TV CHOSUN’s reality program The Lovers of Joseon has finalized the nine teams advancing to the finals of its "Lovers of Joseon Singing Contest," a three-part special marking the show’s fifth anniversary. The selection follows a series of competitive preliminary rounds featuring celebrity participants, family members, and production staff, all vying for a top prize of 10 million won.
Finalists and Contestants
The judging panel, after evaluating diverse performances, confirmed the final nine teams competing for the grand prize. According to the network, the roster includes:
- Choi Sung-kook’s family
- Lee Yong-sik and Won Hyuk
- Hong Seok-cheon
- Shim Jae-won
- Jung Yi-rang
- Kim Tae-won
- Producer Yoon Yong-bum
- Bae Ki-sung
- Kim Na-hee
Notable Performances and Highlights
The second preliminary round, which aired on Monday, featured a mix of musical tributes and unexpected personal dynamics.
Shim Jae-won, the nephew of actress Shim Hye-jin, performed a rendition of the jazz standard "Fly Me to the Moon." Judge Insooni praised his vocal tone, comparing it to a young Frank Sinatra. Shim Hye-jin attended the filming to support her nephew’s performance.
The episode also drew attention for the "four-way" romantic dynamic involving Lee Sang-mi, known for her role as "Gaettong Mom" in Country Diaries.
Comedian Jo Hye-ryun performed a mashup of her hit "Anakkana" and an original song written by her husband, titled "To the Eagle." Meanwhile, Lee Yong-sik and his son-in-law, Won Hyuk, performed "Sangsahwa," a song for which they received coaching from the original artist, Nam Jin.
Judging Outcomes
Not all participants advanced. Park Kyung-bae, the husband of judge Insooni, performed "Lying on the Sea" alongside MC Kim Gook-jin. The performance did not meet the judges’ criteria, with Insooni commenting that she did not wish to see a follow-up performance. Comedian Choi Sung-kook commented that it was greedy to hope for a final round appearance when performing with Kim Gook-jin.
The special also featured a guest performance by Lee Ru, son of singer Tae Jin-ah, who sang "Black Glasses" and "Okgyeong-i," the latter performed as a duet with his father.
The Lovers of Joseon airs every Monday at 10:00 p.m. on TV CHOSUN.
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