[Japan–Korea Spotlight Again] Feature on Korean Enka Singers, Trot Singers

별, 그대 (You are my star)kimu hije (kimu hije)

[김희재 Music] ‘별, 그대’ (You are my star) M/V

Kim Hee-jae has nurtured a passion for music since childhood.

He gained attention for his vocal prowess on the TV show Star King, where he was dubbed a “trot prodigy.” He also trained as an SM idol trainee.

While grounded in trot, his fresh, modern arrangements have won strong support from younger audiences.

After placing seventh on Mr.

Trot—and being known as a classmate of BTS’s V—Hee-jae is loved by a wide range of listeners, from traditional trot fans to the youth.

With a honeyed vocal tone and polished dance performances, his songs embody the charm of a new trot that harmonizes tradition and innovation.

Gaze fixation다섯장 (Super Five)

[MV] 다섯장 (Super Five) – 시선고정

Tasokzang, a group that garnered attention in South Korea in 2020, is a male trot singer group born from an MBC music variety show.

After capturing the spotlight on the program, they made their official debut the same year.

Featuring members with diverse backgrounds—comedians, models, actors, and more—they each channel their individuality to express trot, a traditional Korean music genre.

Notably, their fresh musical style blends classic trot with contemporary dance beats.

Their songs, showcased with eye-catching performances, brim with appeal that resonates even with younger audiences.

Tasokzang’s music, where tradition and innovation fuse, points to new possibilities for trot.

Tabom (feat. Shindong)JUNG SEUL (JONSURU)

정슬(JUNG SEUL) feat.신동(SHIN DONG) – ‘따봉(Tabom)’ MV

Mr.

Jonseul has become a symbol of the new generation as a trot singer, placing in the TOP 7 on “Miss Trot 3.” Bringing a unique artistic vision that blends modern arrangements with trot—Korea’s equivalent of enka—he made his debut as a singer in January 2025.

The music video features Shindong of the popular group SUPER JUNIOR, drawing attention for collaborations that break free from traditional trot conventions.

His vocal prowess preserves the wistfulness of trot while delivering a powerful, youthful expression that appeals to a wide audience across all ages.

He also places strong emphasis on dance performance, and the fusion of vocals and performance that marries tradition with innovation is highly recommended for those seeking the trot of a new era.

I Like Trot(트로트가 나는 좋아요)Songa in (Son Gain)

[MV] SONG GA IN(송가인) _ I Like Trot(트로트가 나는 좋아요)

Song Ga-in of South Korea, who grew up surrounded by traditional music from an early age, is known for her solid vocal technique and expressive power rooted in pansori.

She debuted in 2012 and has built a unique musical world through trot infused with traditional elements.

In 2019, she won the TV program Miss Trot and found success with the album Gaein.

Her diverse musicality, weaving together tradition and modernity, has evolved further on the albums Dream, Love Song, and Gain;Dal.

She won the Best Trot Award at the 2020 Trot Awards.

Her captivating voice—where the traditional training nurtured since childhood meets a modern sensibility—suggests new possibilities for Korea’s traditional music and trot.

Myung Hoon is going(명훈이 간다)cheon minhun (chon minhun)

[MV] Chun Myung Hoon(천명훈) _ Myung Hoon is going(명훈이 간다)

Jung Myung-hoon, who has been active as a member of the idol group NRG, has also appeared frequently on variety shows and dramas, showcasing his multifaceted talents.

He made his debut in 1996 as part of the male duo Hamo Hamo, and the following year he rose to prominence as NRG’s main dancer.

In 2003, with the album “Hit Song,” he claimed first place on a music program in the sixth year of his career.

While he has primarily worked in dance pop and hip-hop, he took on a new challenge in 2020 by appearing on the trot audition program “Mr.

Trot.” From dance music to trot, his rich expressive power, which allows him to master a wide range of genres, continues to captivate music fans.

Bomb Bomb BombMYTRO

[진심누나 (LOVESTRUCK SISTERS) Episode 5] 마이트로 (MYTRO) – 밤밤밤 (Bomb Bomb Bomb) Performance Video

MYTRO is bringing a fresh breeze to the Korean music scene with a new sound that fuses trot and K-pop.

The five-member group, co-produced by SM Entertainment and TV Chosun, made their debut in February 2025.

Their popularity grew through an audition program broadcast, and their YouTube views have been rising.

The reality show “Next Door Trot: The Birth of MYTRO” carefully documented their growth journey.

The members’ individuality shines through their diverse backgrounds, including former K-pop idols, actors, and a member from Japan.

While preserving the charm of traditional trot, their songs incorporate modern arrangements that have earned strong support from younger generations.

Expectations are high for their success not only in Korea but also in Japan and across Asia.

Beauty AdvisoryDooRi

[MV] DooRi(두리) _ Beauty Advisory(예쁨주의보)

Dooree, a skilled singer from Gwangju Metropolitan City, debuted in 2018 as a member of the girl group GBB.

The following year, she placed seventh on ‘Miss Trot Tomorrow,’ gaining attention in the trot scene.

With her elegant looks and powerful vocals, she masterfully covers a wide range of genres from pop to trot.

In 2021, she won the Grand Prize in the Trot Singer category at the Super Influencer Brand Awards.

She is also active beyond music, serving as a promotional ambassador for the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, among other roles.

Her beautiful vocal tone, dazzling stage presence, and versatility across uptempo numbers and ballads captivate not only trot fans but music lovers of all kinds.