TV
Team Korea Triumphs in Thrilling 'Kumta Friday' Korea-Japan Deathmatch
On January 20th, TV CHOSUN's 'Kumta Friday' aired its special Seollal project, the 'Korea-Japan Deathmatch,' concluding two weeks of intense competition. Team Korea maintained their focus through the final third round, securing an 11 to 8 victory and preserving national pride.
The first round featured a showdown between Jin Kim Yong-bin and Japan's 32-year veteran singer Utakokoro Rie. Kim Yong-bin clinched victory with a narrow 99 to 97 win, breaking Team Japan's initial momentum. This victory allowed Team Korea to add a golden star, leveling the playing field.
The final stage of the first round saw Team Korea's unbeatable duo, '100-point man' Seon Son Bin-ah and 'Golden Star No.1' Choon-gil, take the stage. They performed Lee Sun-hee's 'Ah! The Old Days' against 'Mr. Trot Japan' third-place winner Masato, captivating the studio with their powerful vocals. Team Japan's leader Takahashi Yoko praised their performance, saying, "This is how trot should be sung." Their performance earned a perfect score of 100 points, with Choon-gil avenging a previous narrow loss to Masato.
However, the momentum shifted in the second round unit deathmatch. Girl group sis defeated the unit of Choo Hyuk-jin, Seon Bae Ah-hyun, and Mi Oh Yoo-jin by two points, signaling a comeback. 'Mr. Trot Japan' TOP5 Masato and Ushijima Ryuta added two more golden stars by defeating Choi Jae-myung and Nam Seung-min, widening the gap. Team Japan surged ahead with five golden stars, while Team Korea was left with two, facing a crisis.
The third round final deathmatch featured a 'one song battle.' The first showdown was between Kim Yong-bin and Shima Yuuki, a rematch of the Korean and Japanese 'Mr. Trot' champions. They performed Park Yong-ha's 'Like the First Day' in its Japanese remake version by Nakamori Akina, showcasing their unique interpretations. The judges and audience found it difficult to choose, but Kim Yong-bin won with a score of 296 to 282, adding three golden stars and leveling the score.
Jin Jeong Seo-joo and Rie, representing the vocal strengths of both nations, faced off next. They performed Imai Miki's 'PIECE OF MY WISH,' delivering a deeply emotional performance. Jeong Seo-joo, singing in Japanese, scored 298 points, defeating Rie by eight points and earning three golden stars for Team Korea. The team leader scores were tied, and the audience score decided the outcome, bringing the score to an 8 to 8 tie.
The final decisive match was between Son Bin-ah and 'Mr. Trot Japan' fourth-place winner Kazaminosato Tsunehiko. They performed Kim Kyung-ho's 'People Who Make Me Sad,' engaging in a high-pitched battle. Tsunehiko delivered a powerful performance with his microphone at his waist, while Son Bin-ah responded with unwavering high notes and bold shouts. The final score was 303 to 290, with Son Bin-ah securing victory and three golden stars for the team. Team Korea ultimately won the Seollal special 'Korea-Japan Deathmatch' with an 11 to 8 victory.
The broadcast also featured a stage of a different kind, with team leaders Kim Yeon-ja and Takahashi Yoko singing Kosaka Akiko's 'You' together, symbolizing Korea-Japan unity. Their voices blended seamlessly, leaving a profound impact. Additionally, 'K-enka Queen' Kim Yeon-ja's special stage 'For You' was unveiled, concluding the Seollal special with grandeur.
The 'Korea-Japan Deathmatch,' a special Seollal project, concluded with Team Korea's victory after two weeks of competition. Despite fierce rivalry, mutual respect and support prevailed, creating a stage that transcended mere victory and defeat.
Meanwhile, Kim Yong-bin, born in 1992, won TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot 3,' receiving a prize of 300 million won, with a net amount of approximately 286.8 million won after taxes. Kim Yong-bin plans to share some of the prize with his aunt, give gifts to his members, and express gratitude to his fan club 'Sarangbin.' TV CHOSUN's 'Kumta Friday' airs every Friday at 10 PM.
Reporter: Im Chae-ryeong, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr
