Singer Hong Ji-yoon maintained her position as a strong favorite to win King of Singers 3.
Hong Ji-yoon appeared on MBN's King of Singers 3, broadcast on the 27th, and took part in the main round 2, round 2 "ace match" showdown.
Before the main contest that day, Hong Ji-yoon ranked first in the national support voting for the fourth week following the third week. Also, in the round 1 "team mission" contest, the team "Nurungji Caramel," led by Hong Ji-yoon, achieved a total of 434 points to rise to first place.
In the ensuing round 2 "ace match" contest, Hong Ji-yoon felt a sense of responsibility that the fates of Bin Ye-seo, So Yu-mi, Kang Hye-yeon and Gu Su-kyung depended on her. She said she overcame a singing slump and went to Jindo to study vocal techniques and even trained in the Jindo funeral rite that purifies the souls of the deceased.
On that, Hong Ji-yoon said she incorporated the funeral rite into her performance, "We all made first place together, and it must not be broken because of me. I have to do better so that everyone can go up, so I will do my best and work hard."
With a grim expression on stage, Hong Ji-yoon gave a fervent performance of the folk song "Han O-baek Nyeon." She went on stage barefoot and showed a dance and vocal performance filled with rancor; during the performance she sat down on the floor and continued singing through tears, delivering deep emotion.
After Hong Ji-yoon's performance, not only the judges but also the contestants could not hide their admiration. In particular, Yun Myung-sun praised, "She sang gugak with sophistication," adding, "I saw the potential for the artist Hong Ji-yoon to bring the entire audience to her side," and said, "If she continues like this, I think she will be among the contenders for the championship."
Thereafter, 'Nurungji Caramel,' which maintained an overwhelming first place in the interim scores, succeeded in securing first place in the final rankings, and Hong Ji-yoon enjoyed the joy with her team members and then said, "I will continue to show you good performances," as her impression. Accordingly, Hong Ji-yoon immediately advanced to main round 3.
Meanwhile, MBN's King of Singers 3, featuring Hong Ji-yoon, airs every Tuesday at 9:50 p.m.
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