Singer Kim Yeon-ja invited her juniors and had a meaningful time together.
Kim Yeon-ja, Hong Ji-yoon, Kim So-yeon, and Hwang Min-ho appeared on the Channel A show 'Close Friends Documentary Four-Person Table' broadcast on the 17th, sharing various stories.
On that day's broadcast, Kim Yeon-ja invited Hong Ji-yoon, Kim So-yeon, and Hwang Min-ho with the concept of an urban MT enjoyed with fellow singers. Before calling the guests, Kim Yeon-ja began cooking with the help of her son-in-law and manager, bringing in local specialties like Hampyeong octopus, Wando abalone, and Hanwoo beef to prepare a health-boosting meal. The invited juniors were impressed, saying, 'It feels like we're in a fancy restaurant.'
Watching Hong Ji-yoon, Kim So-yeon, and Hwang Min-ho devour the food, Kim Yeon-ja smiled warmly and reflected on her debut days, mentioning the commonality they share as audition graduates. Kim Yeon-ja recalled winning the TBC 'New Star' award, saying, 'I was so young I hardly remember how it happened,' and added, 'I was scolded by the judges for imitating singer Lee Mi-ja. So, I chose to perform a song by Patty Kim in the finals.'
In particular, Kim Yeon-ja spoke about her activities in Japan, noting, 'I debuted in 1977 and fully immersed myself for about 20 years starting in 1988. Fortunately, I secured a spot by participating in Japan's year-end music festival and realized that to succeed in Japan, I couldn't just rely on enka. I thought I needed to incorporate a sense of 한 (han) as my voice is husky.' As a result, Kim Yeon-ja managed to perform over 100 concerts a year in Japan and achieved first place on the Oricon chart about 15 times.
Kim Yeon-ja also talked about her 'Bluetooth singing method,' saying, 'That's not a good method. You shouldn't just mimic.' She explained, 'A singer needs to control their volume without moving the microphone. I adjust my volume with the microphone's position. It became part of my performance.' Additionally, Kim Yeon-ja emphasized the importance of practice, stating, 'Even though I've been singing for a long time, if I don't sing for even two days, I lose confidence. Practice doesn't depend on age.'
Kim Yeon-ja became emotional while thinking of her mother. When Hong Ji-yoon mentioned seeing Kim Yeon-ja's mother at a performance, Kim Yeon-ja said, 'My mother was diagnosed with acute Parkinson's disease in 2023. She has lived in Bangbae-dong for over 50 years, and I wanted to build her a new house, which is scheduled for completion this year. I hope she can see it. It's very sad to see her change every day, but I wish she could stay a little longer.'
Having communicated various stories with her juniors, Kim Yeon-ja performed the stage for 'Answer of Life,' sharing the message she wanted to convey. Hong Ji-yoon, Kim So-yeon, and Hwang Min-ho responded to Kim Yeon-ja's stage with 'Human Garland,' and Kim Yeon-ja concluded the meaningful time by singing 'Amor Party' with her juniors. Kim Yeon-ja stated, 'We succeeded in generational integration. We had serious talks but also enjoyed a delightful time. My wish is for the juniors to become renowned singers representing our country.'
Meanwhile, Kim Yeon-ja continues to be active with various performances and broadcasts, including the recently ended TV CHOSUN 'Mr. Trot 3.'
[Photo] Capture from the 'Close Friends Documentary Four-Person Table' broadcast
[OSEN = Choi Yi-jeong, reporter]