[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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- [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.
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[Japan–Korea Spotlight Again] Special Feature on Korean Enka Singers, Trot Singers (21–30)
So PrettyYOYOMI
Having been familiar with music since childhood and with a father who was a trot singer, Yoyomi is a multi-artist active in South Korea.
She debuted in 2013 under the stage name Yeon-a and relaunched her career in 2018 under her current name, releasing works such as the album “First Story.” Covering a wide range of genres from K-pop to trot and ballads, she has steadily built her career—for example, drawing attention in 2021 with “Corny Love Song,” a collaboration with Park Jin-young that she earned through an open audition.
She has showcased her skills on programs such as Miss Trot, King of Mask Singer, and Immortal Songs, and has received numerous awards, including the Rookie Award in the Trot category at the Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards.
With her clear, soaring vocals, her music appeals not only to trot fans but also to those who enjoy K-pop and ballads.
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.
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!