"'Mr. Trot' Writer Praises Lim Young-woong as 'Well Done, My Child'... Production Team Clarifies 'No Favoritism'"

TV Chosun 'Mr. Trot' poster/Photo by TV Chosun

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] When a writer of 'Mr. Trot' posted a message on their social network service (SNS) supporting singer Lim Young-woong, who is participating in the program's competition, a controversy over favoritism arose, prompting the production team to clarify that "concerns from some quarters are completely unfounded."

The production team of TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot' released an official statement on the 10th, saying, "'Mr. Trot,' like other audition programs, has multiple writers who each provide one-on-one support to the participants. They work together by supporting and cooperating with various necessary conditions until the participants take the stage."

The production team added, "The participant's assigned writer merely expressed surprise that the participant's song charted. We regret not recognizing that, given the nature of audition programs at this critical moment before the final broadcast, misunderstandings could arise. We will do our best to finish strong during the remaining schedule."

The writer in question posted on their Instagram on the 7th a screenshot showing Lim Young-woong's mission song charting on the music charts, along with hashtags such as "#MelonChartIn #TwoSongsToday #ManagerLimWhoChecksTheChartEveryMorning #ProudOfMyKid," which sparked controversy.

In response, fans criticized that it is unfair for the production team to show favoritism toward a specific singer in a survival program. Following the controversy, the production team's SNS has been switched to private.

The final round to determine the ultimate winner of 'Mr. Trot' is scheduled to be broadcast on the 12th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.