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| Jeon Yujin, Rin, Park Seojin, Yudai / Photo: Crea Studio |
[Sports Today reporter Jeong Ye-won] The four performers who took top honors at the 2024–2025 Korea–Japan King of Singers — Jeon Yujin, Rin, Park Seojin and Yudai — will return as special judges for MBN’s 2026 Korea–Japan King of Singers.
MBN’s 2026 Korea–Japan King of Singers, which premieres on the 14th, pits Crea Studio’s Active Kings – Gahee (Japan edition) TOP7 against South Korea’s Active Kings 3 TOP7. Representing their countries, the two lineups will compete for national pride in what’s billed as the only Korea–Japan national music showdown. As the third major clash between current titleholders from both nations, this edition is being watched as a vehicle for cultural exchange and a potential springboard for new global stars.
Jeon Yujin, Rin, Park Seojin and Yudai will first meet as special judges during the show’s closed-door preliminary judging — the first in-person encounter between the Korea and Japan TOP7. All four are veterans of the high-stakes Korea–Japan competition, so audiences are expecting candid, deeply relatable assessments from their perspective.
Park Seojin and Yudai, both born in 1995, forged a cross-border friendship during the 2025 edition, and their chemistry is intact at this reunion. Yudai greeted Park with a bright, “Seojin, my friend,” and Park replied warmly, “You look slimmer and your skin looks better since I last saw you.” The mood turned playful when Park teased, “Remember last year? I won then,” and Yudai shot back, “Oh—you actually said that,” triggering spirited back-and-forth banter.
Jeon Yujin surprised fans with her first-ever dyed hair since debut, presenting a more mature look. When Yudai smiled at her, Jeon asked, “Why are you laughing?” He answered with a swoon-worthy line: “You’re always cute.” Yudai’s improved Korean and knack for charming remarks have raised expectations for his lively participation.
Meanwhile, Jeon, Rin and Park admitted they could hardly believe it’s already season three, expressing curiosity over song choices and matchup formats. Rumors that one member of Japan’s TOP7 kept Yudai smiling throughout the contest have only added to the intrigue.
MBN’s 2026 Korea–Japan King of Singers premieres on the 14th.
[Sports Today reporter Jeong Ye-won ent@stoo.com]
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