On the October 30th episode of TV CHOSUN's 'Golden Friday', legendary artist Yoon Soo-il, celebrating his 50th debut anniversary, took the stage as the 'Golden Star'. The show opened with a performance of his mega-hit 'Apartment', captivating the audience with his timeless vocals and polished stage presence. The episode achieved a nationwide viewership rating of 4.8% according to Nielsen Korea, with peak ratings reaching 5.4%, maintaining its position as the top daily cable and satellite program for six consecutive weeks.
The competition among the trot stars for the coveted Golden Cup was intense. Son Bin-ah, Bae Ah-hyun, and Choon-gil led with four golden stars each, while Choi Jae-myung, Nam Seung-min, and Choo Hyuk-jin, who had no stars, aimed to climb the ranks.
In the first showdown, frontrunner Son Bin-ah faced off against starless Choi Jae-myung. Son Bin-ah, who recently lost 7kg, impressed with a confident performance of Yoon Soo-il's 'Memories'. Yoon Soo-il praised her powerful voice, but the karaoke master awarded her only 93 points, surprising everyone.
Choi Jae-myung countered with a dynamic rendition of Yoon Soo-il's 'Don't Leave', matching Son Bin-ah's score of 93 points. The first battle ended in a draw, with neither gaining a golden star.
In a historic face-off, Jin Jeong Seo-joo and Sun Bae Ah-hyun delivered contrasting performances. Bae Ah-hyun's rendition of 'Taehwagang Love Song' showcased her exceptional vocal technique, earning admiration but only 93 points. Jeong Seo-joo, despite initial doubts about his song choice 'Wanderer', delivered a unique and emotive performance, scoring a perfect 100 and joining the leaders with four golden stars.
The dramatic duel between Jin Kim Yong-bin and Nam Seung-min captivated viewers. Kim Yong-bin's sophisticated performance of 'Returning to Samgakji' earned 97 points, but Nam Seung-min's heartfelt interpretation of 'Terminal' scored 99, narrowly missing a golden star.
The pivotal match between Choon-gil and Choo Hyuk-jin saw Choon-gil's masterful performance of 'Others' score 98 points. Choo Hyuk-jin's passionate rendition of 'I Won't Love' fell short at 91 points. Unexpectedly, 'Megi Singer' Bae Ki-sung appeared, delivering a powerful performance of 'Second Hometown', but scored 96 points, leaving Choon-gil in the lead with five golden stars.
In the final showdown, Mi Cheon Rok-dam and Oh Yoo-jin competed fiercely. Cheon Rok-dam's veteran performance of 'I Believed' scored 92 points, while Oh Yoo-jin's vibrant rendition of 'Dazzling Confession' earned 96 points, securing her victory.
The race to collect seven golden stars and claim the Golden Cup intensifies with each episode. Viewers eagerly anticipate who will achieve this feat first. TV CHOSUN's 'Golden Friday' airs every Friday at 10 PM.
Reporter: Im Chae-ryeong, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr