MBN's mega audition program 'Myeongseong Legend - the rank war among trot company men' (hereinafter 'Myeongseong Legend') proved its mettle as a rising force in auditions in episode 2 with even hotter performances and deeper storytelling. Following the premiere, which showcased unnamed challengers' stages that confirmed their "potential," episode 2 marked the prologue of a real rank war where skill and individuality exploded, bringing tears, reversals and all-tops.
On the 5th, according to ratings agency Nielsen Korea, 'Myeongseong Legend,' which aired at 9:40 p.m. on the 4th, recorded 8.04% (part 2) among all paid households, and its peak minute rating was 8.902%. This is about a 1.8 percentage-point increase from last week's broadcast, drawing a relentless upward curve and proving explosive interest in the program. That broadcast also ranked first in its time slot including terrestrial channels and was the highest-rated entertainment program aired on Wednesday.
This episode blended the comeback challengers' growth narratives with the rediscovery of unnamed talents, delivering unexpected twists and deep emotion on every stage.
Top star Jang Han-byeol, winner of Malaysia audition 'Big Stage 2019' and who held the top spot on the Malaysian music chart for 52 consecutive weeks, put aside overseas fame to re-challenge. Performing Kim Soo-hee's "Lost Affection" in his own color, Joo Hang-jo praised him as "a jewel we should be proud of," and Lim Han-byeol declared, "I'll be a fan from today," adding his name to the all-top list.
Also, Jung Mi-ae's husband, Jo Seong-hwan, publicly revived his long-shelved dream of being a singer and took his first challenge. After singing Lee Mi-ja's "I Loved You," Jo Seong-hwan broke down in tears and could not continue singing when the all-top exploded, and moved Joo Hyun-mi to say, "After hearing the first phrase I felt there was no need to hear more. He perfectly reinterpreted a difficult song as his own."
Contestants resembling existing trot stars also drew attention. Moon Eun-seok, who reminded viewers of a 'Lee Chanwon doppelgänger,' was once known as a trot prodigy and captivated the judging panel with a more matured appearance and solid vocal ability. 'Little Kang Moon-kyung' Jeong Yul-hyeon chose "Old Lover," performing in front of role model Kang Moon-kyung and the original singer Jeon Boosung; Kang Moon-kyung exclaimed, "I think he's better than me," and Jeon Boosung reacted, "I want to go home," showing astonishment.
Following the previous episode, signs of 'Myeongseong Legend'-style star births were detected in visuals as well. Participants who combined pleasant looks and stable vocal ability, such as former firefighter Seo Hee-cheol and idol-level visuals Jung Yoon-young, who declined agency offers to choose 'Myeongseong Legend,' consecutively showed presence and formed the so-called 'handsome legend' line. Yu Ji-woo, who captivated with boyish visuals, chose Kim Soo-hee's "Longing" for his mother who raised him alone after his father disappeared following the company's bankruptcy, and earned an all-top with Joo Hyun-mi praising, "I think your voice can comfort everyone." Their appearances, with both stories and skill, stirred buzz beyond the stage, becoming another viewing point.
Performances with even stronger stage elements than the previous episode also caught the eye. 'Dancing bus driver' Baek Won-young, whose SNS cumulative views reached 7 million, heated the scene by spinning across the stage to Seo Ji-o's "Doliddo." Son Dong-je dominated the stage at once with 15cm high heels and sultry performance, and dance prodigy Son Eun-seol, with 1.6 million SNS views, also recorded a 12-top, clearly showing the potential for genre expansion that 'Myeongseong Legend' offers.
Gwak Hee-seong's stage that combined cello performance with trot to boldly reinterpret Jo Hang-jo's "Lie" also became a hot topic. When Shin Yu noted, "The harmony of cello and voice is somewhat lacking," Jo Hang Jo countered, "The voice felt more like a violin. It could become a new genre," sparking a tense judging debate. In addition, 27-year veteran Korean dancer Lee Dong-jun, whom Jo Hang Jo confessed to being a "personal fan" of, left a strong impression with a picture-like stage that combined dance and singing, reminiscent of 'K-pop demon hunters' "Lion Boys," and made the list of candidates for provisional acceptance.
Returnees from audition programs also shone. Gwak Young-gwang performed Song Dae-kwan's "I'm Alone" as a banked-up version, delivering a short but powerful stage and earning an all-top amid professionals' admiration. Shin Yu praised the grown Gwak Young-gwang, saying, "Now he seems to know what he needs to do." Go Young-tae faced off with Jinsung's "Eoudong" and received an all-top. Saying, "People even asked if I came with wings," Go Young-tae shed his grievances and overwhelmed the venue with voice alone, and Son Tae Jin encouraged him with, "Sorry I didn't recognize you. I hope you prosper under the name Go Young-tae," signaling a new start.
Amid the rediscovery of unnamed talents, the sincerity of those who challenged trot beyond their livelihoods—bus drivers, athletes, firefighters—heated the stages further. Former tour bus driver Lee Da-on took on a song composed by Kim Jin-ryong and crossed what was called 'Jinryong Mountain.' With surprising high tone and unique timbre, he earned praise, "I'm stingy with my praise, but he did well," and confidently received an all-top. Jung Yeon-ho, a former foot volleyball player recommended by Shin Seong, showcased traditional technique and pitch bends to perfection with Lee Tae-ho's "Miss Go," earning an all-top. Nam Jin praised, "This isn't imitation trot; it's natural," and Joo Hyun-mi added, "This kind of deep trot is rare."
Kim Han-yul's stage, which drew hot interest since the trailer release, also unveiled itself. Singing Jang Min Ho's "Do You Know My Name" while thinking of his ailing mother, Kim Han-yul drenched the studio in sobs and received an all-top. Nam Jin praised his "innate sensitivity," and Lim Han-byeol emphasized, "He pressed it with skill, not story." At the end of the broadcast, an anecdote was shared that the production team and guardian had thoroughly discussed and consulted with psychological counseling experts and informed him of his mother's obituary before the broadcast.
'Myeongseong Legend,' which generated buzz from the first broadcast with the arrival of new-face challengers and skills beyond expectations, continues its cross-platform hit streak, ranking No. 1 among Wednesday entertainment ratings, No. 3 in Netflix Korea's 'Top 10 series' and No. 2 in Wavve's 'Today's Top 20.' The preview for episode 3 shown at the end of the broadcast hinted that the identities of the "famous challengers" will be revealed in earnest, raising tension for what promises to be even fiercer competition.
Meanwhile, episode 3 of 'Myeongseong Legend' will air at 9:40 p.m. on the 11th on MBN.
[Photo] MBN 'Myeongseong Legend - the rank war among trot company men'
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