The 4th round of TV Chosun’s hit audition show Miss Trot 4 unfolded on February 12, 2026, delivering a dramatic and emotionally charged showdown between two of the competition’s most talked-about contestants: Lee Eliya and Yeom Yuri. With the coveted TOP 10 spots hanging in the balance, viewers were treated to a night of high stakes, powerful performances, and a score twist that kept everyone guessing until the very end.
This particular round, dubbed the "Legend Mission," required contestants to reinterpret a classic track by the legendary Kim Soo-hee. The song of choice? Kim’s iconic “Don’t Go Now,” a ballad steeped in longing and heartbreak. According to TenAsia, the two singers were matched up after Lee Eliya herself selected Yeom Yuri as her opponent, setting the stage for what some fans dubbed the "visual goddess" duel. Both contestants donned stylish leather jackets, perhaps as armor for the emotional battle ahead, and faced Kim Soo-hee herself as they prepared to deliver their renditions.
From the outset, the tension between Lee and Yeom was palpable. Lee Eliya expressed her determination to “smile in victory on stage,” while Yeom Yuri, radiating competitive fire, vowed to break Lee’s winning streak and secure her own spot in the TOP 10. As the opening notes of “Don’t Go Now” filled the studio, both women channeled the desperation of a lover pleading for one last chance, their voices weaving together and then soaring apart in a display of raw emotion and technical prowess.
Yet, the night was not without its hurdles. Lee Eliya, who had been struggling with a vocal condition leading up to the performance, faced an uphill battle. Her voice, usually known for its clarity and warmth, occasionally betrayed signs of strain. But if anyone expected her to falter, they were quickly proven wrong. Instead, Lee doubled down, pouring even more emotion into her delivery and adapting her style on the fly. As master judge Jang Yoon-jeong noted, “As the rounds go on, Lee Eliya’s vocal condition seems unstable, but her ability to handle adversity is impressive.” Jang went on to praise Lee for “choosing to push through with genuine power when her voice wavered, revealing a new and captivating side.”
On the other side of the stage, Yeom Yuri leaned into her classical training. Her background in vocal music allowed her to command the stage with confidence and technical finesse, keeping her performance steady and controlled even as the emotional stakes rose. Jang Yoon-jeong also commended Yeom for her “excellent management skills, enduring the grueling competition process with grace.”
When the judges’ scores were tallied, it seemed the night belonged to Yeom Yuri. The combined points from the legend and master judges stood at a commanding 135 to 75 in her favor—a 60-point lead that looked almost insurmountable. But News1 reports that the competition was far from over. The real surprise came from the national representative panel, whose votes have been known to shake up the leaderboard in previous rounds. Lee Eliya, despite her vocal challenges, managed to capture the hearts of the panel and earned an additional 40 points.
This late-game surge narrowed the gap dramatically, bringing Lee’s total up to 115 points and putting her within striking distance of her rival. The atmosphere in the studio shifted palpably as the possibility of an upset suddenly felt real. While Yeom Yuri ultimately maintained her lead, the narrowing margin set the stage for a much tighter and more unpredictable race for the TOP 10 than anyone had anticipated.
Throughout the episode, the judges’ comments highlighted the unique strengths—and vulnerabilities—of each contestant. Lee Eliya’s willingness to take risks and adapt under pressure was contrasted with Yeom Yuri’s disciplined, methodical approach. The emotional resonance of their performance, especially given the context of Kim Soo-hee herself watching from the judges’ panel, only heightened the drama.
For the audience at home, the duel was more than just a vocal contest—it was a lesson in perseverance and adaptability. Lee Eliya’s journey, marked by both struggle and resilience, resonated with viewers who have followed her through the ups and downs of the competition. Yeom Yuri’s steady ascent, fueled by her technical mastery and unwavering focus, provided a compelling foil.
Miss Trot 4 has carved out a special place in South Korea’s entertainment landscape, not only for its celebration of the beloved trot genre but also for its ability to unearth new talent and spark passionate debates among fans. The show, which has already produced three trot queens—Song Ga-in, Yang Ji-eun, and Jeong Seo-joo—continues its search for a fourth, with every round intensifying the competition.
The February 12 episode, which aired at 10 PM KST on TV Chosun, was a reminder of why the show continues to captivate audiences season after season. The unpredictability of live competition, the emotional investment of the contestants, and the expertise of the judges combine to create moments that linger long after the final note has faded.
As for what comes next, the narrowed score gap means that the race for the remaining TOP 10 spots is anyone’s game. Both Lee Eliya and Yeom Yuri have demonstrated that they possess not only the talent but also the grit required to go the distance. Whether it’s overcoming a sudden vocal crisis or maintaining composure under pressure, these contestants have shown that the path to the crown is rarely straightforward.
In the end, it’s these stories of determination and transformation that keep audiences tuning in week after week. The latest round of Miss Trot 4 was a testament to the power of music—and the human spirit—to surprise, inspire, and move us, even when the odds seem stacked against us. With the competition heating up and the leaderboard in flux, viewers can only wait (with bated breath!) to see who will rise, who will stumble, and who will ultimately claim the title of the next trot queen.