On the evening of February 17, 2026, South Korean television viewers were treated to a dazzling spectacle as KBS 2TV aired its highly anticipated Lunar New Year special, "2026 Bokteojineun Trot Daejanchi"—loosely translated as "2026 Luck-Bursting Trot Festival." The event, which kicked off at 7:30 PM and ran into the heart of the holiday, was more than just a musical performance. It was a meticulously crafted celebration, blending tradition, interactivity, and the irresistible charm of Korea’s top trot stars.
At the helm was Lee Chanwon, who stepped into the spotlight as the show’s sole MC. His reputation for witty and engaging hosting was on full display as he guided both the live audience and viewers at home through an evening designed to deliver not just entertainment, but a sense of shared fortune and joy. As Lee Chanwon himself declared in his opening remarks, "This year, the title of 'Trot Daejanchi' is especially called 'Luck-Bursting Trot Festival.' We’ve prepared stages that will shower luck on everyone present and everyone watching at home." According to Newsen, he continued, "Today, I will introduce 15 representative trot singers who will gift you luck through their performances."
The program’s concept revolved around three special "luck pouches" (복주머니), each holding a different kind of fortune. As the evening progressed, these pouches were opened one by one, revealing surprise performances and collaborative stages that kept anticipation high. This interactive element was designed to draw viewers in, making them feel like participants in the unfolding festivities rather than mere spectators. As Star News described, the show was a "new concept interactive trot show where enthusiastic performances and audience cheers were key to delivering 'luck.'"
The lineup was a veritable who’s who of the Korean trot scene. From legends like Kim Yeonja and Park Hyunbin to rising stars such as Park Jihyun and dynamic duos like Hwang Minwoo & Hwang Minho, the stage was packed with talent. Notably, Song Gain, Park Seojin, Shin Yu, Kim Yongbin, Ahn Sunghoon, Na Taeju, Kim Heejae, Park Hyeshin, Kim Heejin, Kim Soyeon, Park Seongon, Nam Changdong, Seonbi, and Dokteuk Crew all took turns delivering memorable performances, each contributing to the evening’s rich tapestry of sound and emotion.
The show wasted no time in setting the tone. The first luck pouch was opened by brothers Hwang Minwoo and Hwang Minho, who delivered a spirited rendition of "Yuhengga." Their performance was met with enthusiastic applause, and the energy only escalated from there. The collaborative spirit of the festival shone in the next segment, as Shin Yu, Song Gain, Park Seojin, Kim Yongbin, Park Hyeshin, and Kim Heejin teamed up for a heartfelt version of "Dongbaek Agassi." Meanwhile, Hwang Minwoo, Hwang Minho, Park Seongon, and Kim Soyeon joined forces for the lively number "Partner."
One of the night’s standout moments came when Na Taeju, making a dramatic entrance from the audience, asked with a grin, "Since you’re at the Trot Daejanchi, do you want to see Na Taeju’s kick?" True to his "taekwondo trot man" persona, he executed a flawless taekwondo-style kick before launching into the song "Tesshyeong," even performing a backflip that left the crowd roaring. As reported by Newsen, this blend of athleticism and showmanship was one of many elements that made the festival feel fresh and unpredictable.
But the surprises didn’t stop there. The festival’s collaborative stages were a highlight, with duets and group performances that blurred the lines between generations and styles. Park Seojin and Park Jihyun delivered a touching duet, while the trio of Ahn Sunghoon, Na Taeju, and Kim Heejae joined original singer Park Hyunbin for a rousing version of "Shabang Shabang." These moments underscored the event’s mission to connect viewers of all ages, using trot as the common thread.
Perhaps the most buzzed-about segment of the night was the debut of Park Jihyun’s new song. For the first time anywhere, viewers witnessed the unveiling of a track that had, until then, been kept tightly under wraps. The anticipation was palpable, and as the first notes rang out, it was clear that Park Jihyun had delivered something special—injecting fresh energy into the trot genre and adding a sense of occasion to the holiday broadcast. According to Gukje News, this premiere was expected to "heat up the festive mood" and mark Park Jihyun as a new icon in the trot world.
Throughout the broadcast, Lee Chanwon’s steady hand as MC kept the proceedings lively and cohesive. His rapport with both the performers and the audience was evident, and his ability to infuse humor and warmth into the transitions gave the festival a distinctly communal feel. As Star News noted, Lee Chanwon "was expected to provide witty and engaging hosting to enhance the festive mood," and by all accounts, he delivered on that promise.
Behind the scenes, the production team emphasized the festival’s role in bringing people together. "This performance will be a special time connecting generations through trot music and delivering warm comfort and hope," they explained to Gukje News. The intention was clear: to use music as a bridge, not just between artists and fans, but across family members gathered for the holiday, young and old alike.
The festival also served as a showcase for the enduring popularity and adaptability of trot music in Korea. Once considered the domain of older listeners, trot has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, thanks in part to high-profile TV competitions and the willingness of artists to experiment with new sounds and collaborations. "Bokteojineun Trot Daejanchi" captured this evolution perfectly, offering a blend of nostalgia and innovation that resonated with a diverse audience.
For Lee Chanwon, the festival was just the beginning of a busy season. As Star News reported, he was set to embark on a concert tour starting February 21-22 in Jinju, followed by dates in Gwangju and Daejeon throughout March. His role as MC for the festival only cemented his status as one of the most versatile and beloved figures in the current trot scene.
As the final luck pouch was opened and the last notes faded, viewers were left with a sense of warmth, unity, and—just maybe—a little extra luck for the year ahead. The "2026 Bokteojineun Trot Daejanchi" was more than a television program; it was a reminder of music’s power to bring people together, to surprise, delight, and inspire hope, especially during the most cherished of holidays.