The MBN music entertainment show 'Japan-Korea Top Ten Show' successfully concluded the '2025 Top Ten Gratitude Festival,' filled with various gratitude stories, and presented a superior 'ear healing' stage.
The 38th episode of the MBN 'Japan-Korea Top Ten Show,' aired on 24th, recorded a peak rating of 4.8% in Bundang and a nationwide rating of 4.3% (based on Nielsen Korea), achieving the top spot in simultaneous viewership ratings across all channels, including terrestrial, general programming channels, and cable. The '2025 Top Ten Gratitude Festival,' a special episode for spring titled 'Ipchun Daegil,' created a warm atmosphere with special companions.
First, Jeon Yu-jin and Shin Sung faced off in the 'Benefactor Duel.' Jeon Yu-jin introduced Lee Jeong-ok, the original artist of 'The Sound of the Wind Crying,' a legendary finale stage that significantly influenced her rise as the champion of the 'Current King of Singers.' Lee Jeong-ok expressed her overwhelming feelings, saying, 'I cried after the song ended.' Thanks to the performance video of Jeon Yu-jin, which has surpassed 11 million views on YouTube, Lee Jeong-ok laughed heartily, stating that her bank account has become quite healthy, before completing a spectacular harmony of 'The Sound of the Wind Crying' with Jeon Yu-jin. Shin Sung performed with vocal trainer Lee Dong-ha, who greatly assisted him when his father was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The two humorously presented 'Busan Train Station of Farewell' while maintaining an offbeat group dance that made everyone burst into laughter.
Next on stage, Nabi summoned Kim Da-hyun and Byeol Sarang to engage in an 'Audition Peer Duel.' Nabi shared her desire to battle Kim Da-hyun and Byeol Sarang, her peers from the auditions, stating she was disappointed to have been eliminated, saying, 'I wanted to battle someday.' Nabi brought forth a poignant emotion as a trot diva with 'Daedong River Letter,' while Kim Da-hyun transformed from a girl into a more mature lady with 'A Ra Ya.' Byeol Sarang showcased the essence of performance with her flexible dance skills in 'Goodbye.'
Next, in the 'DNA Gratitude Duel,' Azuma Aki faced off against her mother Azuma Miki, as well as Byeol Sarang and Little Current Singer Yoon Yoon-seo. Aki's mother Miki, who showcased exceptional singing skills in the previous 'Japan-Korea Top Ten Show,' noted, 'I listened to a variety of genres like classical, jazz, and canzone during my pregnancy,' sharing unique prenatal education tips for Aki, the enka prodigy. The pair selected 'Midnight Guitar,' showcasing their clear voices that resembled music box sounds and demonstrating the power of 'Traditional Singer DNA.' Byeol Sarang performed 'The Forsythia Maiden' alongside Yoon Yoon-seo, creating a harmonious blend that garnered applause.
Mai Jin and Kim So-yu, as well as Kim Da-hyun and Seo Do, engaged in a competition as business couples who did not even know each other's contact information. Mai Jin and Kim So-yu met years ago on an island due to a broadcast but still do not know each other's contact info. They expressed their feelings with a heart-wrenching harmony in 'Mother.' Kim Da-hyun said, 'Since we're business couples, I brought along my number one friend,' taking the stage with Seo Do from 'Seo Do Band,' who won the audition 'Pungnyudaejang.' Although Kim Da-hyun was awkward upon meeting Seo Do for the first time, they captivated hearts with their unique vocal harmony in an emotional rendition of 'Red Lotus.'
A big match took place between 'People's Pick' audition winner Jeon Yu-jin, Son Tae-jin, and Seo Do, born from the love of the people. When asked, 'Is the prize money still available?' Jeon Yu-jin shared her plans to use it entirely for this year's college tuition. Son Tae-jin, who received the highest prize money in audition history, over 600 million won, surprised everyone with his response of, 'Yes, it's still there.' In contrast, Seo Do humorously noted, 'There are six band members, so the prize money vanished without a trace.' Son Tae-jin, who declared his ambition to become a triple crown winner alongside 'Burning Trotman' and 'Phantom Singer,' received applause for his performance of 'Who Are You,' infused with deep emotion alongside Byeol Sarang. Jeon Yu-jin showcased a delectable vocal performance with 'You're the Best,' and Seo Do sang 'You Are Still My Love' with an attractive voice color.
In the 'Seedling Duel,' Rin, Lee Jeong-ok, and Yoon Yoon-seo raised a few eyebrows. Rin, who is holding her first trot concert as a 'trot seedling,' and Lee Jeong-ok, who is debuting for the 35th year but is appearing in entertainment for the first time, faced off against 'Little Current Singer' Yoon Yoon-seo. Yoon Yoon-seo, who sings after just one year of practice, raised praises for her voice sounding like an instrument with 'Don't Cry, Gayageum.' After witnessing Yoon Yoon-seo's performance, Rin sighed, saying, 'It's hard to make a living,' causing laughter. Rin captivated all with her unique emotional delivery of 'Raindrop,' while Lee Jeong-ok displayed her undeniable prowess with 'The First Love of the Acrobat,' proving her status as a veteran performer.
In the 'Master and Student Duel,' Son Tae-jin, Jang Woo-ram, Rin, and Nabi took the stage, hinting at an intense competition. Son Tae-jin's mentor, Jang Woo-ram, revealed his experience as a vocal trainer for many audition stars from 2009's 'Superstar K' to 'Current King of Singers 2,' including Jeon Yu-jin and the majority of 'Top Ten Show' members, evoking gasps from the audience. Dae-sung loudly declared, 'From today, erase 'Kim Na-bak-i! It's unnecessary,' angering Rin, who retorted, 'Why erase it!' bringing great laughter. Son Tae-jin and Jang Woo-ram performed 'Arisu' with dignified voices, beautiful harmonies, and heartfelt emotion, inspiring a standing ovation. Rin and Nabi shared their connection back to Nabi's debut in 2008 and delivered a proper taste of traditional trot with 'Black Island Lady.'
Next, Mai Jin raised the tension by specially requesting a duel with her mentor Jang Woo-ram. Mai Jin expressed her gratitude, noting that Jang Woo-ram had been a strong supporter during 'Current King of Singers' and 'Japan-Korea King Contest,' while Jang Woo-ram described Mai Jin as a proud student. Nonetheless, Mai Jin raised her fists, declaring, 'What matters between a mentor and student in the face of victory,' before shaking her shoulders and showcasing the meaning of the 'Jeongchul Eoram' duel with 'What Matters. Jang Woo-ram proved his status as a 'vocal powerhouse' by proving his mastery with 'Ongi,' which he had imparted to Mai Jin during 'Current King of Singers,' showcasing his smooth timbre and explosive vocal power.
In the 'I Hope We Get Closer' duel, Aki called Kim So-yu as her opponent, expressing, 'I was impressed by your traditional trot skills, and social media is fun,' explaining her reasons for wanting to get closer. Aki emotionally captivated the audience with her heartfelt voice in 'Father and Daughter,' while Kim So-yu entranced everyone with her rich tones and delightful vocal turns in 'Weeping Over Parkdaljae.'
[Photo] Captured from the 'Japan-Korea Top Ten Show' broadcast.