On the evening of February 17, 2026, living rooms across South Korea buzzed with excitement as the much-anticipated '2026 복 터지는 트롯대잔치' aired on KBS2. This special Lunar New Year broadcast brought together the nation’s top trot singers for a musical spectacle that promised—and delivered—joy, nostalgia, and a few surprises along the way.
The event, which began at 7:40 PM, was more than just another music show. According to BNT News, the festival assembled a star-studded lineup that included legends like Kim Yeon-ja and Song Ga-in, alongside fan favorites such as Park Hyun-bin, Shin Yu, Kim Yong-bin, Park Seo-jin, Park Ji-hyun, Ahn Sung-hoon, Na Tae-joo, and Kim Hee-jae. The producers described it as an “unprecedented lineup,” and viewers were treated to a night where veterans and rising stars shared the stage in dazzling collaborative performances.
Guiding the evening was Lee Chan-won, who took on the role of sole MC. As reported by TopStarNews, Lee’s “excellent hosting skills, wit, and ability to engage both performers and the audience” were on full display. He kicked off the festivities with a heartfelt rendition of '그댈 만나러 갑니다,' using his trademark charm to set the tone. The audience responded enthusiastically, waving light sticks as Lee greeted viewers with traditional New Year’s wishes and introduced the evening’s concept: a show brimming with “blessings” for all.
“This year’s '트롯대잔치' is specially titled '복터지는 트롯대잔치',” Lee Chan-won told the crowd, “and we’ve prepared a stage overflowing with blessings for everyone here and watching at home.” His words, echoed by TopStarNews, captured the spirit of the holiday and the show’s mission to unite families through music.
And unite they did. The program’s unique structure revolved around the opening of three mysterious 'lucky pouches,' each unveiling a new round of performances. As each pouch opened, the stage transformed, offering up group numbers and special collaborations that kept viewers guessing what might come next. When Lee introduced the first round of artists—including Shin Yu, Song Ga-in, Park Seo-jin, Kim Yong-bin, Park Hye-shin, and Kim Hee-jin—they joined him for a stirring version of '동백 아가씨,' a classic that had the whole audience singing along.
The collaborative spirit didn’t stop there. According to BNT News, one of the night’s highlights was a never-before-seen duet between Park Seo-jin and Park Ji-hyun. The chemistry between the two was palpable, and their performance was just one of several unique pairings designed to showcase the genre’s versatility and cross-generational appeal. Other standout moments included multi-singer group stages and a lively performance of '샤방샤방' featuring Ahn Sung-hoon, Na Tae-joo, Kim Hee-jae, and Park Ji-hyun alongside original artist Park Hyun-bin.
Yet, perhaps the most anticipated moment came when Park Ji-hyun took the stage solo to debut her brand-new song '애간장.' Dressed in a sharp black suit, Park Ji-hyun began with the poignant lyric, “날 사랑한다고 말해요,” immediately capturing the audience’s attention. The song, which she described as a plea for love so desperate that she would accept any punishment—even death—was performed live for the first time, making the occasion extra special.
“You don’t know this song, do you? This is my new single, which will be released on February 23,” Park Ji-hyun announced to the crowd, as reported by Sports Hankook. “Please give it lots of love.” Her emotional delivery and heartfelt lyrics resonated with viewers, many of whom took to social media to express their excitement for the upcoming release. Park’s performance was a testament to her growing status as one of the genre’s rising stars, and the exclusive premiere only added to the evening’s sense of occasion.
Not content with just one show-stopping number, Park Ji-hyun later returned to the stage with a cover of Na Hoon-a’s '팔자,' ramping up the energy and encouraging more audience participation. She playfully commented that the crowd’s cheers were “still a bit lacking” as the lucky pouches were opened, prompting even louder applause and laughter from those in attendance.
Throughout the night, Lee Chan-won continued to impress as MC, seamlessly transitioning between performances and keeping spirits high. His engaging presence was frequently noted by both TopStarNews and Sports Hankook, who praised his ability to “elevate the festive atmosphere” and connect with both the performers on stage and the viewers at home. When the second half of the show rolled around, Lee took the spotlight once more, delivering a powerful rendition of Na Hoon-a’s '어매,' which left many in the audience visibly moved.
The show’s producers, as quoted by BNT News, emphasized their goal of creating “the best musical experience for the whole family during the holiday.” Judging by the reactions—both in the venue and online—they succeeded. The carefully curated blend of nostalgia, new music, and interactive elements (like the opening of the lucky pouches) ensured that there was something for everyone, from lifelong trot fans to newcomers discovering the genre for the first time.
As the evening drew to a close, the sense of community that the show fostered lingered. From the collaborative group numbers to the solo debuts, '2026 복 터지는 트롯대잔치' proved that trot remains a vital, evolving part of Korean culture. It was a night of blessings—musical and otherwise—shared among families, friends, and strangers alike, all brought together by the power of song.
For Park Ji-hyun, Lee Chan-won, and the rest of the performers, the event was more than a concert; it was a celebration of tradition, resilience, and the enduring magic of music to unite hearts, especially during the most cherished times of the year.