Jang Yoon-jeong Joins 'Mr. Trot Japan' as a Master Judge

Korean trot singer Jang Yoon-jeong is set to make her debut as a master judge on the Japanese version of 'Mr. Trot'.

On October 26, TV CHOSUN's 'Mr. Trot Japan' will kick off its first team mission of the finals. With some changes in the MC and master lineup, the show promises an upgraded judging experience, raising anticipation among viewers.

'Mr. Trot Japan' is a format export of TV CHOSUN's original trot audition program 'Mr. Trot', and it has been produced in Japan. Since its premiere on February 19, the show has topped all categories on local video platforms, garnering high viewership and significant buzz.

Before the first team mission stage of the finals, the newly formed master panel and sub-MC are drawing attention. Urano Shuta, a participant from 'Produce 101 Japan' Season 1 and a debut member of the Japanese idol group 'Ouve', takes on the role of sub-MC. Joining the master panel are mixed-race artist Crystal Kay and model-talent Yuchami. Notably, when Korean trot star Jang Yoon-jeong was introduced as a master, local contestants cheered and applauded, exclaiming, “Senior!”, “She's really famous!”, and “Everyone knows her!”

Meanwhile, the 'Daddy Team', with an average age of 36 and no dance experience, brings both laughter and inspiration with their choreography practice. Struggling to keep rhythm and facing challenges in gathering for joint practice due to members being from different regions, the team decided to have their wives film their dance routines daily and share them via messenger. Over a month, they accumulated more than 100 videos.

With family support, the team's performance quality improved, and the bond between spouses deepened. After watching the 'Daddy Team' perform, Master Jang Yoon-jeong commented, “It felt like a stage for grown men, and I was deeply moved,” adding, “One member's voice stood out as if he was using a different microphone, and I watched with a cheering heart.” Viewers can tune in to see which contestant captured the 'Trot Queen' Jang Yoon-jeong's heart.

Following this, the 'Teen Team', composed of teenagers from the 'Student Team' who received all hearts in the previous master auditions, takes the stage. Master Sonin, moved to tears by their performance, explained to MC Goto Terumoto, “I didn't want to eliminate any of the five,” and added, “It's the most I've cried from being touched recently.” The 'Teen Team' delivers a performance filled with youthful energy and professionalism, earning high praise from the masters.

The Japanese edition of 'Mr. Trot', 'Mr. Trot Japan', airs on Saturday, October 26, at 5:20 PM on TV CHOSUN.

In other news, Jang Yoon-jeong and her husband Do Kyung-wan recently purchased a penthouse in Apel Han River, located in Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, entirely in cash. According to real estate sources, the penthouse's selling price is approximately 12 billion KRW (around 120 million USD).

By Taeyuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr