The final battle of TV Chosun's popular talent show, Mister Trot 3, delivered unforgettable performances on March 13, 2025. The event, broadcast live at 9:30 PM, showcased the TOP7 contestants, including Son Bin-ah, Choi Jae-myung, Kim Yong-bin, Cheon Rok-dam, Nam Seung-min, Choo Hyuk-jin, and Choo Gil, each performing songs of significant meaning to them.
During the finale, Son Bin-ah took the stage last, delivering a heartfelt rendition of Park Woo-cheol's "Yeonmo". This performance moved many audience members, including his father, who was seen shedding tears as he witnessed his son's emotional tribute on stage. After the performance concluded, Son Bin-ah expressed his gratitude to his father, stating, "Father, thank you for raising four children beautifully and allowing me to pursue singing with love from so many people." He bowed deeply, showing appreciation and emotion.
Choi Jae-myung also left the audience captivated with his performance, which brought tears to his eyes as he reflected on his first audition and connections made there. This emotional display surprised the judges, who expressed their admiration for his candid vulnerability on stage.
One of the evening’s highlights came from Kim Yong-bin, who performed Na Hoon-ah's "Gratitude". He shared with the audience, "My grandmother's last wish was for me to participate in Mister Trot. I didn't realize its importance until she passed away." His emotional performance, which reminded him of his beloved grandmother, strongly affected both the audience and the judges.
Meanwhile, the finale also created historical moments as Kim Yong-bin astonishingly secured full marks, receiving 100 points from all judges—a rare culmination of talent and emotional resonance. One judge remarked, "It’s remarkable and extraordinary," highlighting the unique nature of this achievement.
Throughout the competition, tensions heightened as the final voting was underway. MC Kim Seong-ju interrupted the proceedings for discussions with producers due to unexpected circumstances. Afterward, he revealed, "An unprecedented situation has occurred, which has not happened before this season," creating an atmosphere of suspense among contestants and viewers alike.
Adding to the show’s intensity, Takashi Yoko, the master from Mister Trot Japan, served as a special judge for the finale. Takashi expressed her admiration for the contestants, stating, "Although I only speak Japanese, I felt the deep meaning conveyed through the lyrics of their songs." She announced she would grant one contestant the chance to perform on the Mister Trot Japan stage, regardless of the final rankings, amplifying the stakes for the TOP7.
The real-time text voting was decisive during this live broadcast, starting as viewers sent messages to support their favorites. Votes could be submitted by texting the contestant’s number or name to #4560, allowing audiences to play a key role in determining the ultimate champion.
Aside from the stellar performances, the broadcast also revealed personal stories behind each contestant. Cheon Rok-dam recalled undergoing kidney cancer surgery two years prior, stating, "My life is split before and after my surgery. I’ve been grateful to live this life." His heartfelt sentiments deepened the emotional connections forged through music.
Each contestant, from Nam Seung-min expressing gratitude to his ever-supportive parents to Choo Gil honoring his late father by dedicators his appearance to him, showcased the various journeys leading to this moment.
The competition was fierce, with the producers reporting the results had been very close, with only slight margins determining the leaders among contestants. Despite previous concerns about the show’s viewership, this finale was expected to reclaim audience attention, with the first episode garnering 12.9% and the 11th episode reaching 16.1% viewership.
Meanwhile, the finale was set to stream not only on television but also through exclusive theater broadcasts at Lotte Cinema, allowing fans to experience the thrilling conclusion on the big screen alongside surprise guests such as Park Ji-hoo and Nam Gung-min, enhancing the overall fan experience.
Each contestant's story, fueled by their passions and backgrounds, interlaced throughout the evening created not only entertainment but also emotional depth, placing Mister Trot 3 firmly back at the forefront of national conversation. With personal narratives tied to their performances, audience members felt the catharsis of raw expressions echoing through their realities. Viewers, eagerly awaiting the crowning of the new champion, sensed the impending climax of this 13-week long competition would launch yet another star within the Korean Trot phenomenon.