Miss Trot 4 Highlights and the Timeless Appeal of Korean Trot

Miss Trot 4 and the Charm of Korean Trot: Songs Connecting Generations

Miss Trot 4 premiered in December 2025 as the fourth public TV audition program, returning two years after the conclusion of Miss Trot 3. While global audiences often associate Korean music with idol groups such as BTS, BLACKPINK, or IVE, within Korea one of the most beloved genres is actually trot, a style of popular music often referred to as “adult contemporary.” Before 2020, trot was largely dismissed as old-fashioned, considered music for fathers and grandfathers, and seen as outdated by younger generations. Yet as time passed, those same generations began to embrace trot, drawn to its lyrics that reflect the joys and sorrows of everyday Korean life.

miss trot4 part1

The revival of trot among younger audiences was sparked by TV Chosun’s Miss Trot and Mr. Trot, which ignited a nationwide craze. Soon, broadcasters rushed to produce their own trot-related programs, and the genre gained fresh attention across all age groups. It became common to see a seven-year-old child and a fifty-year-old mother competing on the same stage, united by the same music. Over four seasons, both Miss Trot and Mr. Trot produced numerous stars, with one of the most prominent being Lim Young-woong, now one of Korea’s hottest singers, who first rose to fame through the Mr. Trot audition. Today, trot stands as an essential part of Korea’s music scene, bridging generations and redefining the meaning of popular song.

The most intense and competitive season ever.

Although this post comes after watching the first preliminary round, my impression from the very first episode is that the contestants this season are truly extraordinary. Unlike previous seasons that carried on with a Top 7 format, Miss Trot 4 has reduced the number of finalists to a Top 5, which is expected to make the competition even more intense.

With the largest number of participants in the show’s history, it is astonishing to see so many talented singers appear once again. Even after just one episode, I found myself wondering how such incredible voices continue to emerge season after season. This only proves how strong and passionate the love for trot remains in Korea, making it one of the most vibrant and enduring genres in the nation’s music scene.

First preliminary round audition highlights featuring key contestants

After watching the first preliminary round, I wanted to share a personal recap of the contestants who left the deepest impression on me. This post is not an objective review, but rather a highlight of performances that truly caught my attention.

Since it’s only the very first episode, the excitement is just beginning. I can’t help but wonder how many more mesmerizing voices will appear as the season unfolds, and that anticipation makes following Miss Trot 4 even more thrilling.

길려원

Gil Ryeo-won(길려원)

At just 22 years old, nursing student contestant Gil Ryeo-won chose Kim Yong-im’s classic ‘Flower Wind’ and stunned the audience with her unexpected trot skills, earning an all-heart vote and a wave of applause.”

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전하윤

Jeon Ha-yoon(전하윤)

In Season 4, the youngest contestant from Yanbian, Jeon Ha-yoon, instantly captured the audience’s attention the moment she stepped on stage. With her adorable charm and especially her captivating smile, she stood out right away. Despite her young age, she commanded the stage with confident performance and impressive vocal skills, leaving the masters astonished by her talent.

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홍성윤

Hong Seong-yoon(홍성윤)

The 23-year-old contestant Hong Seong-yoon, a major in traditional Korean music, performed Ahn Ye-eun’s Blooming Flower while accompanying himself on the gayageum, a traditional string instrument. His performance blended the delicate sound of the gayageum with powerful vocals, captivating the masters. Judge Jang Yoon-jung even praised him as a true contender for the championship, and his talent left the panel deeply impressed.

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허새롬

Heo Sae-rom(허새롬)

Heo Sae-rom, competing in the cross-genre division, comes from an elite background in traditional Korean music. She delivered a powerful and refined stage by performing Bangsil’s Seoul Tango while playing the saenghwang, a traditional wind instrument unfamiliar to most audiences. The combination of her commanding presence and unique sound left a lasting impression, earning her an all-heart vote from the masters. Personally, it was the most memorable performance of the night for me.

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Bongcheon-dong Kim Soo-hee

봉천동 김수희

Competing under the alias Bongcheon-dong Kim Soo-hee and concealing both her real name and face, this contestant stunned the audience by flawlessly performing Kim Soo-hee’s challenging song Dan-hyeon. Her powerful vocals drew gasps of surprise and sparked curiosity among viewers, who were left wondering, “Who could she be?” The mystery surrounding Bongcheon-dong Kim Soo-hee is expected to be revealed in the second episode.

🔥강약 조절 끝판왕🔥 남다른 깊이감의 봉천동 김수희 ‘단현’♪ TV CHOSUN 251218 방송 | [미스트롯4 – 1회] | TV조선

윤윤서

Yoon Yun-seo(윤윤서)

Every season of Miss Trot has featured at least one contestant whose story deeply moves the audience, and in Season 4 that role was filled by Yoon Yun-seo. At the age of seven, she suffered a devastating accident that left her with uneven leg lengths, requiring years of rehabilitation until her growth stopped. Through it all, her mother remained by her side with unwavering devotion.
Drawing on those memories, Yoon Yun-seo performed Kim Yeon-ja’s Mother’s Season, a heartfelt tribute that brought the masters to tears and earned her an all-heart vote. Her voice carried pure sincerity, touching everyone who listened. May her journey continue on a path of love and success, walking only on the flower road ahead.

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👉 miss trot part2