Miss Trot 4 Nationwide Tour Kicks Off with Electrifying Seoul Concert

The 'Miss Trot 4 Nationwide Tour Concert' in Seoul, held at Jangchung Gymnasium on the 25th and 26th, concluded successfully amidst the enthusiastic cheers of over 10,000 fans. The entrance was adorned with colorful light sticks, resembling a galaxy in the night sky, marking the beginning of a grand celebration.

The concert opened with a spectacular group dance by the TOP7 and special performances of 'Holyeora' and 'Hwang Jini' by Master Jang Yoon-jung. As the TOP7 (Lee Sona, Heo Chan-mi, Hong Sung-yoon, Gil Ryeo-won, Yoon Tae-hwa, Yoon Yoon-seo, Yeom Yu-ri) took the stage, the venue erupted with cheers.

In the first solo performance, winner Lee Sona showcased her unique voice and vibrant vibrato with 'Crying Over Park Dal-jae.' Overwhelmed by the audience's cheers, Lee Sona shed tears during her speech, expressing heartfelt gratitude, saying, "After six years since debut, my concert dream has come true," touching the hearts of the audience.

Icon of perseverance, Heo Chan-mi, impressed with her upgraded vocals and stage presence in 'No, No.' She tearfully thanked her fans, saying, "This concert is possible because of your support." Hong Sung-yoon followed with 'Full Bloom,' expressing disbelief at performing on such a grand stage and thanking the audience with his candid words, bringing both laughter and warmth.

Rising star Gil Ryeo-won performed 'Blues of Tears,' and Yoon Yoon-seo sang 'The Maiden Boatman,' channeling their concert jitters into their performances. Elder sister Yoon Tae-hwa showcased her depth with 'Dan Hyun,' while Yeom Yu-ri displayed her powerful vocals with 'Dear,' highlighting the full capabilities of the TOP7.

A highlight of the concert was the 'special unit stage' prepared exclusively for the offline event. The dynamic 'Sseurirang' by Lee Sona and Yoon Yoon-seo, 'If I Had a Lover' by Heo Chan-mi and Yoon Tae-hwa (on the 25th), 'Mapo Terminal' by Gil Ryeo-won and Yeom Yu-ri, and 'First Bus' by Heo Chan-mi and Hong Sung-yoon (on the 26th) were among the diverse joint performances that captivated the audience. On the second day, the TOP7 appeared more relaxed, engaging closely with the audience and elevating the concert's energy to its peak.

The grand finale featured the 'Big 3'—Lee Sona, Heo Chan-mi, and Hong Sung-yoon. Hong Sung-yoon delivered nostalgia with 'Turning the Pages of Memories,' Heo Chan-mi brought intensity with 'You Are a Spiteful Butterfly,' and Lee Sona conveyed deep resonance with 'Love is the Flower of Life.' The encore saw the TOP7 unite for 'Flower Song,' 'Yeongam Arirang,' and the final piece 'Gangwon-do Arirang,' filling Jangchung Gymnasium with their powerful voices.

The impressive light stick display that colored the audience was a collaborative effort by leading agencies. The Seoul concert was co-hosted by Showdang Entertainment (CEO Seo Hyun-deok), which is Korea's largest concert planning company, and Fanlight Co., Ltd. (CEO Choi Jung-min), which holds the patent for the light stick technology. Yuseonsu Entertainment (CEO Yoo Byung-jae), managing the TOP7, also contributed, creating a 'triangular synergy' that resulted in a high-quality, well-made performance.

Following the successful start in Seoul, the 'Miss Trot 4 Nationwide Tour Concert' will continue its momentum with a performance in Incheon next Saturday (May 2). The tour will visit over 10 cities nationwide, with more than 20 performances scheduled until September, spreading the true taste of trot music across the country.

Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr