Baek Cheong-gang Triumphs in 'The Winners' with Emotional Victory

Baek Cheong-gang, the winner of 'The Great Birth', has claimed the top spot in 'The Winners'.

On the episode aired on the 22nd, MBC's audition showdown 'The Winners' featured a '1-on-1 Rival Match', where Baek Cheong-gang, who had been stuck in 6th place, achieved a dramatic comeback, moving viewers with his performance. Overcoming his limits in a desperate situation, he proudly took home the trophy, leaving a lasting impression with his tearful victory speech.

Previously, Baek Cheong-gang had revealed his story of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2012 after winning 'The Great Birth' and undergoing six surgeries. He returned to the stage, saying, "I was more afraid of not being able to perform again than the pain." Throughout the 'The Winners' competition, he consistently placed 6th, earning the nickname 'Yuk Cheong-gang'.

How Did Baek Cheong-gang Shed the 'Yuk Cheong-gang' Label?

However, Baek Cheong-gang did not give up. In the '1-on-1 Rival Match', he faced An Seong-hoon, who had pushed him to the edge before. Determined to perform exceptionally well, he took the stage with a fierce resolve. Choosing Kim Kwang-seok's 'Though I Loved You', he filled the stage with his poignant emotions and powerful voice, ultimately defeating An Seong-hoon.

The miracle didn't end there. After all the performances, Baek Cheong-gang's name was called as the winner with the most votes from the audience. Shedding the sorrow of being perpetually 6th, he emerged as 'Il Cheong-gang', securing a ticket to the 'Final Showdown' with a perfect upset.

Tears of a Perennial 6th Placer: What Was His Winning Speech?

Upon hearing his name, Baek Cheong-gang rushed to the front of the stage, bowing deeply to the audience and shedding tears. He said, "This feels more overwhelming than when I won 'The Great Birth'. I was grateful just to be in the top 5, but being 1st feels like a miracle," unable to hold back his tears. His tears, after overcoming hardships and proving himself, moved viewers at home.

Baek Cheong-gang, Heo Gak, Park Chang-geun, Lee Ye-jun, and Lee Ye-ji, who survived the fierce '1-on-1 Rival Match', secured tickets to the 'Final Showdown'. The intense competition in the 'Final Showdown' promises to deliver more captivating performances.

Reporter Lee So-jung, Ten Asia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr