[Japan–Korea Spotlight Again] Feature on Korean Enka Singers, Trot Singers
Trot, a genre loved in Korea just like K-pop.
Its style—shaped by the influence of Japanese enka and its own unique evolution—draws you in from the very first listen.
In recent years, audition shows have produced a remarkable number of trot stars.
In this article, we’ll introduce not only the singers who perform this kind of trot, but also many veteran masters who have long sung songs with a classic enka-like atmosphere.
Even the same singer can shift styles depending on the song, so start with a track you like and use it as a springboard to find your favorite artist!
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- [Japan–Korea Spotlight Again] Feature on Korean Enka Singers, Trot Singers
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- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
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[Japan-Korea Spotlight Again] Feature on Korean enka singers, trot singers (1–10)
leaving work on time (leaving right at the end of the scheduled workday)Lee Yi-kyung
Lee Yi-kyung, who has begun paving his way from actor to singer, showcases the expressive power of a seasoned performer in his transition to trot with the hit song “On-Time Departure.” Highly regarded as an actor, he also gained popularity for his role as Park Min-hwan in “Marry My Husband.” He is actively appearing on variety shows and pursuing music activities.
His vocals—where the expressiveness honed through acting blends beautifully with the warmth of trot—are perfect for moments when you want to be wrapped in a gentle, comforting mood.
FORM(폼미쳤다)YOUNGTAK (Yontaku)
Blessed with musical talent from an early age, YeonTak grew up in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
He debuted as a ballad singer in 2007, and after participating in several group projects, he took a new step as a trot singer in 2016.
With his unique style and assured vocal prowess, his appearance on the audition program Mr.
Trot propelled him to stardom.
He also shines as a producer, winning the Hot Trend Award and Best Songwriter Award at the 2020 Melon Music Awards.
In July 2022, he released his first full-length album, MMM, and drew about 90,000 attendees on his concert tour, underscoring his strong popularity.
Armed with a soaring voice and skilled piano performance, he is a multi-talented artist who effortlessly covers a wide range of genres from trot to ballads.
His heartfelt vocals and approachable personality have captured the hearts of music fans.
Camellia MaidenRi Miko (I Mija)
Lee Mi-ja, born in 1941 in Hannam-dong, Gyeongseong (now Seoul Special City), has long led South Korea’s popular music scene.
She debuted in 1959 with “Nineteen-Year-Old’s Innocence” and is a beloved national singer who has released a vast number of songs and albums.
“Camellia Maiden (동백아가씨),” the first million-seller in Korea, in particular has been passed down through countless cover versions by various artists.
In 2023, she received the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the nation’s highest cultural honor.
Nicknamed “the Queen of Elegy,” Lee Mi-ja’s songs convey a resonant poignancy alongside traditional beauty.
[Japan-Korea Spotlight Again] Korean Enka Singers, Trot Singer Feature (11–20)
At Andong StationJinson (Chinson)
Born in Jeollabuk-do in 1960, Jinseong made his debut as a singer in 1994.
His hit song “At Andong Station,” released in 2008, gained popularity a few years later and became one of the signature classics of trot, even being covered by singers like Kim Yong-ja and Lim Young-woong.
Even before the trot revival, he seems to have been well recognized among younger generations in his home country.
It really makes you want to visit when you go to Korea.
His singing style, highly compatible with Japanese enka, is marked by a resonant high tone unusual for male singers.
He continues to be very active in the Reiwa era, so be sure to check him out.
Four-beat (quadruple meter)Song Daegwan (Son Deguan)
Hailing from Jeongeup in North Jeolla Province, Song Dae-kwan has long been cherished as a leading figure in Korea’s trot music scene.
He made his debut in 1967 and continued on without ever losing his passion for music, even through difficult times.
After his breakthrough with “Haetdeulnal” in 1975, he released numerous classics such as “Four-Beat” and “Popular Song.” His singing style—an evocative, melancholic voice seamlessly blended with rhythmic delivery—has consistently resonated with everyday people.
Song Dae-kwan also made major contributions as president of the Korea Singers Association, leaving a significant mark on the music world.
We hope that fans of Japanese enka will also experience the charm of Korea’s traditional genre, trot.
사랑의 밧줄Kimu Yonimu
Kim Young-im was born in 1965 in Seosi, North Jeolla Province.
She debuted in 1984 as a ballad singer with Magnolia.
Her signature songs include Love’s Rope (2003) and A Life Like Floating Weeds (2011), and she is known as a traditional trot singer.
In recent years, many may have seen her as a master on Tomorrow is Mr.
Trot 2 or on shows like King of Mask Singer.
Her voice gives a firm yet bright impression, conveying the clear, uplifting allure unique to a female singer.
어머나jang yunjong (chan yunjon)
Jang Yoon-jeong, known as a popular trot singer, was born in February 1980 and made a major breakthrough in 2004 with her debut song “Omona.” She is praised for breathing new life into the old-style trot genre.
In 1999, she won the Grand Prize at the 20th MBC Riverside Song Festival.
She released her second album in 2005 and has put out many records since, including “Jang Yoon Jeong Twist” in 2008.
Jang Yoon-jeong’s music is embraced by a wide range of generations, including young listeners, within the trot genre.
Her vocals, which blend traditional Korean music with a modern sensibility, continue to be loved by many.