‘Current King of Singers 2’ has been ranked number one in non-drama search responses for seven consecutive weeks.
The 7th episode of MBN’s ‘Current King of Singers’, aired on the 14th, achieved a peak rating of 11.7% and a nationwide rating of 11% (according to Nielsen Korea), securing the number one spot in the same time slot across all programs on terrestrial, general programming, and cable channels for six consecutive weeks, and dominating the ratings for all variety shows aired on Tuesday.
On this day, the 20 current contestants who advanced to the third round of the finals performed a ‘one song battle’ where two people shared a song, leading to unexpected shocking twists. Notably, the scene where Shin Yoo, who showcased a bold dance transformation with ‘Ah! Sarubia’, defeated Shin Seung-tae was recorded as the highest-rated moment at 11.7%.
◆ Twists and Turns, Dramatic Results
‘Current King of Singers 2’ shocked viewers by conducting the trademark ‘self-evaluation’ of current contestants through open voting, rather than secret ballots, allowing them to see the evaluations in real-time.
Following this, the first round of the finals featured a 1:1 death match called ‘On-Site Selection’, where two competitors shared a total of 500 points in a zero-sum game. The ‘loser’s revival round’, where surviving contestants formed teams of four to share designated songs with only 30 minutes of practice, applied a fresh rule where the surviving contestants voted, adding to the tension.
In the second round of the finals, the 25 remaining contestants were divided into five teams of five for a group competition, duet competition, trio competition, and ace competition, with only the team with the highest cumulative score advancing to the third round. The Enok team, which started at the bottom in the group competition, made a dramatic comeback to advance to the third round in first place. In the first round of the third round, the ‘one song battle’ saw unexpected results, enhancing the excitement and fun.
◆ A Different Level of Ear-Pleasing Stages from True Professionals
‘Current King of Singers 2’ is not a survival audition for amateurs to debut as singers, but rather a stage where active professionals engage in fierce competition, drawing attention with its distinct and high-quality performances.
Hwanhee, recognized as a master of R&B for 26 years, challenged the trot genre, creating chilling performances that were praised for “pioneering a new genre with unique trot.” Park Seo-jin, who participated as a mystery contestant, delivered legendary performances each week, from his ‘drum god’ drumming to a ‘water drum show’ drenched in water, and even a bold performance singing without drums.
Mystery contestant Shin Yoo also surprised everyone with groundbreaking performances, including seductive dance moves. Jin Hae-seong and Kang Moon-kyung, who had both won first place in different trot competitions, overwhelmed the audience with their authentic trot performances, while trot prodigy Hwang Min-ho and the creator of Mute Trot, Enok, delivered high-quality performances that resembled a single masterpiece, garnering cheers and acclaim.
◆ Sharp and Witty National Treasure MC Shin Dong-yeop
In ‘Current King of Singers 2’, the master panel’s sharp and insightful comments have captivated the contestants, providing viewers with refreshing moments akin to soda and touching emotional experiences, creating a unique charm and immersion.
MC Shin Dong-yeop lightens the atmosphere with witty remarks directed at the nervous contestants on stage, while also offering warm support and encouragement. He made the audience laugh with comments like, “I’ll show you that small peppers can be spicy. You’re a big pepper, so you’re bland,” and “If I had a voice like that, my wife would be much happier.” When the harsh critic Yoon Myung-sun took the mic, he quipped, “Are you planning to pour cold water on us again?” and “Before I hear any harsh criticism, I’d like to hear some good words,” delivering a sharp yet humorous commentary that resonated with viewers.
The production team of ‘Current King of Singers 2’ stated, “Unlike other survival auditions where amateurs participate, the enthusiastic response from viewers is exceptional as seasoned professionals compete against each other. As we approach the finale, we expect unprecedented performances from the contestants. Please continue to watch with anticipation and support until the final TOP 7 is born.”
