Mr. Trot 3 Promises a Fresh Take with New Format and Judges

The highly anticipated third season of Mr. Trot (미스터트롯3) is set to bring significant changes, as revealed during an online press conference held on December 19, 2024, via TV Chosun's official YouTube channel. The event featured key figures including Chief Producer Min Byung-joo, Producer Kim Joo-yeon, and judges Jang Yoon-jung, Boom, Lee Kyung-kyu, Kim Yeon-ja, Jin Sung, Jang Min-ho, Young-tak, Ahn Seong-hoon, and Park Ji-hyun.

Mr. Trot has become a national sensation in South Korea, aiming to discover the next 'Trot Emperor' following the successes of Lim Young-woong and Ahn Seong-hoon.

Min Byung-joo highlighted the major changes in this season, particularly the introduction of Lee Kyung-kyu, a veteran entertainer often referred to as Korea's Conan O'Brien, as a master judge. He also noted the removal of age restrictions for contestants, marking a significant shift in the show's format.

Producer Kim Joo-yeon explained that the judging panel has been divided into two groups to enhance the evaluation process, incorporating both seasoned judges and new faces who have previously performed on the show. This change aims to bring a diverse perspective to the judging criteria, resulting in a more varied program structure.

The introduction of a 'Current Artist' category was also discussed, reflecting the growing number of active singers in the Trot genre. This season will focus on authenticity, with a new segment dedicated solely to vocal performances, allowing judges to assess contestants based solely on their singing abilities.

Additionally, Min Byung-joo announced plans for a collaboration with the Yoshimoto Group to expand the show's format into Japan, with the top seven contestants expected to perform alongside their Japanese counterparts.

Jang Yoon-jung, who has been a judge since the first season, expressed her excitement about the new season, noting that the division of the judging panel has reignited her passion for evaluating performances. She encouraged viewers to pay close attention to the 'Current Artist' category, which promises to deliver a rich variety of performances.

Boom shared his enthusiasm for the talented contestants this season, stating that many have exceeded expectations and brought a fresh energy to the stage. He emphasized the emotional depth and passion displayed by the participants, which has made the competition even more engaging.

Kim Yeon-ja reflected on her experience as a senior artist, feeling honored to witness the emergence of new stars. Jin Sung mentioned that observing younger contestants has inspired him to reflect on his own performance standards.

Lee Kyung-kyu, the new addition to the judging panel, shared his initial struggles with providing feedback but expressed his commitment to returning to his roots and embracing the challenges of the show.

As the competition heats up, the judges are eager to see how the contestants will navigate the new format and showcase their talents. With the first episode airing on December 19 at 10 PM, fans are encouraged to tune in for what promises to be an exciting season filled with fresh faces and unforgettable performances.