Mr Korea Gets Home Win at Talent Show in Gyeongju
By J.R. Breen
Contributing Writer
GYEONGJU ― Thursday evening's talent show saw Mr Korea, Yoo Ji-kwang, take the win, wooing the judges with a version of Quincy Jones' “Just One,” but there was an unexpected twist.
It was announced, after the votes were counted, that the winner of the talent show would be getting a fast track into the semi-final.
``I'm so happy, I think it is all thanks to my friends they cheered me on,” Yoo said. “I slightly expected it, after seeing the reaction of the crowd after singing.”
The show is one of many challenges, including a paint-ball match on Wednesday, that determine the winner of Mr World 2010, which will be announced in a televised finale on March 27.
So far Yoo is the only contestant to have received a fast-track pass to the semi-final, which, being held on the same day as the final, means that he is exempt from what will be the first round of eliminations to take place.
Other fast-tracks will be awarded through the days leading up to the semi-final, said a Mr World spokesman - he was not able to reveal details about them, however.
The talent show saw 20 acts, including performances from Venezuela, Nigeria, England and Hong Kong.
Mr Venezuela, Jose Manuel Flores Sanchez, attempted to fool the crowd with an illusion where he appeared to be manipulating a piece of tissue paper without touching it, making it “float” in the air. The trick was apparently taught to him by his father who used it to propose to his mother.
Kenneth Okolie of Nigeria, half naked, acted out a self-written monologue “about a farmer's life and a farmer's wife.”
Singing “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King, Mr England, Andreas Kattou, involved the crowd who provided background music, and Wesley Lee of Hong Kong danced a tribute to the late Michael Jackson.
After all the acts had finished, the judges ― who included 2009 Miss Korea Kim Joo-ri and 209 Miss World Kaiane Aldorino ― had their scores tallied up.
The top six were announced Korea, Kenya, South Africa, Russia, Belgium and Venezuela. Third place was taken by Russia, second by Belgium.
``I feel good, I got in the top three, it is what I wanted,” Willem Vermuyten of Belgium, who played the piano for his act, said. “I wanted to win but if there is anyone I want to lose to it is Korea (Yoo Ji-Kwang).”
For Russia, who performed a karate sequence, it did not dent his confidence. “I feel great,” he said. “The other two were talented, but for dancing I am the best.”
The night ended with performances from a taekwondo demonstration group and a ``hanbok'' (traditional Korean dress) fashion show featuring Miss Korea 2008 and previous runners-up.