“Trot Barbie” Hong Ji Yoon is making waves on MBN’s variety competition King of Singers 3, showcasing her unrivaled presence and intensifying the race for the crown. She maintained her position at the top in the fifth week of the nationwide support vote, marking her third consecutive week at No.1 and proving her unwavering popularity as a leading contender for the final victory.

In the first round of the third main competition, which aired on February 3, Hong Ji Yoon teamed up with musical actress Cha Ji Yeon to perform Jung Su Ra’s Have You Ever Seen My Love?. Ahead of the stage, Hong Ji Yoon shared her determination, saying she was a longtime fan of Cha Ji Yeon but would become a “fearless puppy” just for that day. On stage, she delivered a deeply emotional performance, highlighting delicate vocal control and clear, soaring high notes that amplified the song’s poignant sentiment. Cha Ji Yeon’s powerful voice and stable harmonies further elevated the performance’s overall polish.

Original singer Jung Su Ra also praised the duet, commenting, “It’s a technically demanding song, and it exceeded my expectations. Their fresh interpretation made the song feel richer and completely renewed.” Hong Ji Yoon responded with gratitude, saying it was an honor to share the stage and vowing to give her all in the next round.

The combined results of the fifth week of nationwide voting placed Hong Ji Yoon firmly in first place, followed by Kang Hye Yeon, Lee Soo Yeon, Geum Jandi, and Bin Ye Seo. Her momentum has been steadily building, especially after she previously shone as the ace of the “Nurungji Caramel” team in the second main competition, where she led her team to first place and claimed the individual MVP title.

With the third main competition set to escalate through one-on-one death matches and the high-stakes “Fate Battle,” anticipation continues to rise. As Hong Ji Yoon demonstrates both commanding stage presence and rock-solid public support, attention is focused on whether she will ultimately lift the trophy. MBN’s King of Singers 3 airs every Tuesday at 9:50 p.m.

Sources: Daum