The top 10 contestants of 'Hyun-yeok Ga-wang 3' successfully completed their debut party as 'witches' through a captivating 'Gala Show' that enchanted the hearts of the nation.
Airing on October 17 at 10 PM, the first episode of MBN's 'Hyun-yeok Ga-wang 3 Gala Show' achieved a peak viewership rating of 7.5% and a nationwide rating of 6.7% according to Nielsen Korea. The episode featured the top 10 finalists from 'Hyun-yeok Ga-wang 3' including Hong Ji-yoon, Cha Ji-yeon, Lee Soo-yeon, Koo Soo-kyung, Kang Hye-yeon, Kim Tae-yeon, Solji, Geum Jan-di, Hong Ja, and Bin Ye-seo, along with Jeon Yoo-jin, Park Seo-jin, Enoch, My Jin, and Byeol Sa-rang.
The 'Hyun-yeok Ga-wang 3 Gala Show' opened with the top 10 dressed in red, performing the group song 'Hwanhee' as a voice announced, “The grand debut party of the witches begins.” First Ga-wang Jeon Yoo-jin and second Ga-wang Park Seo-jin appeared as special MCs, drawing cheers from the audience. Park Seo-jin explained, “The term 'witch' refers to women who enchant hearts with their songs,” marking the official start of the 'Gala Show.'
The show featured memorable performances from 'Hyun-yeok Ga-wang 3.' Runner-up Cha Ji-yeon took the stage with a small drum for her 'Tess Hyung!' performance, captivating everyone with a breathtaking drum opening followed by a powerful vocal performance. Koo Soo-kyung, who overcame a decade of obscurity with 'Like a Firework,' delivered a spine-tingling performance with her unique voice. Solji and first Ga-wang Jeon Yoo-jin teamed up as 'New Singer Oh Woo Sol' and 'Popular Singer Oh Woo Jin' for a lively duet of 'Miu Sa-nae,' adding humor with their witty remarks.
The reigning Ga-wang Hong Ji-yoon, after winning the title, visited her fans late into the night to express her gratitude, promising to repay them with great performances. She chose 'Tear Mill' as her 'Ga-wang's Song,' delivering an emotional performance that moved the audience. Kang Hye-yeon, who made it to the top 5, delivered a lively performance of 'The Man Who Left Me.'
The show also featured unique collaborations among the 'witches.' Veteran Geum Jan-di and Byeol Sa-rang teamed up for 'Sanae,' showcasing their seasoned skills. Youngest top 3 finalist Lee Soo-yeon and My Jin performed 'Mongdang Pencil,' exuding cuteness. Kim Tae-yeon and Hong Ja delivered an emotional performance of 'Daejeon Station Blues,' representing the emotional witches of 'Hyun-yeok Ga-wang 3.'
Second Ga-wang Park Seo-jin showcased his signature drum performance with a passionate rendition of 'Gwangdae,' earning cheers from the audience. Hong Ji-yoon, Koo Soo-kyung, Kang Hye-yeon, and Bin Ye-seo, who made waves with their team mission performance of 'Nurungji Caramel,' continued the excitement with a medley of 'Please Spread the Word,' 'Mackerel,' and 'Beauty.'
In the traditional trot segment, emotional master Solji delivered 'Wildflower' with deep trot emotion, while Bin Ye-seo performed 'Rainy Yeongdong Bridge,' earning praise from the original singer Joo Hyun-mi and expressing her determination to grow and show more beautiful performances. Runner-up Cha Ji-yeon, after visiting the musical 'Seopyeonje' rehearsal the day after the finals, shared her heartfelt experience, saying, “Participating in 'Hyun-yeok Ga-wang 3' was like living a new life, a truly precious moment.” She then moved the audience with her performance of the traditional trot song 'Seong Eun Kim I-yo.'
The top 10 members, transformed into witches, humorously cast spells on crystal balls. Koo Soo-kyung and My Jin delivered a refreshing high-pitched performance of 'Empty Hands,' while Enoch and Hong Ja created a movie-like scene with 'Spring Day Comes.'
Top 3 finalist Lee Soo-yeon, experiencing her first press conference, expressed her excitement and gratitude for being recognized as a current singer, delivering an emotional high note with 'Monologue.'
Geum Jan-di, dressed as a stationmaster, delivered a 'Night Train' performance with her signature highway queen stage presence. Second Ga-wang Park Seo-jin and third Ga-wang Hong Ji-yoon showcased their prowess with a medley of 'Heung Taryeong' and 'Gangwon-do Arirang,' proving their Ga-wang status. After the finals, a video showed Kang Hye-yeon wiping away tears, saying, “I'm not 8th, it's the end of the 8,” before delivering a heartfelt performance of 'Wings,' moving everyone.
The 'Emotional Masters Trio' continued with 'Gomtang Voice' Hong Ja proving her original emotional goddess status with 'After You Left.' Emotional tiger Kim Tae-yeon performed 'The Road to Namdo,' with original singer Park Seo-jin making a surprise appearance, creating an explosive emotional duet. Solji then heated up the atmosphere with 'Chohon,' which had previously garnered explosive views. Finally, the 'Hyun-yeok Ga-wang 3' top 10 concluded the debut party with a group performance of 'Arirang Mokdong,' wrapping up the first part of the 'Hyun-yeok Ga-wang 3' witches' debut party.
Reporter Tae Yuna, Ten Asia youyou@tenasia.co.kr