The Nov. 18 episode of SBS' "The Ballad of Us" staged its semifinal Top 6 showdown.
On the night, Cheon won over the show's Top 100 panel with a heartfelt take on Kim Kwang-seok's "To You," making the classic entirely his own.
Jung broke down as the performance washed over him. Serving as a special representative of the Top 100, Yoon Sang recalled memories with the song’s composer Kim Hyung-seok and thanked Cheon, saying, "You wrapped my memories in something beautiful."
Yoon Sang added, "Kim Kwang-seok's version is stunning, but it feels like this song just found a new owner."
Danny Koo raved, "It felt like watching a young Billy Joel―there’s a prodigy energy about you."
Amid the praise, Jung explained why he cried. "Lately, making music has felt so hard," he admitted. "But during your set, the stage turned into a musical. You delivered lyrics that could feel unfamiliar with such a fresh voice. A performance like this gives strength to musicians who are struggling. Music isn’t easy, but moments like this keep us going. And I believe Beom-seok will continue to do great work."
Host Park Kyung-lim summed it up: "Ballads really do comfort and cheer you on."
Cheon finished first with 135 votes, boosting his prospects for the next round.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Hyo-jung)