50th Anniversary Debut, Singer Jeon Young-rok Interview
Duet with Min Hae-kyung at Mapo Cultural Foundation's 'Eotteongayo' Concert
Debuted as Actor... From Folk Song to Dance Rock Stardom
"The faces you have longed to see, I will sing with the hope that you will not forget us."
Jeon Young-rok, celebrating his 50th debut anniversary, will present a special stage with Min Hae-kyung on the 10th at Mapo Art Center. This is part of the New Year's special of the retro concert series 'Eotteongayo' planned by the Mapo Cultural Foundation. Although the two have worked together for many years, this is their first concert as a duo.
Singer Jeon Young-rok, preparing for the 11th performance of the Mapo Cultural Foundation's planned series 'Eotteongayo' duet concert, poses at the Mapo Art Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 31st of last month. Photo by Yonhap News
Jeon Young-rok began his acting career in 1973 with the MBC drama 'The Third Classroom' and embarked on his singing career in 1975 with 'Nagne Gil.' Overcoming the pressure of being the son of actor Hwang Hae and singer Baek Seol-hee, he has carved out his own path.
"My parents opposed me pursuing a career in entertainment, but my desire to be recognized made me work even harder." His reflection carries the passion of his youth.
Known as a folk singer-songwriter, he reached a musical turning point in 1983 with the release of 'Bulti.' Jeon Young-rok explained, "Originally, senior singer Nami was supposed to sing the song, but the PD suggested I take it. Although dancing was awkward, 'Bulti' opened new opportunities for me."
The 1980s were his heyday. Hit songs spanning generations such as 'Write Love with a Pencil' and 'Paper Crane' were born. Especially, the 'Shh!' pose he used to calm the fans' excitement during performances became his signature. Jeon Young-rok said, "Fans kept singing along, so I asked them to be quiet for a moment, and it became a trend. It’s a really fun memory."
Still cut from the movie 'Dol-ai'. Released in August 1985 at Jungang Theater, 'Dol-ai' succeeded at the box office by attracting 90,000 viewers in Seoul alone, and thanks to this success, it became a popular series with up to four installments produced.
His musical spectrum was broad, ranging from ballads like 'I Think You’re Crying' and 'My Love Crybaby' to new wave dance rock like 'It Seems It’s Still a Dark Night.' 'Paper Crane' sparked a nationwide craze and became a representative song of the era.
His challenges in the 1980s sometimes stirred controversy. Jeon Young-rok recalled, "I was banned from appearing because I released a heavy metal album and headbanged, and even underwent drug tests." Referring to the concert with Min Hae-kyung, he laughed, calling it a "special for rebellious singers."
Jeon Young-rok also stood out as a hit song composer. Numerous songs bear his touch, including Kim Ji-ae’s 'Annoying Person,' Lee Ji-yeon’s 'Wind, Please Stop,' Yang Soo-kyung’s 'Love is Like Raindrops Outside the Window,' and Kim Hee-ae’s 'Don’t Forget Me.' The song 'Promise Like the Wind,' which he will sing with Min Hae-kyung at this concert, is also his work.
Recently, he has continued his activities through YouTube and music releases, taking on new challenges. Jeon Young-rok said, "During the pandemic, I studied music and released several songs, and that process was truly enjoyable. I want to keep making music until I die. I want to leave the legacy of music to my children."
At this 'Eotteongayo' stage, he plans to perform 8 to 10 hit songs and sing duets with Min Hae-kyung including 'Promise Like the Wind' and 'Don’t Forget Me.' Jeon Young-rok calls himself a 'music chef' and expressed his ambition to offer the public "delicious music."
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