Golf Instructor Kyungseo Song Turns Trot Singer: "Now It's Time for the Players to Step Up"

Trot Song "Just Swing Away" Release Draws Attention
Performs as "Songpro," Launches Donation Challenge
"We Can Create a Tournament with Players' Donations"

'Just swing away. Is there really anything special about life? Have you ever been through a war? Have you ever gone hungry? Throw it without worry. Just swing away. The sky is on my side. Have you ever made a hole-in-one? Have you ever shot under par? Throw it without worry. Just swing away.'

It's bold. Kyungseo Song, a leading golf instructor in Korea, has made a dazzling transformation. He has debuted as a trot singer, showcasing his hidden talents. Of course, this is not a move to make money. It is a small effort to contribute to the golf community in any way he can.

Professional golf instructor Kyungseo Song, a leading figure in domestic golf coaching, is singing trot against the backdrop of Laviebelle Golf & Resort. Photo by Kyungseo Song

In an interview with Asia Economy on July 4, Song said, "Over the past few years, I have experienced the pain of saying goodbye to family and friends. It was an extremely difficult time," adding, "I didn't even want to give lessons and fell into a state of lethargy. I was offered the chance to try being a trot singer, and eventually, I even made a song."

The song's title is intriguing: "Just Swing Away." It contains a message of encouragement to take the tee shot of life without hesitation. The popular producer LAS participated in composing the song. LAS is an artist known for creating trendy and popular tracks such as "How to Use Love" and "After Like." "Just Swing Away" is a song that combines the unique excitement of trot with the confidence found on the golf course. He said, "I decided to let go of myself when singing. I'm really having a blast performing this song."

"Just Swing Away" was first released on social media in March. It was officially released on June 3. At first, he felt uneasy. He worried that he might appear too frivolous for someone who gives lessons. However, since stepping out as a trot singer, he has received much encouragement. "I've even received calls from younger players. They told me, 'I'm drawing strength from your song. When I take a shot, I'm just swinging away,'" he shared. Song said, "When I get on stage, I have to become a completely different person. If I'm going to do it, I want to do it properly," adding, "More than 80% of people have responded positively. I think things could develop in a good direction," he said with a smile.

Pro golfer Kyungseo Song is making headlines by transforming into a trot singer. Photo by Kyungseo Song

His stage name is "Songpro." "I don't think the name is bad," he said with a smile, adding, "It seems I can continue this activity while keeping my main profession." He explained, "Golf is not an easy sport. Being a golfer is also very tough," and continued, "There are many ups and downs. I wanted to convey this, which is why I started singing."

Song is working on a bigger plan: he wants to collect money from tour players and create a tournament. Along with his new song, he is running the "Just Swing Away Challenge." The challenge involves uploading a dance or routine that matches the tee shot motion on social media and nominating the next participant. This event has expanded into a donation challenge. "There are no KPGA Tour tournaments for two months. We can't just rely on the association. Using the excuse of being busy making a living, I realized I haven't done much for the tour. Through this event, I want to collect donations and use them to create a tour tournament. Now it's time for the players to take action themselves. Even if each person donates 100,000 won or 50,000 won, we can create a wonderful tournament."

Pro Kyungseo Song is posing on the JTBC Golf lesson program. Photo by Kyungseo Song

Song joined the KPGA Tour in 1999 but ended his playing career early and has since worked as a coach. He is active not only as one of the top instructors in Korea but also as a golf broadcast commentator and in various other roles. He has trained countless students. He also has a special connection with Jo Wooyoung, who won a gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Although he has stepped out as a trot singer, he said his top priority remains teaching. He said, "I hope people will see my trot activities as an effort to promote golf."

He is receiving an enthusiastic response by focusing on putting-specialized lessons. Using advanced equipment to analyze swings and strokes, he is conducting one-point lessons. In the past, he used to give forceful golf lessons, always saying things like, "It's tough, isn't it?", "You have to endure," and "Don't give up." The direction of his lessons has changed. Now, he focuses on making swings easier. He said, "It's important to enjoy golf. I want to give lessons that people can do easily and without pain." He added, "Even instructors can fall behind if they don't make an effort. I will continue to develop, research, and work hard."

Pro Kyungseo Song said, "I want to have enjoyable lessons and lessons that are easy to play." Photo by Kyungseo Song