Shin Dong-yup Faces 'Witch Judges' with 400 Years of Experience on 'Trot National Athletes 3'

Veteran MC Shin Dong-yup is set to break a sweat on the upcoming MBN survival show 'Trot National Athletes 3' (working title), which premieres on the 23rd. The show features top singers from various genres vying for a spot on the national team.

Following the immense success of its previous seasons, which dominated Tuesday variety show ratings and garnered over 200 million views, 'Trot National Athletes 3' is undergoing a significant transformation. The most anticipated change is the introduction of the 'Witch Hunt' preliminary round, replacing the self-evaluation segment.

This new preliminary round will feature a 'Witch Judging Panel' composed of 10 legendary active singers. Their combined years of experience in the industry reach a staggering 400 years, creating an intense and formidable atmosphere. The panel includes veterans ranging from 59 years of experience to those with 33 years, promising a fierce competition.

The mere appearance of the 'Witch Judging Panel' sent shockwaves through the studio, leaving both contestants and fellow masters stunned. Contestants were heard exclaiming, "Are they wax figures? My legs are trembling!" even Shin Dong-yup, known for his wit, was momentarily frozen after being told, "Start quickly while I'm in a good mood." The typically sharp critic, Master Yoon Myung-sun, admitted, "This is intense," displaying unusual tension.

Shin Dong-yup's unusual plea to the contestants, "Let's promise not to cry no matter what," highlights the formidable nature of the judges and the high stakes of the preliminary round. The production team explained, "To select the true national TOP7, we introduced this panel to provide candid and objective evaluations from seasoned industry seniors, moving beyond conventional judging." They expressed confidence in an unpredictable and exciting preliminary round.

Netizens are buzzing about Shin Dong-yup's apparent nervousness around the 'Witch Judges,' commenting, 'I'm excited to see judges who can make MC Shin Dong-yup nervous,' 'This season looks like it will be legendary,' and 'I'm curious to see who will capture the hearts of the Witch Judges.'