Chilgok Grandma Hip-Hop Group 'Suni and Chilgongju' Gets a Fan Club

The Chairperson Is Grandma Park Jeom-sun's Daughter-in-Law

A fan club supporting the Chilgok Grandma Hip-Hop Group ‘Suniwa Chilgongju,’ composed of grandmothers with an average age of 85 who learned Hangul after turning eighty, has emerged and become a hot topic.

The fan club includes over 50 members, ranging from daughters-in-law and grandchildren to residents from various sectors and the county governor, all rallying to support the grandmothers.

Members participating in the 'Suni and Chilgongju' fan club founding ceremony are taking a commemorative photo.

Suniwa Chilgongju was formed last month on the 31st at a senior center by eight grandmothers living in Sin 4-ri, Jicheon-myeon, Chilgok-gun, Gyeongbuk, ranging from the eldest, Jeong Du-i (92), to the youngest, Jang Ok-geum (75).

They transformed their self-written poems expressing regrets over not receiving formal education due to poverty and being women, as well as the pain of war and loneliness in old age, into rap lyrics and presented seven songs.

The fan club president is Geum Su-mi (52), the daughter-in-law of the group leader, Park Jeom-sun (81).

President Geum donated 1 million won to be used for purchasing costumes, shoes, and other items necessary for the grandmothers’ hip-hop group activities and began recruiting fan club members.

Also, Geum’s son and Park Jeom-sun’s grandson, Kang Kyung-woo (25), joined in to provide support.

Kang passed the police officer exam last year and is currently working as a police officer in Seoul. On his days off, he worked in place of fellow officers and collected 1 million won in allowances, which he donated.

Additionally, Jeon Yong-sik (62), son of grandmother Seo Mu-seok, showed support by writing a calligraphy phrase: “Congratulations on the founding of the Suniwa Chilgongju rapper group, more beautiful than flowers. We love you.”

Kim Jae-uk, the governor of Chilgok County, not only joined the fan club but also introduced Suniwa Chilgongju on social media and visited their performance venue to encourage the grandmothers.

Furthermore, warm support is expected to continue from local businesspeople and social organizations.

Fan club members and family waved banners, cheered, and presented bouquets ahead of a consolation performance for peers using the weekly care center performed by Suniwa Chilgongju.

Fan club president Geum Su-mi said, “When I heard the rap expressing my mother-in-law’s longing for her father, my husband and I cried all night. I sincerely hope they continue rapping and stay with us for a long time, even until 100 years old.”

Governor Kim Jae-uk stated, “The beautiful challenge of these grandmothers entering the twilight of their lives will be a message of hope not only to the elderly but also to the younger generation. We will spare no support to ensure that the elderly can live a life with a different tomorrow and enjoy a healthy old age.”