[Exclusive] Choo Hyuk-jin Overcomes “Idol” Prejudice to be Recognized as a True Trot Singer: “I’ll Stay Humble Despite the TOP7 Title” (Interview Part 2)

(Following Interview Part 1) Amidst the fiercest competition in the trot market, singer Choo Hyuk-jin is constantly searching for his own unique color and direction. Rather than confining himself to a specific genre or style, he aims to build his strengths across singing, stage presence, performance, and connection with the audience. This is the current state of Choo Hyuk-jin, who is running his own path more silently and intensely than anyone else.

In an exclusive interview with MHN following the release of his new song “Up-eo-chi-na Me-chi-na,” Choo Hyuk-jin candidly shared his thoughts on music and the stage. He spoke about the process of finding his identity in the changing trot market, as well as his realistic struggles and growth through trial and error.

The new song “Up-eo-chi-na Me-chi-na” captures the providence of life, where we come into the world with nothing and leave with nothing. It delivers a life message of living more leisurely, like flowing water or wind, by letting go of obsession and greed, all expressed with a cheerful yet deep emotional touch.

Notably, the stage for this new song moves away from the powerful dance performances that were Choo Hyuk-jin’s trademark, focusing entirely on the “song” itself. As this is the first time since his debut that he has prioritized vocals and emotional delivery over dancing, this song marks another challenge and a starting point for change. The work naturally blends his growth and his search for a personal direction through constant experimentation.

“I want to do everything in a fun way. I hate doing things that are predictable. That’s why I’m always thinking of something new. In a way, ‘Up-eo-chi-na Me-chi-na’ was a huge challenge for me. It’s actually the first time since my debut that I’ve performed on a stage without dancing. While I used to focus on showing energy through performance, this time I wanted to win people over with the song itself and the emotions.”

“Because of that, the reactions around me have changed a lot. Some people say, ‘Now you finally sound like a trot singer.’ My family really loved it too. They asked, ‘Why didn’t you release a song like this sooner?’ Many fans also told me they loved the song and had been waiting for this style. Seeing those reactions makes me feel, ‘Ah, I’m slowly being recognized.'”

Under the title of an “all-around entertainer” from an idol background, Choo Hyuk-jin has created his own new color and flow in the trot scene. He has maintained an active presence, recognized as an artist with great visuals, performance skills, stage presence, and variety show wit.

However, as the attention on his flashy performances and character grew, Choo Hyuk-jin felt a deep thirst and concern that he wasn’t being deeply imprinted on the public through the “song” itself. His desire to be recognized as a true trot singer who can convey empathy and resonance through voice and emotion alone, rather than just being an energetic dancer, grew stronger.

“In the past, many people looked at me and thought, ‘Isn’t he just a singer who’s good at dancing?’ I think it could seem that way because I showed a lot of performance. Perhaps my singing felt relatively lacking. So, I think I lived quite desperately to break that prejudice. It was especially like that in trot. I wanted to be recognized no matter what, and I had a strong desire to prove that I am also a singer who can sing well.”

While he once ran more intensely than anyone to break the prejudices against him, the current Choo Hyuk-jin views himself differently. Instead of struggling to prove something, he has developed a belief that time and the stage will eventually show his sincerity. Rather than pushing himself in a rush, he wants to walk his path steadily and be recognized naturally.

“My thoughts have changed a bit now. I believe that even if I don’t struggle to break it, as I continue to perform, sing, and build up my time, those prejudices will slowly crack and eventually break naturally.”

“That’s why I feel it’s more important to steadily walk my path these days rather than rushing to prove myself. Instead of constantly pushing myself, I’m trying to let go a bit and accept the current process and moments with a comfortable heart.”

This perspective is also rooted in realistic concerns about the rapidly changing trot market. He feels more than anyone that in a flow where numerous stars quickly gain attention and are quickly forgotten through audition and competition programs, it is difficult to survive long-term with only fleeting buzz or titles.

Especially as the number of trot singers from idol backgrounds who emphasize young sensibilities, music, and performance increases, characters and directions are becoming similar. He knows well that the most important thing is creating “Choo Hyuk-jin’s own color.”

“Watching ‘Mumeong Jeonseol’ lately, it’s really great to see my colleagues like Seong Ri-rang and Hwang Yun-seong doing so well. They are colleagues I really like, and seeing them get good results makes me feel proud and happy for them.”

“I’ve also been active steadily in my own place, but I know better than anyone that they have also run their own paths silently for a very long time. Looking only at the external results, it might seem like they suddenly became successful, but in reality, there are times of endurance and worries that each of them has gone through.”

“That’s why I support them even more. I believe everyone has different fields and colors they are good at. Some might have strength in vocals, while others might be strong in performance or emotion. I think the important thing is to steadily create your own color within your own domain.”

Choo Hyuk-jin, who left a strong impression through “Mr. Trot 2,” once again proved his worth by naming himself among the TOP7 of “Mr. Trot 3.” He proved both his skill and popularity, receiving recognition for his flashy performances, stage presence, and deepened emotional expression and stage experience.

However, Choo Hyuk-jin looks at these moments with a cool head, knowing they cannot last forever. Rather than getting carried away or conceited by the current love and attention, he naturally accepts the reality that another trend and time may come. That’s why he is grateful for the present moment while steadily preparing and thinking about the future.

“The TOP7 title is truly grateful and meaningful. But I try to think of it as ‘just one more title added.’ While it became an opportunity for many people to recognize and love me, I don’t think it means I have everything.”

“Ultimately, I think the important thing is to survive for a long time with your own color. Being in the TOP7 isn’t the end; rather, I feel that what comes after is more important. I think if I only rely on that title, I could disappear quickly. That’s why I try to stay humble and active, with the mindset that I must constantly think and continue to create my own color.”

(To be continued in Interview Part 3)