Top 7 Reduced to Top 5 for the Finals
"Much More Entertaining Than 'Mr. Trot'"
Contestants of "Miss Trot 4" attending the production presentation held on the 18th. Provided by TV Chosun
TV Chosun's flagship audition program "Miss Trot," which selects trot singers, is returning for its fourth season. This season, the number of finalists has been reduced from seven to five, intensifying the competition.
At an online production presentation on December 18, Executive Producer Min Byungjoo stated, "Trot auditions are a genre where the contestants' life stories and earnestness are deeply reflected," adding, "We put the most thought into changing the format this season." He continued, "We are abolishing the Top 7 system and will select a Top 5. It will be a fierce and ruthless competition." He also expressed confidence, saying, "We have assembled the most dazzling and perfect panel of masters in the show's history."
"Miss Trot" first aired in 2019 and has led the trot music craze by discovering talents such as Song Gain, Yang Jieun, and Jung Seojoo. For Season 4, the competition format, judging system, and master lineup have all been completely revamped.
Director Lim Jihoon, who is in charge of the show, introduced the subtitle as "Find the Trot Empress Who Will Captivate Korea," and explained, "We have brought in masters such as Monica, who captivated the world with dance; Park Seri, who conquered the world with golf; and Song Gain, the first winner, among other 'empresses.' A total of 20 masters will participate."
The masters also shared their anticipation. Jang Yoonjung said, "When a new season comes, it feels like the year is changing," and added, "I wonder if there is any other program where you can learn a genre while competing. I feel a sense of pride as a trot singer." She continued, "This season, you will see charm that will captivate the world," and emphasized, "We will focus more on momentum."
Boom remarked, "I thought we had already seen everyone who could sing well, but Season 4's charm is on another level." Kim Yeonja said, "Even though they are not professionals, there are contestants who appear like rising stars." Monica commented, "The stage scale is huge and the skills are outstanding, so it's impossible to judge without detailed expertise," and added, "I will look for the perfect performer based on the 'stage,' which I know well."
Lee Kyunggyu said, "When people ask me what the most entertaining program is these days, I answer 'Miss Trot 4,'" adding, "It's much more fun than 'Mr. Trot.' 'Mr. Trot' was just a stepping stone for 'Miss Trot' to succeed."
In the main competition, 88 contestants made it through a 50-to-1 competition ratio. It is known that participants include singer Noh Sayoun's older sister Noh Sabong, Roo'ra's main vocalist Kim Jihyun, actresses Lee Eliya and Lee Hyunkyung, and Jung Yeonwoo, who was crowned Miss Korea in 2025.
Jang Minho said, "This season, there were many contestants who took the lead on stage," and added, "I will look for both exciting and tear-jerking performances." Kim Yongbin stated, "I will be watching to see how genuinely the contestants love trot and how earnest they are."
Jang Yoonjung emphasized, "In the end, competition programs are a process where fans help singers grow," and urged, "Please watch from the very first episode."
"Miss Trot 4" will premiere at 10 p.m. on December 18.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
