On the evening of February 17, 2026, South Korean television audiences were treated to a dazzling celebration of music, tradition, and new beginnings as KBS2 aired its highly anticipated Lunar New Year special, "2026 Bok Teojineun Trot Daejanchi" (Trot Festival). The program, designed as a one-night-only event, brought together the nation’s top trot singers for a vibrant, interactive spectacle that blended nostalgia with fresh talent and innovation.
At the heart of this year’s festival was the much-anticipated debut of Park Ji-hyun’s new song, "Aeganjang." The performance marked the first time the song was revealed to the public, and it quickly became the talk of the evening. According to TVDaily, Park Ji-hyun took to the stage in a striking black suit, captivating the audience with her emotional delivery and the song’s poignant lyrics: "Say you love me / It hurts like my chest will burst / How much will you burn me inside / I might really die like this." The lyrics, which speak of desperate, all-consuming love, left a lasting impression on viewers and underscored Park’s reputation for powerful vocal performances.
Park Ji-hyun’s appearance was more than just a musical highlight—it was also a strategic preview. As reported by Sports Hankook, she revealed to the audience, "This is my new song that will be released soon. Please give a lot of love to my new song 'Aeganjang,' which will be released on February 23." The song is a track from her upcoming first full-length album, "MASTER VOICE," slated for release at 6 PM on February 23, 2026, across various music platforms. The album, as detailed by Newsen, features ten tracks, including the title song "Mu," "Opening," "Prayer," "Beautiful Life Story," "Dancing In Love," "Goodbye is a Sad Word," "Aeganjang," "Manmul Truck," "Invitation," and an instrumental version of "Mu."
The festival itself was a meticulously crafted event, aiming to foster a sense of community and celebration during the Lunar New Year. As BNT News highlighted, the show’s concept revolved around the symbolic opening of three mysterious lucky pouches, each unveiling a series of special performances and collaborations. This interactive format encouraged audience participation—both in the studio and at home—making the viewers’ cheers and responses an integral part of the unfolding festivities. The lucky pouches, as they opened one by one, revealed a succession of star-studded stages, each designed to feel like a gift to the audience.
Lee Chan-won, a beloved figure in the trot scene, served as the show’s sole MC, steering the program with his signature wit and steady hand. Sports Chosun noted that Lee’s hosting was marked by "witty and stable" delivery, which helped sustain the lively, familial atmosphere throughout the night. He opened the show with a heartfelt performance of "Geudael Mannareo Gamnida," setting an emotional tone that resonated with both the live audience and viewers at home. As TopStarNews reported, Lee explained, "This year, the title of 'Trot Daejanchi' is specially named 'Bok Teojineun Trot Daejanchi.' Today, we have prepared a stage where luck will burst forth for everyone present and for those watching at home."
The lineup for the evening was nothing short of spectacular. The festival gathered 15 of the country’s most celebrated trot singers, including legends like Kim Yeon-ja, Song Ga-in, Park Hyun-bin, and Shin Yu, as well as rising stars such as Kim Yong-bin, Park Seo-jin, Park Ji-hyun, Ahn Sung-hoon, Na Tae-joo, and Kim Hee-jae. The event also featured collaborative performances, with BNT News pointing out the excitement surrounding Park Seo-jin and Park Ji-hyun’s first-ever joint stage. These collaborations, blending senior and junior artists, showcased the genre’s enduring appeal and adaptability.
Throughout the night, the festival maintained its interactive spirit. Park Ji-hyun, after her performance, joked with the crowd, "Isn’t this song unfamiliar? This is my new song that will be released soon," before encouraging the audience to show even more enthusiasm to unlock the next lucky pouch. She then performed Na Hoon-a’s "Palja," further energizing the room and demonstrating her versatility as an artist, as reported by Sports Hankook.
The show’s producers, according to BNT News, emphasized their goal of creating a program that families could enjoy together, promising "the greatest musical emotion of the holiday season." The format—where the audience’s cheers literally helped "unlock" new stages—made for a dynamic, participatory experience that reflected the communal spirit of the Lunar New Year.
Lee Chan-won’s dual role as performer and MC was also a focal point. After his opening song, he introduced the roster of artists, setting the stage for a series of group performances. Notably, Shin Yu, Song Ga-in, Park Seo-jin, Kim Yong-bin, Park Hye-shin, and Kim Hee-jin joined together for a rousing rendition of "Dongbaek Agassi," while other artists like Hwang Min-woo and Hwang Min-ho delivered energetic group numbers. Lee later returned to the stage with a moving performance of Na Hoon-a’s "Eomae," demonstrating his own vocal prowess and deepening the emotional resonance of the evening, as detailed by TopStarNews.
The festival’s format, centered around the opening of lucky pouches and audience engagement, was a hit with viewers. The blend of tradition, star power, and interactive elements created a festive atmosphere that transcended the television screen, inviting families across the country to join in the celebration from their living rooms.
As the night drew to a close, Park Ji-hyun’s debut of "Aeganjang" stood out as a defining moment—not just for her career, but for the festival itself. With her first full album "MASTER VOICE" set for release in just a few days, anticipation is running high among fans and industry watchers alike. The success of "2026 Bok Teojineun Trot Daejanchi" reaffirmed the enduring popularity of trot music in Korea and showcased the genre’s ability to evolve while honoring its roots. For many, the festival was a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, especially during times of celebration and renewal.