'Mr. Trot 3' Premieres with Strong Ratings and Emotional Performances

'Mr. Trot 3' made a spectacular return with its first episode airing on December 19, achieving a nationwide rating of 12.9%, according to Nielsen Korea. This impressive figure not only marks a refreshing start but also positions the show as the top-rated program across all channels during its time slot, with a peak rating soaring to 13.5%. The show showcased the overwhelming prowess of the trot genre right from the outset, raising expectations for the season ahead.

The premiere featured the master auditions, where the original trot audition show, 'Mr. Trot 3', captivated viewers with its revamped rules, new segments, and an array of exceptional talents and masters. The winner will receive a grand prize of 300 million won, while top contestants will have the opportunity to debut in Japan.

The episode was a rollercoaster of emotions, with heartfelt performances that moved the masters to tears, jaw-dropping acts that left audiences in disbelief, and stunning visuals from the trot contestants. The new preliminary rules, requiring contestants to secure a majority of hearts from both the national and senior masters to avoid elimination, heightened the tension significantly.

Among the standout performances, university contestant Yoon Dong-jin, dubbed the 'Trot Remario', delivered a jaw-dropping pelvic dance and captivating expressions during his first stage, singing 'Paradise' from the 'Mask Dancer' OST, earning him all hearts from the masters. Another university contestant, Choi Jae-myung, impressed with his handsome looks and perfect vocals, receiving accolades as a potential top 7 contender.

The youth division also brought its share of excitement. 'Little Lee Chan-won', Go Eun-jun, evoked memories of Lee Chan-won's performances with his rendition of 'You Are My Man', while 9-year-old Park Jung-min's emotional breakdown over the fear of elimination moved the masters to tears and laughter. The youngest contestant, 8-year-old Yoo Ji-woo, showcased remarkable vocal talent with 'Jeongnyeong', leaving judges astonished.

The working division drew attention not only for their performances but also for their unique professions. Go Young-tae, a meat shop employee, shocked everyone with a costume made of lettuce and a dramatic performance that earned him all hearts. Park Ji-hoo, an air conditioning technician, shared his poignant story of living alone since middle school, touching the hearts of viewers.

The active division, featuring past winners of 'Mr. Trot', delivered legendary performances. Kim Yong-bin, a trot prodigy with 21 years of experience, expressed his feelings about the diminishing opportunities to perform, while Mu-ryong, a hidden talent, revealed he had been working construction due to a lack of singing opportunities. Ballad singer Moses transformed into trot singer Chun-gil, showcasing his enduring vocal prowess, with all three receiving all hearts.

The final stage featured the active division X blind audition, where singers aimed to compete solely based on their voices while concealing their identities. The first performance from 'Ha Dong Nam-jin' captivated the masters from the very first note, leading to a standing ovation and all hearts. The identity of Ha Dong Nam-jin will be revealed in the next episode.

As 'Mr. Trot 3' embarks on its journey to crown the third trot king, the premiere set a high bar with its grand scale and seamless production, drawing viewers to their screens. Fans eagerly await what extraordinary performances will unfold in the coming weeks. 'Mr. Trot 3' airs every Thursday at 10 PM on TV CHOSUN.