Singer who left girl group and finished 2nd in 'Miss Trot 4' joins variety show 'Alkong Dalkong'

Singer Heo Chan-mi, who finished second on the trot competition series "Miss Trot 4," is joining a TV Chosun variety show as a regular panelist. She will appear alongside singer Choo Hyuk-jin starting Dec. 11.

The show, "Algong Dalgong" (Algongdalgong), airs every Thursday at 7 p.m. KST on TV Chosun. It covers everyday health concerns and practical lifestyle tips in a light, easy-to-follow format aimed at a general audience.

Producers said both new panelists fit the tone of the show. "Choo Hyuk-jin is well known and well liked among middle-aged and older viewers, and his warm, easygoing image matches the program," the production team said. "Heo Chan-mi is also highly recognizable among our core viewers, and her bright, cheerful energy suits the show."

Heo debuted in 2010 as a member of the girl group F-ve Dolls before leaving the team. She restarted her solo career in 2020 with the single album "Highlight," then turned to trot through "Miss Trot 2." She has competed on four major audition programs in total, earning attention as a repeat audition contender.

The casting reflects a broader pattern in Korean broadcasting, where trot competition shows have become a steady pipeline for variety television. For artists like Heo, finishing near the top of a hit audition series often leads directly to fixed TV roles that extend their reach well beyond the music charts.