Stars who have opened a second chapter of their lives by transitioning from idols to trot singers are currently stealing the spotlight.
Seong-ri became the “First Legend” after winning the trophy in the final episode of MBN’s ‘Unknown Legend’ aired on the 13th.
Upon being named the winner, Seong-ri shared, “I faced more setbacks than I expected since I first dreamed of becoming a singer. While challenging myself in numerous auditions, I realized how difficult and hard it could be, and there were times I almost gave up on my dream and even learned wallpapering. I feel it’s miraculous and I’m grateful that not giving up on my dream led me to these shining days.”
While he might be a “new face” to some, Seong-ri is actually a singer in his 14th year since debut. He debuted in 2012 as a member of the group K-Boys and gained recognition through Mnet’s survival program ‘Produce 101’ Season 2 in 2017. He later promoted with the derivative group RAINZ.
Entering the 2020s, he transitioned to a trot singer and has been active consistently. In particular, he continued his challenge by appearing in multiple audition programs such as ‘Voice Trot,’ ‘Voice King,’ ‘Mr. Trot 2,’ and ‘Active King 2.’ Having finally captured the “First Legend” title after a long period of obscurity and fierce competition, public expectation and support for his future steps are growing.
Heo Chan-mi is known as a representative “icon of challenge” in the entertainment industry.
Having debuted in 2010, Heo Chan-mi promoted with idol groups Coed School and Five Dolls and appeared on competition programs like ‘Produce 101’ and ‘MixNine.’
Despite 17 years passing since her debut, she struggled to find the spotlight. However, she reached a turning point in her life by taking 2nd place (Sun) in ‘Miss Trot 4,’ which she entered with the mindset that it was her last chance.
During the ‘Miss Trot 4’ TOP 7 National Tour Seoul Concert last month, Heo Chan-mi shared, “Fans call me a ‘roly-poly.’ I started as an idol trainee at 13, and there were more difficult times than successful ones. But thanks to enduring and not giving up, I was able to meet all of you and hold a concert in such a large venue.”
Solji, the main vocalist of EXID, was loved for her outstanding singing ability among girl group main vocals during the same era. There was a hot response to the news that she would challenge a trot audition. Solji finished in 7th place and made it into the TOP 7 of MBN’s ‘Active King 3.’
Choosing to challenge a new genre while already possessing high recognition is not an easy decision. However, it was her mother’s support that moved her.
Appearing on MBN and Channel S’s ‘Jun Hyun-moo’s Plan 3’ on the 8th, Solji revealed, “When I first received the casting offer for ‘Active King,’ I asked my mom. I was scared because it was a genre I hadn’t tried, and I thought my condition might not be right, but my family told me, ‘You’re good at it. I want you to do it,’ so I decided to take the challenge.”
Sungmin is another artist who has undergone a genre transformation. After leaving Super Junior in 2017, he promoted as a solo singer starting in 2019 and embarked on a new challenge by debuting as a trot singer in 2023.
