Kim Yong-bin has emerged victorious as the winner of 'Mister Trot 3,' clinching the top spot during the finale broadcast on March 13, 2025, by TV Chosun. After four months of intense competition, the final rankings were announced, showcasing the results of combined scoring systems from judges and audience votes.
The highly anticipated event concluded with Kim Yong-bin securing first place, followed closely by Son Bin-ah, who took second, and Chun Rok-dam, who finished third. The evaluation method consisted of 3,000 points total: 1,500 from master scores, 300 from public support votes, and 1,200 from real-time text message voting. Kim scored well throughout the competition, achieving 2,990 total points, including 1,490 points from the masters, 300 points from public votes, and 1,200 from text votes.
Throughout the season, fans watched Kim and his fellow contestants grow through artistic challenges and heartfelt performances. The public votes proved favorable for him, especially during the finals. Kim's emotional performance struck a chord; he passionately expressed his gratitude toward the public, agency, and particularly his late grandmother, stating, "If my grandmother could see this, she would be so happy. This is the first time I've achieved first place after more than 20 years of singing. I sincerely thank everyone and will work hard moving forward. "
Overall, the rankings for the evening presented Kim Yong-bin at the top, followed by Son Bin-ah with 2,727.96 points, and Chun Rok-dam with 2,456.76 points. Son, coming from the runner-up position, shared her joy and excitement, saying, "I’ve never felt this much love from so many people. This position is unfamiliar, but thanks to everyone’s support, I could sing beautifully. I want to dedicate this moment to my family and especially my grandmother, who has always been there for me." Chun Rok-dam, who came third, remarked, "I've been singing for 24 years, and I’ve won my first award today. I want to thank Lee Jeong for bringing my name to this level. I’ve struggled, and it means so much. I appreciate my family, especially my wife who’s always supported me."
The finale broadcast preceded the live decision-making format recently unveiled by the show's producers, who disclosed the fair assessment methodology the day before the grand event, fueling viewer anticipation. The scores would be decided not only by professional judges but also through audience participation via public votes, which accounted for half of the total ranking, igniting conversations around fairness and viewer engagement.
Discrepancies surrounding the scoring system, particularly during the concluding weeks, stirred discussions among fans. The production team expressed confidence over their assessment format, stating, "The standings can shift dramatically, with mere points differentiators when public votes come together. The ultimate ranking will rely heavily on real-time text votes during our live broadcast."
Special recognition was awarded during the evening, highlighting Kim's achievements with substantial prizes, including 300 million won, a premium car, and travel vouchers worth 20 million won. This impressive reward package also includes the winning song from Youngtak Master, showing the gravity and prestige involved with winning the title of 'Mister Trot.'
Kim Yong-bin’s rise as the third winner of the renowned singing competition reinforces the show's impact on K-Trot, captivating audiences both domestically and abroad. The event, watched by millions across the nation, featured guest appearances, including renowned Japanese singer Takashi Yokoo. The international figure joined the panel as one of the judges, lending additional prestige to the event.
A unique 'Korean Star award' was also instituted, which granted one contestant the chance to participate on the 'Mister Trot Re-Challenge' stage. Choi Jae-myung received this honor, showcasing the show's intent not only to crown top talent but also to expand K-Trot’s global outreach. The collaboration had viewers guessing which contestant might take their skills to new heights internationally.
The finale celebrated not just the contestants’ musical journeys, but also emotional moments, showcasing the personal stories behind each participant, captivating audiences who felt connected to their narratives. Each of the top seven contestants, Son Bin-ah, Kim Yong-bin, Choi Jae-myung, Chun Rok-dam, Nam Seung-min, Choo Hyuk-jin, and Choo Gil, revealed the life-changing significance of their participation, confirming the show's deep engagements with its contestants and viewers alike.
With Kim Yong-bin now etched as the winner of this season's 'Mister Trot 3', anticipation looms for the next competition as fans eagerly await to witness more budding stars evolve within the vibrant world of K-Trot. “I can now sleep soundly knowing I’ve achieved this level of recognition,” Kim shared gleefully as he reflects on his historic victory. The drama, the stakes, the emotions—'Mister Trot 3' lived up to every bit of its hype, providing entertainment and inspiration intertwined with heartfelt sentiments.