Master Praises Cheon Rok-dam's Performance on Mister Trot 3
During the latest episode of TV CHOSUN's trot audition program Mister Trot 3, Master Park Sun-joo expressed high praise for contestant Cheon Rok-dam, stating, "I feel like I just saw a young Nah Hoon-a." The episode aired on March 13, 2025, featuring the final round of the 'Life Song Mission.'
Cheon Rok-dam, who has been performing for 24 years under the name Lee Jeong, took to the stage with the song 'Gong' by Nah Hoon-a. Host Kim Seong-joo noted that it was exactly two years since Cheon Rok-dam underwent kidney cancer surgery. Overwhelmed with emotion, Cheon Rok-dam shared, "This day marks exactly two years since my surgery, and I feel like I have been divided into 'before' and 'after.'"
Reflecting on his journey, he visited the hospital in Jeju where he had his surgery and mentioned, "Living as Cheon Rok-dam, I found myself listening to this song again, and the line 'You will understand as you live' brought me to tears." He added, "If it weren't for that experience, the person Cheon Rok-dam would not exist. I am truly grateful and have found strength through my music."
Cheon Rok-dam's heartfelt performance moved everyone in the audience. So Yi-hyun, who was in tears, remarked, "While you were singing, your eyes told a story. Everything you have been through was captured in your performance today, and it was incredibly beautiful. Thank you for sharing that with us."
Young-tak also expressed his admiration, saying, "You have woven your life into your song, and it would be an honor for me to comment on it. Thank you for enduring and overcoming so much; I sincerely appreciate it as a junior artist."
Master Park Sun-joo, reflecting on Nah Hoon-a's retirement announcement, expressed his regret but also joy, stating, "As a long-time fan, seeing Cheon Rok-dam feels like witnessing a young Nah Hoon-a. If he continues to develop his unique style as a singer-songwriter, I believe we are witnessing the birth of a remarkable star. It’s truly impressive."
Cheon Rok-dam received a score of 100 for his highest and 94 for his lowest, sharing his final thoughts: "I feel so relieved. At the same time, I can't believe how quickly this time has passed. I am grateful to all the participants and the production team; I have felt so much happiness thanks to you all."
