Choi Jae-myung Shines in 'Mr. Trot 3' Semifinals with Unique Performance

In the latest episode of TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot 3', aired on February 20, contestant Choi Jae-myung (26) delivered a standout performance during the semifinals' first round of the Legend Mission. He chose to sing 'Do Well While You Can' by Oh Seung-geun, transforming the traditional pansori style into a more contemporary rendition that resonated with the audience. Standing over 1.80 meters tall, he sported a stylish harness, a popular choice among K-pop idols, enhancing his stage presence.

Master Joo Young-hoon praised Choi, stating, "He broke away from the habits of traditional singers and embraced the rhythm. The unique sound he produced made the song even more enjoyable."

Choi Jae-myung, a rising star in the trot genre with a background in traditional Korean music, achieved a remarkable victory against Park Ji-hoo (40) with a score of 140 to 10, marking the largest point difference among the 14 contestants in this round. This performance brought him closer to securing a spot in the 'Top 10'.

During the competition, Choi showcased a refined version of the traditional elements in his singing, earning acclaim for his ability to adapt. The episode featured legendary artists including Oh Seung-geun, Jo Hang-jo, and Jin Sung, with composer Park Hyun-jin representing the late Hyun-cheol, performing his iconic song 'Bongsunhwa Yeonjeong'.

Choi Jae-myung's journey began in Jeonbuk, where he started learning pansori in elementary school. His sister, Choi Bo-gil, gained recognition as a 'Korean music prodigy' after winning a prestigious competition at a young age. Both siblings trained under Yu Young-ae, a notable pansori master. Choi Jae-myung is currently studying Korean music at Seoul Arts University while also performing as a drummer, having learned from renowned master Im Hyun-bin.

In addition to his recent performances, he has participated in large-scale productions, including the male changgeuk 'Salome', starring popular singer Kim Joon-soo.

Meanwhile, another contestant, Cheon Nok-dam (44), made headlines by entering the top five for the first time during the online voting segment. He also triumphed in his semifinal match against ballad singer Lee Ji-hoon, winning with a score of 100 to 50. The competition continues to heat up as 'Mr. Trot Japan' launched its first episode on February 19, further strengthening cultural ties between Korea and Japan.