Review: This is a review article written after watching the broadcast.
Sung Si Kyung shared behind-the-scenes stories of his activities in Japan and updates on working with his new manager. It also drew attention as a change following past management issues that caused financial damage.
On the 26th, the YouTube channel 'Choi Hwa-jung I am' released the video 'What is Choi Hwa-jung's all-time dish that gourmet Sung Si Kyung praised? (26-year friend, housewarming food)' in which the two mentioned their 26th anniversary since debut and long-standing relationship and had a relaxed conversation.
That day Choi Hwa-jung said, "You're the same now as always. Not arrogant but a confidentness that doesn't grovel," and greeted Sung Si Kyung. She then mentioned Sung Si Kyung's recent solo appearance on Japanese television, saying, "These days it's crazy in Japan. Even with subtitles, he didn't miss a beat when singing. Seeing him go alone without a coordinator or stylist made me choke up."
But Sung Si Kyung explained the practical barriers of working in Japan. He said, "I'm not from one of the big three agencies nor do I have a Japanese company. I don't even have my own company. This is an unprecedented case," and added, "Japan is a market that prefers safety, so you need demand and investment to appear on music programs. Even if you save making an album, you have to spend on promotion—would a record company invest in me? Even if I want to appear on a major program, there's no way if they don't call."
He then mentioned collaborating with his new manager. "The manager who recently took on the work has good connections and is good at the job. While talking with Fuji TV, they said, 'Let's try appearing here,' so the opportunity came," he explained the background for his appearance on Japanese television. He continued, "I received hundreds of Japanese songs I didn't know at all and studied from the beginning. This system is not about singing well but about hitting the correct pitch," and said, "I wanted to put emotion into it, but the key didn't fit, so I adjusted by singing in head voice," describing the stage preparation process.
About the Japanese broadcast video that became a hot topic, he showed a humble attitude, saying, "Suddenly they say I'm Korea's pride, but for me it just added one more item to my resume," and "As I explained on other shows, it's a first foothold that may open up possibilities from now on." He added, "The desperate reason is that I want to look cool to juniors and to be able to give advice when singers are finding their way. To do that, you need to have strength," expressing his determination to continue activities.
Meanwhile, it was revealed that Sung Si Kyung suffered financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions of won from a former manager who had worked with him for more than 10 years and was like family, which drew sympathy. The person had been in charge of overall practical work such as performances, broadcasts and advertisements, and the agency said it feels the responsibility for management and supervision.
Afterwards, with a new manager system that opened the way for activities in Japan, Sung Si Kyung reported that he is creating opportunities despite a difficult environment. Choi Hwa-jung urged, "You need to eat to get strength," and the two's pleasant conversation ended in laughter.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]