Singer Hong Ji-yoon, affiliated with Choi Lab, advanced to the second round of the finals on MBN's "Active King 3" with outstanding vocal skills and stage production.

On the 13th, Hong Ji-yoon faced Kim Joo-i in the 1-on-1 on-site selection match "Scarlet Letter" during the first round of the finals of "Active King 3." Regarded as a favorite to win by the active singers, Hong Ji-yoon declared her determination to Kim Joo-i, saying, "I will show you that I am the senior in trot."

Appearing on stage wearing a flowing white-toned dress against a backdrop of cherry blossoms fluttering on the screen, Hong Ji-yoon performed "Why Am I Crying" delivering a highly polished stage. Having challenged dance trot in the previous preliminaries, she demonstrated solid skills with her unique sweet voice and brilliant vocal embellishments on this stage.

Immersed in the song, Hong Ji-yoon enhanced the audience's engagement with natural facial expressions and stage manners. Mid-performance, she spun around with a wistful expression looking back, creating a scene reminiscent of a drama.

Known as the "Trot Barbie" with five years of experience, Hong Ji-yoon won by an overwhelming score difference and advanced to the second round of the finals. The original singer Joo Hyun-mi praised her, saying, "If you put too much force, it becomes uncomfortable to listen to, but Hong Ji-yoon sang so well. She carried the song with solid traditional Korean vocal techniques."

After the performance, Hong Ji-yoon showed tears and said, "I know how everyone must have felt coming into the competition," revealing her sincere empathy for her fellow contestants.

MBN's "Active King 3" airs every Tuesday at 9:50 PM.

[Source: Provided by Choi Creative Lab]