Bin Yeseo's final elimination delivered a shock. The 11th episode of MBN's 'Active King 3,' aired on the 3rd, recorded a peak viewership rating of 13.1% per minute and a nationwide rating of 12.4%. This program reaffirmed its status as South Korea's top variety show by ranking first in viewership ratings across all Tuesday channels, including terrestrial, general programming, and cable, for five consecutive weeks.

In this episode, the first round of the finals took place, where the third-generation champion of 'Active King' and the TOP7 national representatives advancing to the '2026 Korea-Japan King Battle' were decided. The finals consist of two rounds, with a total score out of 4000 points: 1200 points from the first round on-site score, 1200 points from the second round on-site score, 1200 points from next week's real-time text voting, 240 points from nationwide cheering votes, and 160 points from new song digital scores.

Notably, 'Active King 3' introduced a new rule that only the TOP7 from the first round of the finals advance directly to the second round, while the third from the lower ranks becomes a candidate for elimination, adding tension. The first round of the finals was conducted in the format of a 'New Song Battle,' where contestants premiered new songs received from famous composers.

The first stage featured Geum Jandi performing the traditional trot 'Secret Love' composed by Jung Eesong. Expressing the heartache of a woman in love, Geum Jandi received high praise from the original composer Jung Eesong, who said, "This song was made for Geum Jandi. I was moved." However, Geum Jandi scored 564 points out of a total 870 points from the celebrity judging panel (825 points) and the composer judging panel (45 points).

Hong Ja performed the ballad trot 'Spring Days Are Coming' by composer Kim Kyungbeom, eliciting an emotional response from the original composer. Kim Kyungbeom tearfully said, "Hong Ja comforted me during my long years of obscurity," and Hong Ja earned 616 points.

Kim Taeyeon chose Park Guyoon's 'Go Go Go' and delivered a fresh and lively performance. The masters praised, "You performed it so well. It feels like your own song," and Kim Taeyeon scored 657 points.

Kang Hyeyeon expressed Lee Jinsil composer's 'Alttalttal' with unique costumes and choreography, scoring 688 points and taking first place. Solji performed Yoon Ilsang's 'Giga Joha,' scoring 765 points and receiving high praise as "having grown into an all-around player."

Bin Yeseo performed EuReKa composer's 'Jjom Jjom' but received criticism for being "too inaudible in the low tones," scoring 557 points. Gu Sugyeong chose Jung Kyungcheon's 'Seungseung Janggu' and scored 746 points. Hong Jiyoon attracted attention with Im Kanghyun's 'I Saved One Outfit,' scoring 853 points.

Cha Jiyeon conveyed deep emotion through Ahn Yeeun's 'Tree,' scoring 840 points. Lee Suyeon performed Yoon Myungseon's 'Dad, Father, Sir' but received a low score of 571 points.

The final ranking of the first round of the finals was announced as follows: 1st place Hong Jiyoon, 2nd place Cha Jiyeon, 3rd place Gu Sugyeong, 4th place Solji, 5th place Kim Taeyeon, 6th place Kang Hyeyeon, with Hong Ja and Lee Suyeon tied for 7th place, advancing directly to the finals. The elimination candidates, 9th place Geum Jandi and 10th place Bin Yeseo, faced a live vote by the national judging panel, resulting in Geum Jandi surviving and advancing to the second round of the finals.

Bin Yeseo shed tears of regret, saying, "I think I've come this far and shown a lot of growth, so I'm happy." The TOP9 advancing to the second round of the finals were decided, raising anticipation for the third-generation champion to be born in next week's live final.

The second round of the finals of MBN's 'Active King 3' is scheduled to air on March 10.