On March 13, 2025, the final episode of TV Chosun's 'Mister Trot 3' showcased one of the most emotionally powerful performances, courtesy of Cheon Rok-dam. The show revolved around the 'Life Song Mission' where contestants were to sing their most meaningful songs, and for Cheon Rok-dam, it was Na Hoon-ah's iconic 'Gong.' This date marked not just the most pivotal moment of his career as he aimed for the top title but also coincided with the two-year anniversary of his kidney surgery, making it even more significant.
Cheon Rok-dam, who had previously sung as Lee Jung, captivated everyone with his heartfelt rendition. MC Kim Seong-joo introduced him with the poignant reminder, "Interestingly, it has been exactly two years since Cheon Rok-dam underwent kidney cancer surgery, and today, he stands here at the finals." This remark visibly affected Cheon Rok-dam, who expressed, "It’s been exactly 2 years since the surgery, and I feel like my life is divided before and after the operation."
This powerful statement set the backdrop for his performance, as Cheon Rok-dam explained how much the song meant to him: "By living as Cheon Rok-dam, I was able to revisit this song. The line 'I'll Know When I Live' made me tear up. If it weren’t for my past, the character Cheon Rok-dam would not exist." On stage, he poured out the emotions he had bottled up over the years, moving not just the judges but the audience as well.
Soi-hyeon, one of the judges, shared her emotional response, stating, "It felt like you were telling your life story during your performance. Everything you expressed was all captured through your eyes, and I was truly moved by it. Thank you for showcasing such beautiful vulnerability." The tearful reaction was echoed by Yeong-tak, another judge, who added, "It's hard for me to evaluate this; you have beautifully expressed your life through music. Thank you for enduring and overcoming your challenges so gracefully."
Park Seon-joo, another master, voiced praise for Cheon Rok-dam, saying, "I felt like I was seeing a young Na Hoon-ah. Bringing your own unique color to this performance makes you not just the next rising star but perhaps the beginning of something beautiful for K-Trot."
The event also featured other contestants from the Top 7, who applauded Cheon Rok-dam's emotional comeback. His performance was not just about winning; it was about healing and recovery, both personal and inspirational to many watching. The audience witnessed Cheon Rok-dam receiving scores of 100 points as his highest and 94 points as the lowest on the master score scale, reflecting the judges' appreciation of his heartfelt delivery.
After his performance, Cheon Rok-dam expressed his immense gratitude to the participants and the production team. "I feel so relieved, and part of me remains nostalgic about how quickly this time has passed. I am overwhelmingly happy thanks to everyone here. I've truly felt the joy throughout this competition," he stated, encapsulating the depth of his experience.
The moment was intense, as Cheon Rok-dam's story of resilience struck chords with viewers and supporters alike. His memories from battling kidney cancer and his gratitude for life were expressed through every note of 'Gong.' This wasn't just another performance; it was the culmination of two years of emotional toil, rebirth, and expression of artistry.
Overall, the finale of 'Mister Trot 3' became not only about the competition but about celebrating life and transformation. Cheon Rok-dam's performance reminds us of the power of music and how it can facilitate healing and connect us with our deepest emotions. The anticipation for the final results flowed through the air as viewers held their breath, awaiting who would be crowned the ultimate winner of 'Mister Trot 3.' Would Cheon Rok-dam secure the coveted title, or would it remain elusive? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: his performance has already stolen many hearts.
Regardless of the outcome, Cheon Rok-dam's transformation from a singer just living for the moment to one filled with hope and gratitude will remain etched not just in the competition’s history but also within the hearts of all who watched. The final episode of 'Mister Trot 3' served as both motivation and inspiration, showcasing the triumph of the human spirit against adversity.