Hong Ja delivered a hopeful message on the stage of the first round of the finals. On the broadcast of episode 11 of 'Active King 3' on the 3rd, Hong Ja passionately sang a new ballad trot song based on her unique tone and emotion. Before the stage began, Hong Ja shared her nervous feelings, saying, "There were many moments during 'Active King 3' when things didn't go my way," and added, "I hope none of it was in vain."

The song Hong Ja performed carries a hopeful message that after enduring painful and difficult times, spring days will eventually come. She adorned the stage with her deep tone and delicate expression. Watching from the waiting room, Solji exclaimed, "This is my sister's song. The song is so beautiful," and added, "It's even better because she's singing it. I want to cover it."

On the other hand, Lee Ji-hye commented after Hong Ja's performance, "I don't think the song needs to sound so sorrowful, but it seemed to come across very sorrowfully." Celebrity judge Joo Hyun-mi praised, "It seems she received a song that suits her very well," and said, "The lyrics and the flow of the song match Hong Ja's pronunciation perfectly. It's lucky." Joo Hyun-mi also added, "It felt so comfortable that it seemed like a song currently active. I think she has grown through this program."

Seol Woon-do said, "The song suits Hong Ja well," but pointed out, "What's a bit disappointing is that if the key had been lowered by half a key, it would have been less burdensome for the listeners." Composer Kim Kyung-beom, who created the song, was moved to tears by Hong Ja's stage. He said, "I felt that Hong Ja's song was a comfort for the years I have lived," and added, "Thank you for comforting my long period of obscurity with this song."

Shin Dong-yup said, "The fact that the composer was moved to tears must be a meaningful moment for Hong Ja as well." Hong Ja bowed her head in gratitude in response. In the interim scores revealed through evaluations by celebrities and the composer, Hong Ja scored 616 out of 870 points. After stepping down from the stage, Hong Ja left a brief comment, saying, "I'm a little disappointed," and headed to the waiting room.

Hong Ja's first round final stage once again confirmed her distinctive tone and emotion. This performance, which left a deep impression on both fans and judges, heightened expectations for Hong Ja's musical growth and future path.