MBN's 'Legend of the Unknown' Sparks Intense Rivalry Among Judges in First Episode

The new trot audition show, MBN's 'Legend of the Unknown - The Rank War of Trot Men' (hereafter referred to as 'Legend of the Unknown'), is set to ignite a fierce battle in its first ranking war amidst unprecedented clashes and unpredictable judging dynamics.

'Legend of the Unknown' has released still cuts from the first recording session on its official social media, hinting at a heated debate among the judges over the evaluation criteria and an unprecedented atmosphere of rebellion in the audition history.

According to the production team, the first recording was filled with palpable tension between senior and junior judges, creating an atmosphere where no one could look away. Notably, veteran judge Nam Jin was so engrossed in one contestant's performance that he momentarily missed the timing to press the button, leading to a tense moment where junior judges exclaimed, “You need to press the button!” sparking curiosity about the captivating performer and the outcome of the junior judges' collective pushback.

Adding to the drama, composer Kim Jin-ryong, known for hits like 'Southbound Train', 'If', and 'Lie', joins as the 'All-Top Breaker', poised to shake up the judging panel. Kim maintains a strict judging philosophy, stating, “Opportunities should be given to those who are desperate,” and “One good song is not enough,” making him the only top judge to withhold the pass button. Contestants have dubbed him 'Jin-ryong Mountain', and anticipation builds over who might break through his tough exterior.

Singer and vocal trainer Lim Han-byul's sharp and principled critiques also present a significant challenge for contestants. Even when senior judges unanimously press the pass button, citing “star quality,” Lim insists, “The pitch and rhythm were shaky. Focus should be on the singing rather than the performance,” positioning himself alongside Kim Jin-ryong as a formidable judge. The contrasting standards of new and veteran judges are expected to create intriguing dynamics moving forward.

The judging by the 'Trot Prince Trio' also draws attention. Contrary to expectations of harsh criticism, Kang Moon-kyung surprises with his 'angelic' judging style, offering genuine encouragement to younger contestants, saying, “I couldn’t sing like that at your age,” and providing detailed feedback on tone, tempo control, and lyrical delivery, showcasing his expertise as an 'original audition star'.

Shin Yoo and Son Tae-jin have also reportedly chosen their favorites among the hidden talents, adding to the intrigue. With performances that moved judges to tears and laughter, and even to their feet, the intense judging battles promise to deliver compelling results.

'Legend of the Unknown' premieres on the 25th at 9:40 PM.

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr