[Summary] "No Payment at Restaurants" 'Mr. Trot' Lim Young-woong, Young Tak, Lee Chan-won Appear on '9 O'Clock News'

On the night of the 16th, TV CHOSUN's "9 o'clock News" featured Jin Lim Young-woong, Seon Young-tak, and Mi Lee Chan-won from "Tomorrow is Mr. Trot," who shared their thoughts and determination.
Photo by TV CHOSUN broadcast screen capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] 'Mr. Trot' contestants Lim Young-woong, Young Tak, and Lee Chan-won appeared on '9 o'clock News' to share their reflections on their journey so far.

On the night of the 16th, TV CHOSUN's '9 o'clock News' featured Lim Young-woong, the winner, Young Tak, the runner-up, and Lee Chan-won, who placed third in 'Tomorrow is Mr. Trot.'

Lim Young-woong expressed his feelings about appearing on the news, saying, "I never imagined I would receive such a great award through 'Mr. Trot,' and I especially never imagined I would appear on the '9 o'clock News.' I am truly grateful to everyone who supported me."

Young Tak said, "I am more nervous than on stage. It is an unfamiliar experience. I think it is because the public has given us so much love, and I will do well today."

Lee Chan-won shared, "I am more nervous than on stage, but I am thankful for the invitation. I consider it an honor for my family."

When asked how their lives have changed since the broadcast, Lee Chan-won smiled and said, "Even when I walk down the street or go out to eat, many people recognize me. Especially taxi drivers and restaurant staff sometimes don’t charge me and say they enjoyed my performance."

Young Tak shared about his changed daily life, saying, "I took Lee Chan-won to the street tteokbokki stall I had been going to for nearly five years, and only then did the lady recognize me as a singer. I realized many people recognize us now."

Lim Young-woong said, "After the results were announced, I went to my hometown Pocheon where my mother lives. There were so many people at the supermarket that only my mother went in to shop, so as not to cause inconvenience," showing how much he feels the popularity.

Lim Young-woong revealed that he did not see the other contestants as competitors but rather as people from whom he could learn. He praised, "Young Tak hyung has a refreshing voice, stage manners, and a bright expression that gives positive energy to viewers. There is much to learn from him. Chan-won is my younger brother, but his warm voice and unique vibrato that no one else can imitate are truly charming."

In response, Lee Chan-won added warmly, "From the beginning, I considered Lim Young-woong my competitor and the strongest candidate to win. I thought he had a voice that could move everyone. I respect Young Tak hyung because he brings joy and cheerfulness."

Young Tak attracted attention by saying, "I think we all grew through 'Mr. Trot.' I used to think I understood trot less than Chan-won, who is a prodigy, or Young-woong, who specializes in trot, but I learned a lot and believe we grew together."

The anchor then asked Lim Young-woong how he prepared for the final stage, which coincided with his father's anniversary. Lim Young-woong said, "I spent a long time preparing on stage. The waiting period to gather my emotions was long. My mother said many things to me and told me she was really grateful to her son," evoking deep emotion.

Also, when asked if he ever thought about quitting music, Young Tak said cheerfully, "I sometimes wondered if I lacked talent. I wondered why I couldn’t see the light. I went through financial hardships. But other things weren’t fun. I endured, and now I even appear on the news."

Lee Chan-won shared his feelings about appearing, saying, "It is a great honor just to have made it this far. I was living an ordinary university life, so I think I am just enjoying this experience. Although I have some regrets, the happiness is much greater."

Regarding the huge attention he received for singing Kang Jin’s song 'A Glass of Makgeolli,' Young Tak said, "I participated in 'Mr. Trot' to share my story. My father is undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke. He really likes Makgeolli, and I sang this song with a heart that we couldn’t share it together," creating a warm atmosphere.

Lee Chan-won expressed his determination for the future, saying, "I am truly grateful for all the love and interest. The country is going through a difficult time due to COVID-19, and many are struggling, but we will show stages that can bring hope and comfort."

Lim Young-woong gave a message of thanks, saying, "This position is an award given by the people. I will strive to become a singer who can bring happiness, courage, and comfort in the future."

'Mr. Trot' experienced a server overload due to over 7.7 million text votes during the final episode on the 12th, which delayed the announcement of the results. The winner, runner-up, and third place were announced two days later on the 14th through an emergency broadcast. The final competition recorded a peak viewership rating of 35.7%, concluding the 73-day grand journey.

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