Today (22nd) at 7:50 p.m., TV CHOSUN's 식객 허영만의 백반기행 (hereinafter "백반기행") will air, featuring Im Chang Jung, the singer of "Soju One Glass" that prompted nationwide sing-alongs, as they explore Seoul anju.
Whether in singing or acting, the versatile entertainer Im Chang Jung, who has captivated Korea, boasts a special connection with the host. The original author of the film "Beat," in which Im Chang Jung gave a passionate performance as Hwang-gyu, was Heo Yeong, the cartoonist. Im Chang Jung rose as a scene-stealer by creating the legendary line "17 to 1," which is still talked about years later. Reuniting after 29 years, they visit Im Chang Jung's favorite long-established chicken soup restaurant, a barbecue restaurant boasting 10 kinds of kimchi, and a pufferfish specialty restaurant run by a chef with 24 years of experience, staging an anju showdown.
Although he first became known as an actor, it took a long time for Im Chang Jung to debut as a singer, and he shares tearful stories from his unknown early years. While working jobs such as gas delivery and handing out flyers, his life changed with a phone call from actor Lee Byung-hun. He went on to release his first album, but amid indifference and frustration, he revealed the "reverse-charting miracle" when the first album track "Already to Me," which had been playing from a street cart, climbed to number six on music shows. Reportedly, at the restaurant that day he performed "Soju One Glass" and the new song "Crazy Man" live, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a concert.
Meanwhile, a surprise guest visits 백반기행. The identity is Im Chang Jung's wife, Seo Ha-yan. The love story is revealed of how she went from Im Chang Jung's personal stylist to overcoming an 18-year age gap and tying the knot. In addition, he shares the backstory of the song he wrote for his wife, "Again in Love," and sings it himself, turning the moment into a heartfelt confession.
The Seoul anju showdown featuring Im Chang Jung, the jack-of-all-trades with consistently strong vocals and a bold wit, can be seen today (22nd) at 7:50 p.m. on TV CHOSUN's 식객 허영만의 백반기행 Seoul episode.
[Photo] TV CHOSUN
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