'Produce 101 Season 2' alumnus Sung-ri ranked first, 2AM's Lee Chang-min ranked sixth... 'Unknown Legends' Top 7 makes a fresh start [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

'Unknown Legends' Top 7 contestants shared their final thoughts after completing the audition survival show.

'Unknown Legends' Top 7 press conference was held at Shocking K-Pop Center in Sangam, Seoul, on the morning of the 20th for the MBN audition program 'Unknown Legends: Trot Men's Hierarchy War' (hereinafter 'Unknown Legends'). The Top 7 members Sung-ri, Haru, Jang Han-byul, Hwang Yoon-sung, Jung Yeon-ho, Lee Chang-min, and Lee Rune, along with the production team, attended the event.

'Unknown Legends' is a massive trot survival show where 99 challengers risked everything to claim a single throne. Its unique feature was the 'Hierarchy Tower' system, which arranged the 99th challengers across five floors based on their level of fame. Floors 1 to 3 were for unknown artists, while floors 4 and 5 featured famous challengers who concealed their identities behind masks.

'Unknown Legends' aired from February 25 to the 13th. The winner, known as the 'First Legend' Sung-ri, received a prize of 100 million won, along with benefits including the release of a new single, a nationwide tour concert, a cruise fan meeting, a second house in Jeju Island, production of a program named after the winner, and the production of a movie starring the winner.

'Unknown Legends' featured a panel of judges led by trot legends Nam Jin, Jo Hang-jo, and Ju Hyun-mi, along with current top stars Shin Yu, original trot audition star Kang Moon-kyung, and Son Tae-jin. The judging panel also included hit composer Kim Jin-yong, actors Kim Kwang-gyu and Han Chae-young, comedians Yang Se-hyung and Hong Hyun-hee, singer Ivy, and singer Im Han-byul, representing various genres.

'Unknown Legends' producer Kim Si-jung said, "Even though the program has ended, it still feels unfinished. There was a brief fire in the underground parking lot today, and I hope it's a good omen. While the program is over, I will treat the Top 7 members like my own children. We will be doing variety shows and concerts, and a 'Unknown Legends' spin-off will launch in July. The concerts will begin on June 13, so please look forward to hearing the stories of the 'Unknown Legends' stars."

'When asked about his feelings after finishing the program, Sung-ri said, "It has been a week since the program ended, but it feels like time is passing so quickly that I can't believe it's over. I feel a mix of emotions, realizing that such a moment has come to me."

'Haru said, "I still feel like I'm competing, so it's amazing and meaningful that I've reached this stage." Jang Han-byul added, "It doesn't feel like the 'Unknown Legends' universe has truly ended. I thought I would be in Malaysia at this time, but I'm glad to be in Korea."

'Hwang Yoon-sung said, "There are days like this in life. Every day is a day to be grateful. At first, I wondered if I could even make it to the finals, but it's an honor to become part of the Top 7 alongside such wonderful seniors and juniors." Jung Yeon-ho said, "I am so grateful to have made it to the Top 7. I will show the members enjoying themselves and present my best side."

'Lee Chang-min said, "I had only encountered trot through composition, so this was my first formal competition on stage. It's an honor to make it to the Top 7. There will be many more stages to come, and I will do my best." Lee Rune said, "I have dreamed of becoming a trot singer since elementary school, and it's an honor to officially debut through the 'Unknown Legends' program. I will share many more great songs with you in the future."

'Sung-ri debuted in 2012 as a member of the group K-BOYS, starting his career as an idol. He participated in Mnet's 'Produce 101 Season 2' in 2017 and debuted as part of RAINZ in October of that year.

'When asked if he expected to win, Sung-ri said, "I never expected to win. I did want to reach the finals at least once, but I believe this glorious opportunity was created by the public and fans. I nearly faced elimination but was miraculously saved, and thanks to my past experiences, I was able to stand here. I think I let go of my worries and sang while thinking of my fans and family. The production team seemed to appreciate that performance."

'Sung-ri also revealed, "I realized I must never give up singing and must continue until I die." He added, "I debuted as an idol, and back then I thought I would succeed as a singer, but it turned out that my debut was just the beginning. As a Top 7 member, I plan to stay active without rest. I also hope to produce hit songs."

'When asked how he plans to spend the 100th million won prize money, Sung-ri said, "This is the most common question I get, and I've thought about it a lot. Even before coming to this show, I valued my family's comfort. I want to spend it on my mother and my dog, Tori. I'd like to take a family trip, enjoy delicious food, and spend good times together."

'When asked about the movie production benefit and which film he would like to appear in, Sung-ri said, "I was curious about what genre of film would be made, but I recently heard it would be a documentary featuring my life story. Personally, I would like to try a noir film without a stunt double."

'Haru said, "This was my first time auditioning through 'Unknown Legends,' and I didn't expect to reach the finals. I also didn't expect to finish second, but I am satisfied with the result." When asked about his charm that helped him reach the Top 7, he replied, "I think they liked my freshness and the sincerity of my live performances on every stage." Jang Han-byul said, "I cried the most among all contestants. I transitioned from other genres to trot, and many people appreciated me for my unique style."

'Hwang Yoon-sung spoke about the support he received from his close friend Lee Chan-won: "I have performed on stage several times, but every time I competed, Chan-won would worry as if it were his own matter, asking, 'Did you do well?'" He continued, "When he saw that I received a grateful result this time, Lee Chan-won was genuinely happy." When asked why he made it to the Top 7, Hwang Yoon-sung said, "I think they liked the fact that I looked cute on screen when I smiled."

'When asked if Lee Chang-min felt any burden in appearing on 'Unknown Legends' despite already being a famous singer, he said, "Among those around me, opinions on my challenge were split evenly between support and opposition. I was also asked many times what I wanted to show through this challenge." He added, "Last year, my songs didn't go as well as I wanted. I even took vocal lessons for a while, and I decided to join 'Unknown Legends' because I wanted to achieve different results. Now that I'm sitting in the Top 7, I believe my decision was correct."

'He also said, "I performed other songs as well, but challenging trot according to the rules of 'Unknown Legends' was much more burdensome. I am very grateful that I could try other songs as well." When asked about the reason he made it to the Top 7, Lee Chang-min said, "I was born in the right era. Thanks to many seniors who challenged before me, I think trot has expanded." Lee Chang-min also expressed his determination to continue his main career as a ballad singer while participating in the Top 7 trot tour.

'The 'Unknown Legends' Top 7 members are scheduled to meet fans through a nationwide tour concert and various activities, starting with a dinner show on the 20th.

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*This content was translated by AI.