MBN 'Hanil Top Ten Show' has elevated the significance of cultural exchange between South Korea and Japan through the special feature 'Hanil New Star Kings' commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025.
The 41st episode of MBN 'Hanil Top Ten Show,' which aired at 9:20 p.m. on the 17th, recorded a peak rating of 4.2% in Bundang and a national rating of 3.4% (based on Nielsen Korea). The broadcast featured a rich array of performances, with a special stage involving South Korean and Japanese new stars, as well as 'Top Ten Show brings stories,' where participants shared their stories and requested songs.
First, Hwang Min-ho and Mai Jin debuted with a refreshing rendition of 'I'm gonna live stylishly' and added a witty ending pose, marking a dazzling opening in line with the 'Night of Hanil Harmony.' Next, Japanese stars Makoto, Miyu, Mori Ran, and Hanamachi Coco, representing the 90s anime 'Sailor Moon,' sang the OST 'Moonlight Legend' with fantastic harmony, raising the excitement.
Kim Yoo-hyun, who sent a love call to Lin, showcased the beautiful synergy of a ballad new star and the R&B queen with 'Secret Garden,' providing auditory healing. Byul Sarang and Kim Ye-eun led the joyful spirit of K-Hung with 'Love Fire,' while Nishiyama Riku, the MVP of the first round of 'Hanil New Star Kings,' evoked nostalgia with 'Mother Waiting for the Last Train,' presenting unique tones and a cute greeting that sparked fan admiration. Kim Da-hyun displayed explosive vocal talent with 'Life is a Watermill.'
In a special stage to select 'The Best Couple of Korea and Japan,' three teams exemplifying harmony between Korea and Japan participated. Shin Seong and Kudo Takeru performed 'Weed' with the 'Lip Angle' ending pose, bringing laughter, while Bin Ye-seo and Akiyama Saki, the best bend stars of Korea and Japan, completed 'Why Cry?' with a deep bend. Kim Tae-woong and the Tonaki sisters presented a charming performance of the late Song Dae-kwan's 'Four Beats' with adorable choreography, celebrating their victory as 'The Best Couple of Korea and Japan.' Following that, the official love triangle of 'Hanil Top Ten Show,' Shin Seong, Miyu, and Byul Sarang, shaped an exciting performance of 'Is Anyone There?' that made Son Tae-jin exclaim, 'So who exactly are you with?'
In a special stage titled 'Songs for Families,' the reigning King of Singers Jeon Yoo-jin expressed, 'After moving to Seoul, I feel my father's absence greatly,' alongside a heartfelt rendition of his father's favorite song, 'The Life of a Man.' Akiyama Saki, who hesitated to appear due to her mother’s heart surgery, moved everyone with her crystal-clear voice singing 'Thread,' the song her beloved mother loves most. The devoted trot new star Kim Tae-woong conveyed his feelings through 'The Moon of Seoul,' wishing to repay his mother who works hard between Daejeon and Seoul, leading to tears from Kang Ji-young during his performance.
'Top Ten Show brings stories' revealed special stories and song requests collected through the official Top Ten Show SNS. First, a mom fan who loves Mai Jin and a daughter fan leaning toward Byul Sarang shared their joyful stories. During Byul Sarang's performance of 'I Guess You Don’t Know,' she brought laughter by revealing a rare debut album photo of Mai Jin. Following this, Makoto and Miyu chose Byul Sarang's 'Magnifying Glass,' earning stormy support from the original artist and igniting the audience's excitement.
Next, Son Tae-jin, who has been shaking off his depression caused by the impending farewell to his son going to the military, uplifted the mood with 'Yes, Yes, You're Right,' showcasing the true essence of 'Heung Tae-jin.' Then, Kim Yoo-hyun requested a dance stage from Ahn Yul, who delivered a powerful performance with RIIZE's 'Siren.' Following this, Hanamachi Coco raised her hand wanting to dance 'Pretty Girl' with Kara's Kang Ji-young, who brought a vibrant performance with Coco.
Azuma Aki sent a duet love call to Kawai Yuto, and the two showcased 'Love is a Flower, You Are the Seed' with a fantastic vocal ensemble, healing everyone's hearts. Meanwhile, a 21-year-old fan who fell in love with Lin's song while working at the concert hall shared, 'I'm actually a you-know-who fan,' showing intense enthusiasm, leading MC Kang Nam to exclaim in surprise, 'That's unexpected,' sparking laughter as Lin roared in frustration. Lin moved the audience with 'Chupa.'
Mai Jin shed tears with the heartfelt encouragement of a participant who found solace in Mai Jin's song during her battle with cancer, ultimately breaking down while singing the requested song 'Barley Hill' and bringing everyone to tears. Following this, a special stage featuring Jeon Yoo-jin, Mai Jin, Kim Da-hyun, Lin, and Byul Sarang struck a resonant chord with 'Three Thousand Poets' through their flexible pace, leaving a lasting impression.
Finally, a participant who came to see Azuma Aki, who looks just like her younger sister who died of a brain tumor 30 years ago, unveiled a photo of her sister, shocking everyone. Aki, who had been in tears even before the song started, burst into heartfelt emotion with 'Island House Baby' and then embraced the participant warmly, turning the scene into a tearful moment. Amid this warm atmosphere, the 60th anniversary project of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations, 'Hanil New Star Kings,' concluded with 'Night of Hanil Harmony,' a festival of deep emotions and shared sentiments.
[Photo] Capture from the broadcast of 'Hanil Top Ten Show'
[OSEN = Reporter Kang Seo-jeong]