Lee Jeok to Serve as Special Judge for TV Chosun College Song Festival Finals

The highly anticipated finals of the TV Chosun College Song Festival (TV조선 대학가요제) will take place on December 12, featuring a competition of original songs. Renowned singer-songwriter Lee Jeok (이적) will join as a special judge, bringing his expertise to the event. Known as a 'genius singer-songwriter,' Lee Jeok has created timeless hits such as 'The Dream of a Goose' (거위의 꿈), 'Snail' (달팽이), 'I'm Lucky' (다행이다), and 'Shall We Walk Together?' (같이 걸을까), and has also penned the title track 'Can We Meet Again?' (다시 만날 수 있을까) for Lim Young-woong's debut album.

MC Jeon Hyun-moo (전현무) introduced Lee Jeok, noting that he composed 'The Dream of a Goose' at the age of 23, making him a fitting choice for the original song competition. Lee Jeok shared his judging criteria, emphasizing the importance of originality and the distinctiveness of each song. The live broadcast of the TV Chosun College Song Festival will air at 10 PM, showcasing the top 10 contestants who have battled through four intense rounds over the past three months.

Among the finalists, Seogyeong University's Pentacle (서경대 펜타클) stands out as a top contender, having received perfect scores and high praise in every round. Their lead vocalist, Park Eun-hye (박은혜), is known for her explosive vocal power and exceptional arrangement skills, which shone in their performance of 'Beautiful River and Mountain' (아름다운 강산) during the semifinals.

Choi Yeo-won (최여원) from Seoul Institute of the Arts has captivated both the audience and judges with her unique voice, particularly with her legendary performance of 'The Way Spring Comes' (봄이 오는 길), which has garnered over 3.57 million views on short-form platforms.

Kyung Hee University's Dirty Shoe (경희대 더티슈) has also made waves, finishing third in the semifinals despite stiff competition, showcasing their vibrant charm and impressive growth throughout the competition. Holy Bear (홀리베어) from Seogyeong University has maintained a strong position with their excellent rhythm and cohesive band sound, while Lee Jae-yeop (이재엽) from Baekseok University surprised everyone by recovering from elimination to finish fifth, thanks to overwhelming audience support.

Dongguk University's Hwang Geon-woo (황건우) is another strong candidate, known for his emotional expression and clean vocals, which resonate with warmth and comfort. The new band Petupe (페투페) from Seoul Institute of the Arts is making a name for themselves with their powerful vocals and unique style, impressing judges with their talent despite being newcomers.

The youngest band, Oysters (오이스터즈) from Howon University, has captured the audience's hearts with their infectious energy and unpredictable charm. Seo Hyun-seo (조현서) from Seogyeong University Graduate School is recognized for her rich vocal range and versatility across various music genres.

The production team has promised that the finals will feature groundbreaking and innovative original songs that reflect the thoughts and concerns of today's college students, aiming to evoke nostalgia across generations.