Musical actor Kim Ho Young and singer Choi Yu Jung will join TV CHOSUN’s “Mr. Trot 4” as masters, Xports News reported on October 28, rounding out a broader judging panel ahead of the audition show’s December premiere.
The report, by journalist Myung Hee Sook, said the newcomers join a lineup already including trot star Jang Yoon Jung and composer Jo Young Soo, returning after five years, along with stars from earlier seasons. With Kim and Choi on board, the panel is now more diverse, the report said.
“Mr. Trot 4” is scheduled to air in December on TV CHOSUN. The show is an audition program searching for a new star to lead South Korea’s trot boom, and the franchise has previously produced major names including Lim Young Woong, Young Tak, Lee Chan Won, Ahn Sung Hoon, Park Ji Hyun, Kim Yong Bin, and Son Bin Ah.
Kim brings a stage-first perspective to the panel. According to the report, he is known for solid musical-stage skills and distinctive energy, plus broad expressive range across different productions. On variety shows, he has also stood out for outspoken talk and cheerful reactions.
The report noted particular interest in how Kim will judge contestants: in a contest where stage presence is central, what weight will he give to vocal ability, stage command, and star quality, rather than singing technique alone?
Choi arrives with the contestant’s side of the audition experience. Selected as an I.O.I member through Mnet’s “Produce 101”, she later continued with Weki Meki and solo activities. That path, from audition hopeful to debut, gives her a close-up view of contestants’ nerves, effort, and potential for growth.
Her background spans singing and dance. The report said attention will focus on how she assesses stage composition, expression, and each contestant’s ability to highlight their own charm.
No official statement from Kim or Choi was included in the report, and no direct quotes from the newcomers were published. The announcement sets up a clear contrast: Kim judging from musical theatre and variety, Choi from inside the idol audition system, alongside veteran trot figures and returning franchise stars.
The fourth season is set to premiere in December, when the expanded panel will begin evaluating a new generation of trot hopefuls.
