[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!
- [Korean popular music] Popular trot songs. Masterpieces by trot singers.
- [Japan–Korea Spotlight Again] Feature on Korean Enka Singers, Trot Singers
- [Female Vocalists from Korea] Singers and Solo Artists Who Color the World of K-POP
- [Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
- K-POP and Korean tear-jerker songs: tracks that deeply resonate and bring you to tears
- [Solo Singer Special] K-POP & Korean Male Solo Artists
- [Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads
- Hit songs that colored Korea's 1990s: Kayo (K-pop) pop music.
- Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
- Tearjerker K-pop ballads: Korean songs that will make you cry
- K-pop that touches the heart: masterful ballads by Korean male artists
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs
[Japan–Korea Spotlight Again] Special Feature on Korean Enka Singers, Trot Singers (21–30)
The man says (don’t make me say it as a man).janguminho(Chiyan.Minho)
After starting his music career in 1997 as a member of the idol group Ubis, Jang Minho made his re-debut as a trot singer in 2011.
He also competed on “Mr.
Trot” and placed in the Top 7.
“남자는 말합니다 (A Man Says)” is a track included on his 2013 smash-hit album “Don’t Make a Man Say It.” With a classic style reminiscent of Japanese enka, it evokes a nostalgic atmosphere.
Be sure to take your time and savor Minho’s rich, masculine vocals.
Beauty AdvisoryDooRi
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.
In conclusion
I introduced Korean enka, trot singers. The Korean music scene is buzzing with trot singers, and when you look across different generations, you can see connections with Japan and discover many artists who have a charm different from K-pop. If there’s a song that catches your interest, I think it would be fun to dig deeper into the singer from there!