Shin Dong-yeop Returns as MC for 'National Singer 3', Hints at Major Changes: 'Everything Except the MC Has Been Changed'

Veteran MC Shin Dong-yeop, with 33 years in the industry, has shared his insights and expectations for the upcoming premiere of MBN's 'National Singer 3' in a written interview.

'National Singer 3,' set to air on the 23rd at 9:50 PM, is a survival music show where top-tier singers from various genres across Korea compete to represent the nation.

Shin Dong-yeop, who has hosted the show for seasons 1 and 2, expressed his gratitude for returning as MC. He noted, "Hosting a survival program like 'National Singer' was my first time in my over 30-year broadcasting career. Unlike scripted variety shows, the real-time progression of contestants' successes and failures requires improvisational hosting, which is quite different from other programs." He added, "The production team mentioned that for this third season, they've changed almost everything except the MC to create new tension and twists," raising anticipation.

Regarding the expanded cast of top singers from diverse genres, Shin Dong-yeop remarked, "The music has become much more diverse and richer. The joy of discovering great songs has become even more powerful." He specifically mentioned the surprise of seeing well-known artists like Cha Ji-yeon, Stephanie, Bae Da-hae, Kan Mi-yeon, and Solji participating, expressing excitement about the potential they will unleash as they venture into trot.

He also commented on the newly introduced preliminary round, 'Witch Hunt,' stating, "At first, I was surprised by the unconventional judging method, but once you understand its purpose, you realize it's the most fitting rule for the preliminary round." He expressed hope that it would be a 'green light' for the viewers.

Shin Dong-yeop also shared an anecdote about being reprimanded by the 'Witch Judges,' describing them as "characters with incredible backgrounds" who judged "as they are, raw and unfiltered." He emphasized the unique tension and anticipation generated by their involvement and the contestants' efforts.

Looking ahead to the 'Korea-Japan Singer Battle' (Han-Il Ga-wang Jeon), for which the 'National Singer 3' TOP7 will be selected, Shin Dong-yeop conveyed his hope for the emergence of a TOP7 "with even stronger musical potential in both Korea and Japan" to foster greater musical exchange.

When asked for viewing points, he highlighted the show's "unpredictable development and twists," urging viewers to tune in every Tuesday at 9:50 PM for the "emotion that 'National Singer' delivers."

The production team commented, "Shin Dong-yeop is now an indispensable and symbolic figure for 'National Singer,'" and expressed confidence in his ability to "navigate the set smoothly with his unique sense to comfort and guide contestants frozen by tension."

Korean netizens reacted enthusiastically to Shin Dong-yeop's interview, with comments like "As expected from Shin Dong-yeop! He's a reliable MC," "Hearing that everything except the MC has changed makes me even more excited," and "A new challenge! I'll be tuning in again this season."