MBN's popular singing competition '현역가왕2' (Current King of Singers 2) concluded on the evening of October 25 with 박서진 (Park Seo-jin) being crowned the second champion of the series. The finale, which was uniquely broadcast for 200 minutes, achieved remarkable viewership, garnering peak ratings of 15.1% and 13.9% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea.
'현역가왕2' showcased intense competition among the top ten finalists, including notable talents such as 진해성 (Jin Hae-seong), 김수찬 (Kim Soo-chan), and 신유 (Shin Yu). The episode not only marked the end of the season but also solidified its standing as the number one variety program during its broadcast period, succeeding for twelve consecutive weeks. During this epic showdown, contestants shared emotional performances reflecting their personal stories, leading to powerful connections with viewers.
박서진's path to victory was highlighted by his electrifying performance of '흥타령' (Heung-taryeong), during which he demonstrated his superb vocal skills and rhythmic 장구 (traditional Korean drum) playing. He earned high scores from the judges, with his finale performance receiving between 80 and 98 points, accumulating a total score of 4,574. 박서진 expressed his gratitude post-victory, saying, “I didn’t think I would win and didn’t prepare my acceptance speech. I’m truly thankful to the fans who supported me. I wish my brothers watching from above could see this moment.”
Following closely was 진해성, who remembered his late grandmother during the competition, stating, “Though my grandmother couldn’t see this final stage, I know she is proud of the results I achieved.” His heartfelt tribute and memories added emotional depth to the finale and captivated audiences.
The competitive format of the show involved accumulating points from various voting methods, including real-time SMS voting, which constituted 40% of the total score. This innovative approach engaged viewers directly, evidenced by the astounding 2,434,804 votes cast during the live broadcast. This record-breaking participation emphasized how embedded '현역가왕2' has become within the fabric of Korean popular culture.
박서진's victory earns him not only the prestigious title of '현역가왕' but also substantial rewards, including 100 million won and opportunities for domestic and international tours. The top seven performers from the show, including 진해성 and 에녹, will participate in the upcoming '한일가왕전' (Korean-Japanese King of Singers), set to take place as part of the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan.
Throughout its run, '현역가왕2' effectively combined established and rising talents, showcasing the diversity within the 트롯 (trot) genre, which continues to evolve and appeal to wider audiences. Notably, the finale also emphasized the show's integrity and depth, presenting traditional Korean music infused with personal narratives. The production team's commitment to showcasing heartfelt moments between contestants and their families added layers of emotional engagement for viewers.
One of the standout features of the finale was the heartfelt interactions among family members who came to support their performers. For 박서진, reminiscing about past difficulties intertwined the personal and competitive aspects of the show, making his victory resonate even more with fans.
Looking to the future, 박서진 indicated his determination to continue his career with even greater dedication: “I’ll work harder to show my appreciation for everyone who has believed in me.” The team behind '현역가왕2' has promised to continue engaging viewers, indicating plans for the gala show featuring the top seven and future concert series.
MBN has effectively elevated the trot genre through this show, and with the regional competition approaching, excitement among fans is expected to escalate. With the public thoroughly invested, '현역가왕2' has solidified its legacy as not just entertainment but as part of the larger cultural movement within South Korea. The monumental finale marks the beginning of new journeys for its contestants as they navigate the vibrant entertainment industry, emboldened by their experiences on stage.