The Rebirth of Cheon Rok-Dam: From Ballad to Trot
Explore Cheon Rok-Dam’s Journey from Lee Jung to a Trot Star on ‘Radio Star’
Cheon Rok-Dam’s Fascinating Journey to Stardom
On tonight’s episode of MBC’s renowned talk show ‘Radio Star’, the spotlight is on the extraordinary journey of Cheon Rok-Dam, previously known as Lee Jung. Cheon spills the beans on his transformation from a well-known ballad singer to a rising trot sensation, a genre deeply embedded in his family history.
#### From Ballad to Trot: A Rebirth
Originally debuting in 2004 under the name Lee Jung, Cheon rose to fame with hits like ‘I’ll Be Back’ and ‘No Tomorrow’. However, despite his success, he vividly recalls the struggles of that period, stating, “I often questioned if this was the right path for me.” The decision to change his name, inspired by Baengnokdam and Cheonji, marked a turning point, allowing him to embark on a fresh musical journey.
#### The DNA of Music in His Blood
Music runs in Cheon’s family. “My grandfather was a Pansori master, and my father a trot singer,” he reveals. Despite his initial aversion to trot, performances on ‘Mister Trot 3’ with songs like ‘The Candlelight of My Heart’ made him realize that trot was his true calling.
#### A Twist of Fate on Jeju Island
There was a time when Cheon had bid goodbye to the spotlight, living a quiet life on Jeju Island. Watching ‘Mister Trot 1’, he often wondered what might have been if he had participated. It was a heartfelt message from his wife—“You are not yourself without singing”—that reignited his passion, leading him to pursue a career in trot.
#### Triumphant Return to the Spotlight
Competing in ‘Mister Trot 3’, Cheon captured hearts and reached the semi-finals with his powerful performances, becoming a viral sensation and winning over fans with his genuine emotion.
Cheon candidly shares, “Now, I feel I am performing my truest self,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with the audience. His inspiring tale of identity and passion aired at 10:30 PM.
#### ‘Radio Star’: A Platform for Real Stories
MBC’s ‘Radio Star’ continues to be a unique platform drawing out the genuine stories of celebrities, thanks to its unscripted format and dynamic hosts. Be sure not to miss Cheon’s heartfelt revelations on this week’s engaging episode.
