On January 15, 2026, the bright lights of TV Chosun’s stage flickered with anticipation as the latest episode of Mistrot 4 aired, drawing viewers into a night of fierce competition, unexpected victories, and emotional performances. The much-anticipated 1:1 deathmatch round did not disappoint, serving up drama and talent in equal measure as both experienced singers and relative newcomers vied for a coveted spot in the next stage of the competition.
Among the night’s most talked-about moments was the showdown between actor Lee Elia and seasoned singer Jang Hye-ri. Jang, a six-year veteran in the music industry, didn’t shy away from a little pre-battle banter, teasing Lee Elia with, “You don’t like that I picked you, right? But honestly, I prefer your acting to your singing. Go back to dramas. Goodbye.” According to Sports Hankook, this playful provocation set the tone for a performance battle that would soon have the judges—and the audience—on the edge of their seats.
Jang Hye-ri took to the stage first, elegantly clad in a backless dress and flanked by two male dancers. She delivered a sultry rendition of Yang Soo-kyung’s “Love Is a Cold Temptation,” weaving Latin dance into her performance with the confidence of someone who started dancing in elementary school. The energy was high, the choreography sharp, and the atmosphere electric.
But it was Lee Elia’s turn to surprise. Known primarily for her acting, Lee stepped onto the stage in a calm-colored long dress and chose Hye Eun-yi’s “Rain” as her song. What followed was a performance that felt more like a moving scene from a drama than a typical singing competition set. Lee’s delivery was delicate yet powerful, her emotions palpable in every note. The contrast between the two performances was stark—one bold and kinetic, the other poignant and introspective.
The judges, or “masters” as the show calls them, were visibly torn. Kim Yong-bin, a respected figure in the music industry, remarked, “Actors are really different. I think singing is also acting for three minutes, and Lee Elia’s facial expressions and pronunciation were perfect. I always tell my juniors that delivering the lyrics clearly is crucial, and Lee Elia did just that.” Park Seon-ju echoed this sentiment, saying, “It was a thrilling stage that shattered my preconceptions. I didn’t expect much from Lee Elia, but she showed 130% of what an actor can do. It was a performance that reached the audience even better because of that.”
When the votes were tallied, Lee Elia clinched victory with an 11 to 6 margin, advancing directly to the third round. Jang Hye-ri, despite her polished stagecraft, became a candidate for elimination. According to Newsen, Lee Elia later admitted she had been more nervous than ever before, greeting viewers with a simple, “Hello,” and reflecting on how this was her first appearance on a stage of this kind. She confessed to feeling regret over a missed opportunity in a previous round but was buoyed by the judges’ praise for her sincerity and dedication.
Elsewhere in the competition, the night spotlighted the remarkable talents of younger contestants. The “Trot Prodigy” showdown between 12-year-old Bae Seo-yeon and 10-year-old Jeon Ha-yoon was another highlight. Bae Seo-yeon, performing Song Ga-in’s “Moonhwa Gayak,” wowed the judges with her nuanced emotional delivery and vocal prowess. Master Kim Yong-bin was effusive, declaring, “She does it better than us,” while Park Seon-ju and Joo Young-hwan chimed in, “They’re just geniuses.” Jeon Ha-yoon’s steady performance of Jang Yoon-jeong’s “Mokpo-bound Slow Train” earned respect, but Bae Seo-yeon ultimately triumphed with an 11 to 6 victory.
The judges didn’t hide how tough the decision was. Kim Yong-bin even joked about wanting to “abstain” from voting because of the contestants’ exceptional skills. The emotional stakes were high, and the masters’ comments reflected just how much the young competitors had raised the bar for everyone.
In another closely watched match, Yoon Yoon-seo took the stage against Hong Seong-yoon. Singing Kim Soo-hee’s “I Can’t Forget,” Yoon Yoon-seo’s performance was described as deeply moving, her unique vocal timbre resonating with the judges. Hong Seong-yoon, for his part, impressed with a traditional-style rendition of “Hope Song,” drawing praise for his stable technique and heartfelt delivery. The masters called it a fight between “100 points and 99.9 points,” but Yoon Yoon-seo emerged the clear winner with a 14 to 3 score.
Behind the scenes, the production team’s commitment did not go unnoticed. Kim Yong-bin commended the crew, saying, “The production and broadcast were successful, and the team put in 130% effort.” Park Seon-ju added that the dedication of everyone involved was evident, especially in how the show managed to bring out such passionate performances from both newcomers and veterans alike.
For Lee Elia, the experience was transformative. She started her acting career just two years ago and, despite her nerves, managed to channel all her energy into a performance that left a lasting impression. “It was my first time, and I was nervous but confident,” she shared, according to Newsen. She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity and for the recognition of her hard work, especially in a field where she was considered an outsider.
As the dust settled on this round of Mistrot 4, the competition’s unpredictability and emotional highs underscored why the show continues to captivate audiences. With every episode, the boundaries between professional singers and passionate amateurs blur, making for a contest where anything seems possible—and where every note, every gesture, and every heartfelt lyric can change the course of a contestant’s journey.
For viewers, it’s a reminder that talent can come from the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the greatest performances are those that defy expectations and touch the heart.
