whenever I appear." She continued, "I sincerely thank everyone who has supported and cheered for me so generously through YouTube, Naver Band, and Daum fan cafes."

She added, "I should have repaid the many people who have supported me tirelessly over the past three weeks since the broadcast with good results, but I am truly sorry and regretful that I could not. I will consider this as a foundation to become a better singer and sincerely become a singing artist who supports and is remembered by everyone."

On the 2nd, Han I-jae's stage appearance on TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot' / Photo by TV Chosun, screenshot from 'Mr. Trot' broadcast

She said, "Although not often, I will practice a lot and occasionally visit you with cover videos of Asura Trot." She added, "Through this video, I wanted to once again express my gratitude to the 'Mr. Trot' production team and cast. Despite my lack of experience, they gave me many opportunities in a short time and created a new genre called 'Asura Trot,' for which I am truly thankful."

Finally, she conveyed her regards to fans, saying, "It is still winter and very cold. I hope your homes are filled with warm energy, and I, Han I-jae, wish you a happy and healthy year. Once again, I sincerely thank you."

Earlier, Han I-jae appeared on 'Mr. Trot' in the Workplace Division B on the 2nd. In that broadcast, she attracted attention by performing Jang Yoon-jung's song 'I Like You' while dressed as a man on the right side of her body and a woman on the left side.

At that time, Han I-jae received a total of 12 hearts, including 'All Hearts' from the judges except Noh Sa-yeon, and was provisionally accepted. Noh Sa-yeon explained, "I was so focused on the stage that I couldn't press the heart. It was a mistake."

TV Chosun 'Mr. Trot' official website viewer board / Photo by 'Mr. Trot' official website capture

In response, Han I-jae's fans have posted complaints on the 'Mr. Trot' official website's viewer board, demanding a re-vote.

One fan wrote on the board, "Above all, judge Noh Sa-yeon herself admitted her mistake, and the production team also acknowledged it by displaying subtitles and footage during the broadcast," expressing anger that "eliminating contestant 'Han I-jae' is no different from employment corruption."

Another fan urged the production team, saying, "If you couldn't give all hearts because you were just watching, then she should have been given an additional pass. Don't forget the purpose of the show is to compete only with singing and talent."