On the evening of February 12, 2026, the air was thick with anticipation as TV CHOSUN’s popular singing competition 'Miss Trot 4' entered its pivotal fourth main round: the so-called Legend Mission. For fans of the show—and for anyone who’s followed the meteoric rise of trot music’s new generation—this was a night to remember, brimming with fierce rivalries, stirring performances, and a few surprises that had even the judges on the edge of their seats.
The centerpiece of the night was the much-anticipated one-song showdown between Kim Hyejin and Gil Ryeowon. The format was simple but brutal: two contestants, one iconic song, and only one could claim victory. Their chosen battlefield? Choi Jinhee’s beloved 3rd album title track, 'Because of Regret,' a song known for its emotional depth, husky timbre, and soaring high notes. As reported by TV Daily, the stakes were clear—this was no ordinary duet, but a true test of artistry and nerve.
From the start, the match-up caught the audience’s attention. Kim Hyejin, facing public skepticism for challenging Gil Ryeowon—the so-called 'Little Joo Hyunmi' and the current leader in online national voting—stood her ground with quiet confidence. 'Many people are worried about why I picked Ryeowon, who is young, beautiful, and first in the polls,' she admitted, according to Sports List. 'But I believe I won’t lose with my jewel-like voice.' Determined not to be overshadowed, Gil Ryeowon, a nine-year veteran of the trot scene despite her newcomer status on the show, responded with humility and resolve. 'Honestly, making it this far already feels like a miracle,' she confessed. 'I don’t want to stop now. I was worried when a senior singer chose me, but with all the support I’ve received, I’ll do my best.'
When the moment arrived, both singers took the stage and delivered a performance that, for a few minutes, seemed to erase the very idea of competition. Their duet was described by Sports List as flawless and complete—so much so that it was easy to forget this was a contest at all. Yet, behind the artistry, the tension was palpable. This was the last hurdle before the semifinals, and every note mattered.
The judges—icons in their own right, including Kim Soohee, Choi Jinhee, Kim Yeonja, and Kim Yongim—brought a wealth of experience to the table. But it was Kim Yongbin whose critique stood out. 'I’m left with a bit of disappointment,' he admitted, according to TV Daily. 'It seemed the pitch was a bit too high for Hyejin. With this song, you really have to belt out the high notes, but she seemed cautious.' It was a gentle but honest assessment, highlighting both the technical challenge of the song and the emotional restraint that sometimes comes with high-stakes performances.
Choi Jinhee, the original artist behind 'Because of Regret,' offered a different perspective—one that balanced concern with genuine admiration. 'From the beginning, I was worried whether their voices would fit this song,' she said, referencing her own husky and powerful delivery. 'My voice is thick, husky, and belts out the high parts. I wasn’t sure they could match that. But the two of them gave the song an unexpectedly different atmosphere.' She went on to praise their unique interpretations, noting, 'I realized this song can be transformed in such new ways.'
The results spoke volumes. According to BNT News, Gil Ryeowon clinched the top spot in the first round of the Legend Mission, racking up a remarkable 240 points—an impressive sweep that included 140 from the masters, 60 from the legends, and 40 from the national representative group. Kim Hyejin, despite her valiant effort, found herself at the bottom of the scoreboard with just 10 points, putting her at serious risk of elimination. The numbers left little room for debate: Gil Ryeowon’s performance had resonated with both the judges and the audience alike.
The competition was fierce across the board. Hong Sungyoon surged into second place with 225 points for a stirring rendition of Kim Soohee’s 'Hwadeung,' while Heo Chanmi claimed third with 185 points. The rest of the leaderboard was a who’s who of rising trot stars: Jung Hyerin (170 points), Yoon Taehwa (160), Yeom Yuri (135), and Lee Sona (130) all secured strong finishes. A particularly dramatic moment unfolded when Yoon Yunseo and Jeokwoo performed Choi Jinhee’s 'Little Doll'—and ended up tied at 125 points each, a first in the show’s history when factoring in audience scores.
In the middle of the pack, Kim Dana (120 points), Lee Eliya (115), Yumi (90), Jang Hyeri (80), and Chaeyoon (65) kept their semifinal hopes alive. But for Kim Sanha (25 points) and Kim Hyejin (10), the threat of elimination loomed large. These results, as BNT News pointed out, set the stage for a nail-biting second round: the individual competition.
The second round kicked off with Kim Dana delivering a standout performance of Kim Yeonja’s 'Yeongdong Blues,' earning a whopping 1,361 points from the masters. It was a clear sign that fortunes could shift dramatically—and that no one was safe until the final tally. The ultimate fate of the contestants would be decided by combining scores from both rounds, with the top ten advancing to the semifinals. Fans will have to wait until the February 19 broadcast for the final results, making the week ahead an anxious one for contestants and viewers alike.
Throughout the night, the show’s unique format—where two singers share a song and only one can win—added an extra layer of suspense. The presence of legendary judges, the blend of seasoned professionals and ambitious newcomers, and the passionate fan support all combined to make this round of 'Miss Trot 4' a microcosm of the genre’s enduring appeal. Trot, with its roots in Korean popular music and its ability to evoke nostalgia and innovation in equal measure, proved once again that it’s far from fading into the background.
As the dust settles and the contestants prepare for the next round, one thing is certain: 'Miss Trot 4' continues to captivate audiences with its blend of tradition, talent, and the unpredictable magic that only live competition can deliver.