tvN STORY 'Handsome trot' revealed unexpected elimination candidates alongside an unprecedented trot big match.

On the 14th (Friday), during the broadcast of 'Handsome trot' (directed by Hwang Da-won, written by Jeong Soo-jeong), episode 4 continued the 1:1 trot directing mission in the second round. Chu Seong-hoon, Ji Seung-hyun, Jeong Gyeo-woon, Tae Hang-ho, Hyun-woo, and Han Jeong-wan were part of TEAM Jang Min-ho, while Jang Hyuk, Choi Dae-cheol, In Gyo-jin, Kim Dong-ho, Lee Taeri, and Kim Jun-ho joined TEAM Lee Chan-won, creating a thrilling 1:1 battle with the team's survival at stake.

With TEAM Lee Chan-won on a two-match winning streak, the results of last week's highly anticipated T4 big match were also unveiled. Facing the formidable opponent Choi Dae-cheol, Hyun-woo opted for the latter part of the match and performed 'Mom Flower' (original song by Ahn Seong-hoon) on stage. His performance, filled with heartfelt emotions towards his mother, moved even the composer, Who Knew He Was in a Coma (Kim Ji-hwan, Kim Kyung-beom). The contest, which expressed feelings towards parents, was so close that the five judges also found it difficult to decide. The result was a 4 to 1 victory for Hyun-woo. Expressing his emotions, he said, "I think sincerity reached them," as he brought TEAM Jang Min-ho its first win.

The next match was a friendship showdown. Close friends In Gyo-jin and Ji Seung-hyun, who had appeared together in the same work in the past, became inevitable opponents. In Gyo-jin chose Lee Chan-won's 'Convenience Store,' creating a musical stage that reminded everyone of fathers in this era. Particularly, the narration by So Yi-hyun added to the immersion, and the original singer, Lee Chan-won, also applauded. Ji Seung-hyun sang 'Seoul Tango' (original song by Bang Sil-i), blending traces of fierce effort into his stage. With a rhythmical, high-quality bass, he captivated everyone and received applause. The result was a narrow victory for In Gyo-jin by just one vote. He credited his wife So Yi-hyun, saying, "Honey, I think I won thanks to you."

As TEAM Lee Chan-won led 3 to 1, the match between Jeong Gyeo-woon and Lee Taeri followed. Notably, both showed visibly improved performances, having received special training from their respective team leaders. Chu Seong-hoon, a novice in trot who had not enjoyed singing, demonstrated tremendous growth under Jang Min-ho's tailored coaching, delivering a heartfelt rendition of 'Misfortunes of Love' (original song by Jin Mi-ryeong). Jang Min-ho, who observed Jeong Gyeo-woon’s sincerity towards trot, expressed, "It’s so moving," revealing his own emotional response.

Meanwhile, Lee Chan-won rushed backstage to support Lee Taeri before the stage, showing sweetness by saying, "If you get nervous, look at me." Lee Taeri, recalling Lee Chan-won’s advice while selecting 'My Dear' (original song by Jeong Ui-song), concentrated on the emotional expression, even showing tears during the performance. Thankful for Lee Chan-won's substantial support, Lee Taeri expressed his gratitude after winning with a final score of 4 to 1.

The final showdown featuring Chu Seong-hoon and Jang Hyuk was perhaps the highlight of the day's broadcast. The trot match involving representatives from the entertainment industry occurred. Chu Seong-hoon opted for the latter part of the match as a T4 benefit, while Jang Hyuk, equipped with the 'mind of a racehorse,' brought his TJ main character to stage an impressive rap, raising the excitement further. Jang Hyuk's performance was a reversal from the song selection. He reinterpreted Park Sang-cheol's 'Unconditionally' in his own style and even showcased the TJ dance, igniting a frenzy in the audience.

Chu Seong-hoon's song choice was Jo Yong-pil's 'Return to Busan Port.' He recalled his days practicing judo under the Busan City Hall, wanting to wear the Taegeuk mark in Korea, stating, "Whenever I hear the word Busan, it makes me want to return to those days." Setting aside his musical belief of sticking to the original key, Chu Seong-hoon lowered the key for a more stable performance. As he concluded with a powerful roar, cheers erupted. Jang Min-ho remarked on the magnificent performances of the two men, saying, "It felt like watching a fight drama." The result was an overwhelming victory for Chu Seong-hoon, 5 to 0.

On this day, special judges Yoon Il-sang, Who Knew He Was in a Coma, Hong Ja, and Solji selected the final four among the six candidates for T4. As a result, Chu Seong-hoon, Hyun-woo, Lee Taeri, and Kim Jun-ho ascended to the second round T4, earning additional score benefits for the next competition. Trot producers Jang Min-ho and Lee Chan-won rescued two candidates from the six elimination candidates using 'SUPER T', saving one person each from their teams. As Ji Seung-hyun and Choi Dae-cheol were saved, Jang Hyuk, Jeong Gyeo-woon, Tae Hang-ho, and Han Jeong-wan became the final eliminated contestants, leaving 'Handsome trot.'

Jang Hyuk expressed his gratitude, stating, "It's really hard to express the feeling of 'transforming sorrow into joy,' but I am so thankful for helping me understand that." Tae Hang-ho remarked, "I have never put in such effort for singing over acting; it was so enjoyable." Jeong Gyeo-woon and the youngest, Han Jeong-wan, also expressed their thanks, stating, "We are grateful just to have grown through this program."

Meanwhile, the next week's broadcast teases an even more heated third round trot war, raising expectations. 'Handsome trot' airs every Friday night at 10 p.m. on tvN STORY and can also be seen on tvN at 10:40 p.m. on Saturdays.

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