The TOP7 members of 'King of Singers 2' will represent Korea in an international competition, overcoming disputes over fairness.
On the afternoon of the 12th, a press conference for MBN's 'King of Singers 2' was held at the international conference room of the Nuri Dream Square Business Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul. TOP7 members Park Seo-jin, Jin Hae-sung, Enock, Shin Seung-tae, Choi Soo-ho, and Kang Moon-kyung attended the conference to share their thoughts. TOP5 member Kim Jun-su was unfortunately absent due to a traditional Korean opera performance.
'King of Singers 2' is a survival entertainment program that selects the representative active singer of Korea to compete in the 2025 'Korea-Japan King of Singers Competition.' Park Seo-jin, who won first place, said, "It feels unreal as it's my first time coming in first. I have a lot of thoughts about how to lead moving forward." He noted that immediately after the announcement, he video-called his parents, saying, "They were so happy, and the next day, they shared rice cakes in Samcheok. When I showed them the winner's belt, they said a frightening thing: 'Now that we see you have truly succeeded, we would have no regrets even if we die.' I wish to create a stage that would make my parents even happier."
Runner-up Jin Hae-sung said, "This was my third competition. Competing against active singers was quite burdensome and I felt nervous, but now that it's over, I feel light and mixed emotions. I will work harder to present many good songs alongside the TOP7 members." Enock added, "I feel like I've returned from a long journey. Generally, when you come back from a long trip, there’s a mountain of things to organize, along with a mix of joyful and tough experiences. I'm spending time organizing my surroundings and trying to incorporate what I've gained during the competition. It was a grateful time for me, and I'm looking forward to the journeys we will share together as I gained many comrades."
Shin Seung-tae said, "I don't have any regrets and I'm so relieved. I'm very happy that it's over. Moving forward, we will build strong relationships and create great stages as TOP7 to repay everyone." Choi Soo-ho stated, "I'm having refreshing and happy days. I believe participating in 'King of Singers 2' was a huge experience for me, and I'm glad to meet wonderful seniors." Additionally, Kang Moon-kyung expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for providing us with the stage to perform. I will continue to do my best on the given stages. Thank you."
The TOP7 members selected through the 'King of Singers 2' competition will face off against the TOP7 from 'King of Singers Japan,' which will be held in Japan, in the '2025 Korea-Japan King of Singers Competition.' Shin Seung-tae commented on the members' teamwork, saying, "Not yet. Now that it's over, we're preparing to get along well. Until now, we were busy focusing on our own performances, and now that we're together as TOP7, I hope we can bond sweetly. I expect the eldest hyung Enock will treat us to something delicious. Park Seo-jin said he would treat us when he wins, but he hasn't done it yet. I think when we gather over beef, that will help deepen our relationship."
However, during the 'King of Singers 2' competition, disputes over fairness arose due to the mid-entry of Shin Yu and Park Seo-jin. Park Seo-jin explained, "Hearing the term mid-entry, I felt framed and wanted to work harder. I initially wanted to participate since the beginning, but after participating in 'Mr. Trot Season 2' I had some painful scars, so I thought I shouldn't even look at auditions. As I heard more about 'King of Singers 2,' I regretted not participating. I had a desire to sing in Japan, so I felt a lot of regret. I was contacted about participating as a mystery active singer, even though I thought it wouldn't work out at first, the production team told me, 'There’s a penalty. It’s not guaranteed that you will advance, but it could lead to a bigger reputation. Would you consider it?' and that's how I decided to participate."
He continued, "I have seen a lot about the fairness debate, and when 'King of Singers 2' announced the winner, I thought it was a big deal. When I was waiting to announce with Hae-sung hyung, I thought, 'I hope it's not just me.' Because if I won, it would definitely lead to controversy. When my name was announced, rather than feeling joy, I thought about the big issue it created and became concerned about how I would bear this great weight in the future. The winner's belt feels heavier, so I will work harder to become a singer that won't feel ashamed in the 'Korea-Japan King of Singers Competition.'"
He expressed his gratitude for receiving many votes from viewers, saying, "Being chosen as the winner is thanks to the votes of the people. I think many people voted for me because I showcased something Korean on stage. Since I am going to Japan, I believe I can promote Korean culture well. While preparing for 'King of Singers 2,' as I had received bad reviews on the mid-entry, I thought that even if I don’t make the top 3, I should leave a good image. While preparing my songs, I practiced a lot and calculated how to sing before going on stage."
Regarding the plan for the prize money, he stated, "After taxes, 1 billion won will remain, and I plan to donate it all. As I mentioned earlier, there was a debate about fairness, and since I became the winner through the choice of many, I thought about how I could repay that love, and I believe donating is the right thing to do. The remaining amount will be used to treat my members to Korean beef," he said, making his fellow members happy.
When asked about his determination as the representative trot singer of Korea for the 'Korea-Japan King of Singers Competition,' Enock confidently said, "As you can see, we are a one-in-a-million group. We have reached this position through fierce competition. Honestly, we consider ourselves to be like the Avengers. The reason I can say this is that I have directly witnessed the performances of the people next to me. I hope many people will see how amazing my younger brothers are. I think it's a great achievement that we can stand on stage for a national competition, and I believe you will be pleasantly surprised when you see it."
Jin Hae-sung said, "I will do my best to ensure that TOP7 shines through teamwork," and Park Seo-jin remarked, "Once we begin the 'Korea-Japan King of Singers Competition,' I don't know who will win, but we plan to utilize our unique characteristics and weapons for our performance. The reason I initially participated in 'King of Singers 2' was that I wanted to convey Korean sentiments to Japan. We plan to create a stage that showcases Korean emotions well in the 'Korea-Japan King of Singers Competition.'"
He said, "Japanese enka singers often change their pitch multiple times. Kang Moon-kyung hyung is great at pitch changes and has a charming voice. Soo-ho is young but expresses his songs with a heartfelt voice, while Seung-tae hyung sings cleanly with a calculated approach. Although Enock hyung is a rookie in trot, he has experience on stage, and Hae-sung hyung shows the rich taste of authentic trot. I believe we will win against Japan."
Lastly, Park Seo-jin announced, "Once the 'Korea-Japan King of Singers Competition' begins, we plan to give our all, and a nationwide concert tour is scheduled. We would appreciate it if many people come to see the seven of us." Jin Hae-sung added, "TOP7 will work hard to actively promote as singers who will light up Korea." Enock also said, "We are preparing for various activities. Each of us has an album and a concert. We will show you our best selves, so please show your interest."
[Photo] OSEN reporter Choi Kyu-han.
[OSEN]