The eternal oppa of the music world, singer Nam Jin, proves his current passion and stamina on Radio Star as he celebrates his 60th debut anniversary. Since his debut in the 1960s, with many beloved national songs such as "With You" and "Nest," he has helped shape one pillar of Korea's pop music history, and he candidly unpacks a music life that still revolves around the stage.
The Dec. 24 broadcast of MBC's Radio Star (企划 강영선 / 연출 윤혜진, 황윤상, 변다희) is staged as "Christmas special: with excitement," featuring Nam Jin, Sul Woon-do, Jadu and Seunghee.
Nam Jin reveals his personal fandom for Jang Doyoun and discloses the story behind his decision to appear on Radio Star, and with an impromptu line of "teacher, long time no see" he and Jang Doyoun perform an original "hip dance" demonstration. It turns out he got the idea for the hip dance he shows on stage from Jang Doyoun. Their collaborative dance proceeded, and when Jang Doyoun shouted "Merry Christmas" and delivered a bold performance, a startled Nam Jin quickly ran off, turning the studio into an ocean of laughter.
Nam Jin explains his stage routine of performing about 30 to 40 songs over roughly three hours at his ongoing 60th debut anniversary concerts, and describes a performance method of adjusting tempo with the experience of a 60-year career and his fitness management. At the same time, he confesses, "The moment I hear the title 'oppa,' all fatigue disappears," and "When I see fans' smiles on stage, it's no different from when I was in my 20s," surprising the MCs.
Nam Jin also reveals the debut anecdote that he was cast after singing pop songs in a club and entered the path of a singer. He recounts the process that led him to be called "Korea's Elvis Presley" after his debut, and directly shares the episode of creating the "oppa brigade" culture in Korea, reflecting on his time living as an icon of an era.
He also amuses the set by adding that he inherited not only wealth but also handsome looks from a wealthy father who dominated Jeolla Province. He explains the rumor that "if you like Nam Jin, the road to marriage opens" and even reveals cases where fans actually became matched and married, vividly conveying Nam Jin's fandom and music life that have continued for 60 years.
Still performing in the present tense on his 60th anniversary since debut, Nam Jin once again proves a music life that crosses generations and the enduring power of his fandom. You can see the image of him, who once dominated an era as the original "oppa," on Radio Star, airing Dec. 24 at 10:30 p.m.
[photo] Radio Star
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