On the evening of March 5, 2026, a wave of anticipation swept across South Korea as TV Chosun’s popular audition program, 'Miss Trot 4' ('미스트롯4'), aired its grand finale. The stakes were high, the competition fierce, and emotions raw as five talented singers vied for the coveted crown of '진'—the ultimate title in the world of Korean trot music. When the dust settled, it was Chuncheon native Lee Sona (이소나) who emerged as the fourth-generation queen, etching her name alongside previous winners Song Ga-in, Yang Ji-eun, and Jung Seo-joo. For Lee Sona, the victory wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a hard-earned reward after years of perseverance and artistry.
The final episode, broadcast live to millions, featured the top five contestants: Heo Chan-mi (허찬미), Lee Sona, Hong Sung-yoon (홍성윤), Yoon Tae-hwa (윤태화), and Gil Ryeo-won (길려원). The atmosphere in the studio was electric, amplified by the presence of the contestants’ families in the audience. According to News1, family members—including parents, siblings, and even spouses—filled the seats, their cheers and tears adding another layer of emotion to an already charged evening. Hong Sung-yoon, upon spotting his family, exclaimed, “How can I hold back my tears?” capturing the poignant mood shared by many in the room.
As the finale unfolded, the competition’s unique scoring system came into play. The final rankings were determined by a combination of master scores (1,600 points), online cheering votes (400 points), and real-time text voting (1,000 points), as reported by eToday and Sports Hankooki. This blend of expert judgment and public participation aimed to crown a winner who resonated both musically and emotionally with the audience.
The first phase saw Heo Chan-mi take the lead in master scores, racking up 1,583 points, with Gil Ryeo-won, Lee Sona, Hong Sung-yoon, and Yoon Tae-hwa following. In the online cheering vote, however, Lee Sona surged ahead, seizing first place, followed by Heo Chan-mi and Hong Sung-yoon. The combined master and online votes briefly put Heo Chan-mi back on top, with Lee Sona trailing in second. It was a neck-and-neck race, and the tension was palpable.
But it was the real-time text voting—where viewers had the final say—that truly turned the tide. According to Sports Hankooki, a staggering 1,110,784 text votes poured in during the live broadcast. Lee Sona captured an impressive 256,310 of those votes, accounting for 27.98% of the total and earning her the full 1,000 points available for the category. This late surge catapulted her to a final score of 2,972 points, securing her the top spot and the grand prize of 300 million Korean won (about $230,000 USD).
The final rankings were thus: Lee Sona as '진' (1st place), Heo Chan-mi as '선' (2nd), Hong Sung-yoon as '미' (3rd), with Gil Ryeo-won and Yoon Tae-hwa rounding out the top five. Heo Chan-mi finished with 218,561 text votes and a total of 2,825.72 points, while Hong Sung-yoon garnered 159,430 votes and 2,563.02 points. Gil Ryeo-won and Yoon Tae-hwa received 144,792 and 136,937 votes, respectively, with corresponding final scores of 2,512.91 and 2,427.26.
When her name was announced as the winner, Lee Sona was visibly overcome. She sank to the stage floor, tears streaming down her face as the crown, trophy, and prize were handed to her. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she said, “I want to sincerely thank everyone involved with 'Miss Trot' for allowing me to climb this high mountain. Above all, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family, who have sacrificed so much for me despite difficult circumstances. From now on, I will strive to be someone who can protect and support my loved ones.”
For Lee Sona, the journey to 'Miss Trot 4' glory was anything but easy. As reported by Kangwon Ilbo, she spent more than two decades immersed in Korean traditional music (gugak), becoming a designated National Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for Gyeonggi minyo (No. 57). Her roots in music run deep: she began learning traditional instruments and dance in elementary school, and by 2004, as a middle schooler, she had already claimed first place in Gangwon Province’s traditional arts competition. Her academic path took her through the National Traditional Arts High School and the Korea National University of Arts, solidifying her status as a ‘gugak elite.’
During the competition, Lee Sona’s performances of 'Yeongam Arirang' and 'Gangwondo Arirang' medleys propelled her to first place in the second round, according to Kangwon Ilbo. Her clear high notes and flawless vocal technique left a lasting impression on both judges and viewers alike, making her a fan favorite and earning her the affectionate nickname ‘Jin Sona’—a play on her newly won title.
The finale was not just a personal milestone for Lee Sona, but a family affair as well. Her mother, despite battling illness, attended the live broadcast to support her daughter, a moment that moved many in the audience to tears. The presence of family members for all the top five contestants underscored the emotional stakes of the night. As reported by News1, the families’ cheers, embraces, and tears were as much a part of the show as the music itself, making the victory all the more poignant.
The other finalists also shared their thoughts and gratitude. Heo Chan-mi, who finished second, remarked, “This is my last audition. From now on, I will sing with gratitude and humility, doing my best as a singer.” Hong Sung-yoon, surprised by his third-place finish, admitted, “I didn’t expect this. I haven’t even prepared a speech, but I am so thankful,” offering thanks to his family, the show’s staff, the judges, and even the person who recommended him for the competition.
'Miss Trot 4' has now crowned its fourth queen, continuing a tradition that has captured the hearts of viewers across South Korea. By blending expert evaluation with public participation and weaving in the stories of family, perseverance, and artistry, the show remains a cultural phenomenon—one that, for Lee Sona, has finally brought long-awaited recognition and a new chapter in her musical journey.
Lee Sona’s triumph stands as a testament to the enduring power of talent, resilience, and the support of loved ones, offering hope and inspiration to countless aspiring artists watching from home.