Japan’s team has finally avenged their past losses by securing a victory over the Korean team in the ‘Korea-Japan Singer Competition’!
The 5th episode of MBN’s ‘2026 Korea-Japan Singer Competition,’ aired on May 12, recorded a national viewership rating of 4.5% and a peak of 5.3%. For the fifth consecutive week, it held the top spot among all Tuesday variety shows across terrestrial, cable, and general programming channels.
This episode featured the final showdown of the 3rd round, deciding the fate of both nations. With only the celebrity judges’ scores (120 points) revealed, Korea was leading 4-3. All eyes were on the remaining battles and the yet-to-be-disclosed national judges’ scores (240 points).
First up was a high-stakes ‘revenge match’ between the youngest geniuses, Lee Su-yeon and Arakawa Karen. Lee Su-yeon delivered a delicate performance of ‘Byeol-a Byeol-a,’ while Arakawa Karen showed her passion by singing ‘To J’ with clean vocals and Korean lyrics. In an unpredictable turn, both received 60 points, resulting in a draw.
Then came the ultimate clash between the kings and queens: Korea’s Top 3 singer Hong Ji-yoon and Japan’s Top 3 singer Bon Inoue. Hong Ji-yoon showed incredible dedication by recruiting a traditional Japanese shamisen player for her performance of the Enka classic ‘Bokyo Shoka,’ showcasing her impressive Japanese skills and expression. Bon Inoue took on MAMAMOO’s ‘Decalcomanie,’ delivering a powerhouse performance of singing, rapping, and dancing. While Shin Dong-yup praised the song choice for showing respect to the opposing country, Bon Inoue shed tears, feeling her performance wasn’t perfect. Ultimately, Hong Ji-yoon won the celebrity judges’ vote.
Next was the duet battle. Korea’s Gu Su-gyeong and Lee Su-yeon showcased amazing chemistry despite their age difference, belting out ‘Azalea.’ Japan’s Azuma Aki and Arakawa Karen followed with ‘Kabutomushi,’ delivering a solid harmony that secured a surprising victory over the Korean team.
A ‘visual battle’ took place between Korea’s Kang Hye-yeon and Japan’s Nagai Manami. Kang Hye-yeon confidently declared herself the visual center of the competition, which led to laughter when Yudai cheered her on, saying, “You’re so pretty!” Kang performed ‘DDD’ like a musical piece, while Nagai Manami showcased a different side of herself with ‘Touch.’ Nagai Manami won, marking her first-ever victory in the ‘Korea-Japan Singer Competition.’
Following draws in the 1st and 2nd rounds, the celebrity judges’ scores for the 3rd round also ended in a 5-5 tie. The final results were then determined by adding the 240 points from the national judges. While it looked like Korea might secure a third consecutive win, a twist occurred when Lee Su-yeon lost to Arakawa Karen based on the national vote.
With Korea leading 4-3, the results of four special battles (Mystery, Duet, Trio, and King/Queen) were revealed all at once. In a shocking reversal, Hong Ji-yoon’s celebrity judge win was overturned by the national vote, allowing Japan to sweep the remaining matches. In the end, Japan claimed the final victory with a score of 7-4.
The ‘2026 Korea-Japan Singer Competition’ concluded with an awards ceremony. The ‘Rising Star Award,’ given to singers with immense potential, went to Solji and Arakawa Karen. The ‘Korea-Japan Bridge Award,’ honoring those who acted as cultural ambassadors, was awarded to Hong Ji-yoon and Azuma Aki. The highlight of the night, the MVP award, went to Japan’s king Bon Inoue, who promised to continue working hard as an artist.
Meanwhile, the ‘2026 Korea-Japan Singer Competition Gala Show,’ featuring the Top 7 from both Korea and Japan, will air on May 19.
