Choo Sung Hoon, In Kyo Jin, Hyun Woo, and Kim Joon Ho expressed their feelings about rising to the final T4 of tvN STORY 'Handsome Trott'.
The first trott variety show of tvN STORY, 'Handsome Trott (directed by Hwang Da Won and written by Jung Soo Jung)', concluded with the final held on the 18th. Amidst the fierce 1:1 battles for 4 new songs by South Korea's hitmaker Yoon Il Sang, it was revealed that Choo Sung Hoon, In Kyo Jin, Hyun Woo, and Kim Joon Ho won the honor of being in the final T4.
Choo Sung Hoon, In Kyo Jin, Hyun Woo, and Kim Joon Ho became the protagonists of the 4 new songs 'Men To Man', 'To My Youth', 'I Will Hold You', and 'Gyeonggwangma', having the opportunity to debut as trott singers. Accordingly, we reveal a Q&A interview with Choo Sung Hoon, In Kyo Jin, Hyun Woo, and Kim Joon Ho that encompasses all their stories, from their reflections on the finale to the stage preparation process and behind-the-scenes, as well as their aspirations for the future.
▲ Below is the full Q&A with T4 members (Choo Sung Hoon, In Kyo Jin, Hyun Woo, and Kim Joon Ho).
Q. Congratulations on ascending to T4. It must have been a difficult journey. How did you feel when you were named in the final T4? Did you have a premonition of your victory?
Choo Sung Hoon: Since I had not dropped out of T4 even once and had kept climbing, the pressure was quite significant. However, at the moment I was named as the last T4, I think I felt more relieved than joyful.
In Kyo Jin: It was truly a grateful moment. In fact, just participating in the competition was already enough of a challenge for me, so I didn't really grasp it for a long time when I heard the name 'T4.' I felt thankful thinking, 'Wow, I received such great love.' I couldn't dare to anticipate winning, and I approached the stage with the mindset that every moment could be my last. That made it more earnest and desperate.
Hyun Woo: I was so happy and nervous. Contrary to my initial determination to win, as the contestants' skills improved, I honestly lost confidence. I thought we should just enjoy it together, and that's why I could become T4. I was so happy that the results of my efforts felt good to me. I never expected to win. In fact, the worrying grew as I fell behind in the rankings more towards the end. So, it was even harder to predict.
Kim Joon Ho: I never expected to win. In fact, I am not someone who specializes in singing. I originally came from fencing, and I used to run on the treadmill while listening to trott music. I think it is truly an honor to win. Plus, I'm honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with those renowned for their singing skills, Choo Sung Hoon, In Kyo Jin, and Hyun Woo. I've grown to love trott music, which I liked before, even more.
Q. What was the most memorable moment while preparing for the 'Handsome Trott' competition? What advice did the two trott producers Jang Min Ho and Lee Chan Won give you, and how did you feel after receiving actual trott productions?
Choo Sung Hoon: The most memorable stage was the moment I faced actor Jang Hyuk. I personally remember being the most nervous then. The two trott producers gave me a lot of advice, but I particularly remember Jang Min Ho's advice, who said, 'Just sing comfortably in your own voice.'
In Kyo Jin: The moment I was catching my breath behind the stage during the first competition is the one that stands out the most. At that moment, I thought, 'I really am challenging myself to become a trott singer,' and it felt like my heart was going to explode.
Jang Min Ho was someone I had referenced a lot before in scenes where I sang trott, so it was more meaningful, and he always helped me stay calm. Lee Chan Won spared no detail in his guidance and always infused us with energy. While preparing for the stage, I sincerely felt how powerful the presence of the 'trott producers' could be.
Hyun Woo: The tension during the first stage was the greatest. Since it was my first encounter with trott and an inexperienced stage, the moment I became T4 was the one I remember the most. Thanks to the great help from the two trott producers, I think I was able to reach this position. The know-how is something that's hard to teach directly, but they generously guided me. For me, it was a time I could learn things I couldn't even dream of.
Kim Joon Ho: The moment I remember is when I sang 'Enlightening Confession.' I never expected to show the audience myself fencing in such a wide set with splendid lighting. The moment I first held the beautifully decorated fencing sword on stage is my most memorable moment. Additionally, the advice from the trott producers Jang Min Ho and Lee Chan Won, that I should just be sincere, was the most helpful. Indeed, sincerity seems to be effective at all times. I found it really challenging to create a rich sound when receiving actual trott productions. It seems you need to master techniques like vocal placement and breath control, which were as hard as refining my fencing skills.
Q. Every competition brought you closer with your sincere passion for trott and impressed many people. Which performance stage would you consider the BEST?
Choo Sung Hoon: I would like to choose Jo Yong Pil's 'Come Back to Busan Port' stage as my BEST stage. Since the song fits my personality well, I was pleased with the stage, and I think many people reacted positively to it.
In Kyo Jin: I think the stage of 'Mother's Season' that I stood on with my father might be it. It was a 'dream stage.' My father always wanted to be on stage with me, and participating in this program made it a dream for me too. I felt overwhelmed with emotions while preparing, and I could see the times of our family reflected in each line of the lyrics. That stage with my father had a meaning beyond just a competition, making it the most special moment for me.
Hyun Woo: I would like to pick the song 'Ja Ok Ah' that I sang in the first round as my BEST. Even though it was my first stage, there was both nervousness and excitement, which made it particularly memorable. Even though I didn't fully understand trott at that time, I truly enjoyed the stage.
Kim Joon Ho: The BEST stage I select is 'Thank You for My Life.' It was a stage that honestly captured my life as it is, without embellishment, from my childhood to now. During the performance, my emotions peaked, almost ruining the stage, but overcoming the crisis made it a performance that would linger longer in memory.
Q. With the release of the music, you've fulfilled your dream of becoming a trott singer. Do you have any future activity plans? Also, please send a final word to the viewers who have supported you until now.
Choo Sung Hoon: It has been a truly precious and great experience to take on a new challenge through trott. I will continue to listen to and sing many good songs with a love for trott.
In Kyo Jin: I have trott DNA within me and have lived closely with music, but standing on stage and releasing music was a big challenge for me. In the future, I would like to show my sincerity in both acting and trott. I sincerely thank everyone who has supported me so far. I believe that sincerity will be conveyed someday, and I have come this far. I will not forget that feeling and will continue to strive. Thank you very much.
Hyun Woo: Thank you for giving so much support and love to someone as lacking as me. I hope 'I Will Hold You' serves as an opportunity to get closer to everyone.
Kim Joon Ho: I feel I am a very lucky person. I've fulfilled my dreams in various fields. In the future, I plan to continue my activities in a way that shows the public various aspects of me. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who supported me while watching 'Handsome Trott.' Thank you very much!
Meanwhile, Choo Sung Hoon, In Kyo Jin, Hyun Woo, and Kim Joon Ho's new songs will be released on all online music sites.
[Photo] 'Handsome Trott'
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