Seong-Hoon Ahn, miserably defeated by Tae-Jin Son of MBN

The joys and sorrows of a trot entertainment program were mixed. This is because TV Chosun, which won against MBN in the first game, was completely defeated in the second game.

TV Chosun and MBN are two top broadcasters that produce representative trot entertainment programs. Recently, TV Chosun introduced 'Mr. Trot 2' and MBN introduced 'Flaming Trotman', creating a competitive structure.

The viewership rating for the final episode of ‘Mr. Trot 2’ was 24.0%, and the viewership rating for the final episode of ‘Burning Trotman’ was 16.2%. The viewer ratings for ‘Mr. Trot 2’ were overwhelmingly high. In a situation where OTT has increased in addition to terrestrial broadcasting, various general programming and cable broadcasting, the difference of 7.8% is enormous.

TV Chosun, which won the victory flag in the first game, proved that it is an ‘original’ trot entertainment. Therefore, victory would have been expected in the second game of the spin-off that followed.

But reality was cold. TV Chosun's entertainment show 'Tralala Brothers', which was first broadcast on the 3rd, recorded viewership ratings of 4.7% (part 1), 4.7% (part 2), and 4.0% (part 3) based on paid households nationwide. Considering the final episode's viewership rating of 24.0%, it has been reduced by one-fifth. As trot entertainment mushroomed, it seemed that even the existing fan base was lost.

Even compared to MBN next door, the results are disappointing. The first episode of ‘Burning Roses’, a spin-off of MBN’s ‘Burning Trotman’, had a viewership rating of 5.6%. It is 0.9% higher than ‘Tralala Brothers’.

In order for ‘Tralalala Brothers’ to thrive, the role of Ahn Seong-hoon, a member of ‘Mr. Trot 2’, is important. This is because, due to the nature of trot programs with a large fan base, they need to quickly attract regular viewers.

In the case of Lim Young-woong, who won in Season 1, he led the popularity of the spin-off shows ‘Call Center of Love’ and ‘Mulberry School’. At the time of the broadcast, he received popular support with over 100,000 fan club members, and raised 'Call Center of Love' to a peak viewer rating of 23.1%. 'Mulberry School' also took first place on Wednesday, beating all three terrestrial entertainment programs in its first episode.

Jin’s role is that important. It is an important position that must reveal the topicality of the broadcast and the ticket power of the concert. However, to date, Ahn Seong-hoon has not yet been able to overcome Lim Young-woong's strong wall. Not only did it lose its existing viewers, but it also seemed to be losing out to 'Burning Trotman' Jin Son Tae-jin.

It's not just Ahn Seong-hoon's fault. There is no star by his side who can create synergy with him. Ultimately, this means that there is no unique star or fandom within ‘Mr. Trot 2’.

Supply increased and demand decreased. The competition in the Trot version is becoming increasingly fierce, but in the end, it is ‘their own league’. In order for 'Mr. Trot 2' TOP7 to soar, strengthening competitiveness is essential. If one top team is not possible, the crisis must be overcome quickly, either by establishing a two-top team or by focusing on the performance of the remaining members rather than Jin Seon-mi.

There is no superiority or inferiority in how to overcome a crisis. We must find a breakthrough with new, sustainable attractions.

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