Singer Seong-ri has been crowned the first-ever winner of ‘Unknown Legend’!
The MBN audition program ‘Unknown Legend – Trot Men’s Hierarchy War’ (hereafter ‘Unknown Legend’) aired its live broadcast on the 13th, featuring a final ranking battle for singers desperate to end their long years of obscurity.
In this episode, the contestants performed the ‘Life’s Masterpiece’ mission, pouring their personal struggles and life stories into their songs.
After combining viewer votes, the final rankings were: 1st Seong-ri (4,784 points), 2nd Haru (3,542.3 points), 3rd Jang Han-byeol (3,513.82 points), 4th Hwang Yun-seong (3,278.07 points), 5th Jeong Yeon-ho (3,097.80 points), 6th Lee Chang-min (2,963.56 points), 7th Irune (2,908.57 points), 8th Park Min-su (2,875.18 points), 9th Lee Dae-hwan (2,742.95 points), and 10th Kim Tae-woong (2,610.80 points).
Seong-ri, who held the top spot in the mid-rankings, maintained his lead to take the championship. Having debuted in 2012 with the five-member idol group K-Boys, he later appeared on ‘Produce 101’ Season 2 in 2017 (where he was eliminated) and was a member of the seven-member idol group Rainz. After facing numerous setbacks, this victory finally ends his 14-year journey as an unknown artist.
Sharing his thoughts on the win, Seong-ri revealed, “Since I first dreamed of becoming a singer, I faced more frustrations than I expected. While challenging myself through countless auditions, I realized how difficult it was and almost gave up my dream to learn wallpapering.” He added, “I think not giving up is what led me to this dazzling day. Thank you.”
He also showed deep affection for his mother. Seeing her unable to hold back tears in the audience, Seong-ri explained, “I intentionally didn’t look at my mother while singing my final life song. I felt like I wouldn’t be able to control my emotions.”
He continued, “I feel like I’m finally repaying her by winning ‘Unknown Legend.’ I remember so many of the hardships my mother went through, and I want to create happy days for her that she never could have dreamed of.”
The winner’s prize package is absolutely massive! It includes 100 million won in prize money, the release of a new song, a national tour concert, and a cruise fan meeting. Additionally, he will be provided with a second home in Jeju Island, a program produced in his name, and even a movie starring him as the lead.
