The Thrilling Finale of ‘Golden Cup’: How Kim Yong-bin Outshined Choon-gil in a Nail-Biting Showdown!

‘Gold-Hit Friday’ / Photo: TV CHOSUN

[Sports Today reporter Jeong Ye-won] Kim Yong-bin emerged as the first winner of the Golden Cup on ‘Gold-Hit Friday.’

Episode 14 of TV CHOSUN’s variety show ‘Gold-Hit Friday,’ which aired on the 27th, finally revealed the inaugural Golden Cup champion. Jin (眞) Kim Yong-bin pulled ahead of Chun-gil after a fierce contest, adding another golden trophy to his ‘Mr. Trot 3’ credentials. The episode posted a nationwide Nielsen Korea rating of 4.3%, peaking at 4.6%, and ranked first among daily general and cable programs.

Chun-gil was the first contestant to secure the seventh gold star. He selected \”Heavenly Reunion,\” a classic by Golden Star Choi Jin-hee, and dominated the stage with a powerful emotional build and commanding delivery. The atmosphere felt like a final, and the tension in the room reached a fever pitch.

Known as a strategist in the Golden Cup race, Chun-gil again targeted Chu Hyuk-jin of the Last-Place Club as his opponent. Chu delivered a haunting rendition of \”Belated Regret,\” taking the matchup head-on and drawing shouts of \”Bravo!\” from the audience. The pairing was so close that some questioned whether Chun-gil might later come to regret his choice.

The contest, however, ended with an 11-point margin—Chun-gil’s strategy paid off. He scored 97 points, secured the win, claimed the final gold star, and became the first contestant to fulfill the Golden Cup criteria, emerging as the frontrunner.

All eyes then shifted to the showdown between Chun-gil and Kim Yong-bin, who were tied for first. With the Golden Cup within reach, Kim faced Jin (眞) Jung Seo-joo. Going first, Jung delivered \”A Woman’s Heart\” with a clear, pure tone that left a deep impression; Choi Jin-hee praised her voice as being like the cool dawn air.

Kim responded with \”You Who Left,\” crafting a nuanced performance defined by precise pacing and a rich vocal depth. Choi applauded the three-dimensional quality of his singing, saying she felt as if she’d seen all of Kim Yong-bin. His fellow contestants echoed that it was the kind of set that made seven wins feel within reach. Kim edged out Jung by five points, joining Chun-gil at the seven-star mark.

After three months of tight competition, the Golden Cup race reached its conclusion. The first Golden Cup went to Kim Yong-bin, who finished with a 7–5 record. Chun-gil ended 6–6, missing the title by a single match in a contest that remained suspenseful until the final moment. Kim, who captured the ‘Mr. Trot 3’ crown a year ago, said humbly, \”I didn’t expect this,\” and added with a laugh that he’ll sleep holding the Golden Cup, drawing smiles from the room.

The episode also featured a performance of the new single \”Goodbye, Youth\” by the ‘Mr. Trot 3’ Top 7, leaving another resonant moment. Episode 15 of TV CHOSUN’s ‘Gold-Hit Friday,’ airing April 3, will be a \”Sessibong: The Final Story\” special and promises to continue delivering emotional depth.

[Sports Today reporter Jeong Ye-won ent@stoo.com]
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