Heartfelt Moments from 'Miss Trot 4' Winner Lee Sona: A Journey of Family, Dreams, and Triumph

Lee Sona, the winner of 'Miss Trot 4', revealed that her mother is battling Parkinson's disease.

On the October 1st episode of TV CHOSUN's 'Dad and Me Season 3', 'Miss Trot 4' winners Lee Sona, Heo Chan-mi, and Hong Sung-yoon shared their post-competition stories. Now known as the 'nation's daughters', the trio opened up about their changed lives. Lee Sona mentioned, “My father receives calls from unknown numbers, and many people ask him to treat them. I haven't even given him pocket money yet, but it seems he's spending more.”

Hong Sung-yoon shared, “My father boasts about me so much that it's embarrassing, and he spends more because of it.” Heo Chan-mi, who has experience in the entertainment industry, expressed gratitude to her fellow trot singers and former SM trainees like Henry and Zhou Mi for their support.

The episode also showcased the daily lives of the winners with their parents. Hong Sung-yoon, known as the 'emotional giant', shared how her parents supported her during the competition by bringing her homemade meals from Daejeon to Seoul. She also visited her grandmother, who took care of her during her childhood.

Heo Chan-mi revealed that her talent comes from her parents, both former singers who met at a record company. Her mother even secretly applied for 'Miss Trot 4' to support her daughter, resulting in the first-ever mother-daughter 'All Heart' achievement in the show's history.

Heo Chan-mi's father had an interesting story of almost being a peer of 'Mr. Trot' winner Lim Young-woong but had to give up due to age restrictions. Heo Chan-mi shared that she pursued her dream to fulfill her father's aspirations, leading her to discover a new passion for trot music.

Lee Sona tearfully revealed her mother's struggle with Parkinson's disease. Her mother worked tirelessly to support her children, even after being diagnosed in her early 40s. Lee Sona's father has been her mother's caregiver for over 20 years, and Lee Sona herself helped with caregiving while continuing her studies.

Her mother's only joy was watching her daughter perform, and she attended the 'Miss Trot 4' finals despite her condition. Lee Sona dedicated her performance of Patti Kim's 'Love is the Flower of Life' to her mother, winning the competition.

Lee Sona expressed, “I wanted to leave my mother with a happy memory of me singing on stage.” After her victory was confirmed, her mother wept with joy. Lee Sona reflected on their shared struggles, shedding tears once more.

To comfort Lee Sona, Jeon Hyun-moo asked about her 'handsome husband'. Her husband, Kang Sang-joon, an actor known for his roles in musicals and dramas, was surprised by her win. Lee Sona praised her husband's unwavering support during her long period of obscurity.

The 'Miss Trot 4' winners prepared a special performance for 'Dad and Me'. Lee Sona stated, “We prepared this with the hope of encouraging parents across the country.” Heo Chan-mi opened with Kim Kwang-seok's 'A Story of an Elderly Couple in Their 60s', moving the studio with her emotional rendition.

Hong Sung-yoon delivered an energetic performance of Kim Ji-ae's 'Muleya', delighting the audience. She shared that her father loves seeing her perform upbeat songs, fulfilling his wish through the show.

Lee Sona concluded with Yoon Si-nae's 'Life', a tribute to her father, a mailman who worked tirelessly for 30 years. She shared, “The lyrics about enduring rain and snow reminded me of my father's life.”

Lee Sona expressed gratitude to her parents, calling them her reason for singing and her guardians. Heo Chan-mi thanked her parents for their unwavering support since her trainee days, acknowledging them as her true allies. Hong Sung-yoon described her parents as her pillars and expressed her desire to repay them.

Jeon Hyun-moo remarked, “Trot seems to make one mature,” marveling at the filial trio.

By Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr