Son Bin-a Triumphs in Mister Trot 3 Auditions
On January 9, 2025, Son Bin-a, a seven-year veteran singer, achieved the coveted '진' (Jin) title during the master auditions of TV Chosun's Mister Trot 3, competing in the newly established '현역부 X' (Active Division X). Previously, she had reached the top 101 in Mister Trot 1 but failed to advance further. In Mister Trot 2, she participated in the Active Division and received an all-heart from the masters, yet was eliminated in the first round of the finals.
This time, Son Bin-a took a bold step by solely relying on her voice in the '현역부 X' category. Performing '가버린 사랑' (Gone Love) by Tae Jin-ah behind a black curtain, she showcased a more mature and profound vocal tone that captivated both the masters and the audience. The format of '현역부 X' allowed viewers to guess the identity of the singer, adding an element of surprise to the competition. Son Bin-a expressed her determination, stating, "I believe that if I keep climbing without giving up, I will eventually reach the top. I felt that I couldn't fully showcase my voice in Mister Trot 1 and 2, and I want to be recognized for my singing."
In the same episode, Park Ji-hoo, competing in the Workplace Division, touched hearts by sharing his challenging family story while performing '인생아 고마웠다' (Thank You, Life) by Jo Hang-jo. Meanwhile, Choi Jae-myung, a student at Seoul Arts College, made his debut in the University Division. He impressed the masters with his clear and pure appearance, delivering a heartfelt rendition of '상사화' (Higanbana) by Ahn Ye-eun, showcasing solid traditional vocal techniques. Master Kim Yeon-ja praised him, saying, "You could come to sing for the masters instead of on stage. You're perfect, with great vocalization, pronunciation, and confidence," while Lee Kyung-kyu expressed interest in signing him to his agency.