Popera singer Lim Hyung-joo's mother revealed why she turned down a $5 million contract.
On the October 14th episode of MBN's variety show 'Dongchimi', various stories were shared under the theme 'YES Man Special: Why Can't I Say No'.
During the broadcast, Lim Hyung-joo recalled the time when he was in talks with a global record label.
Lim stated, "In 2003, I sang the national anthem at the inauguration of the late President Roh Moo-hyun," adding, "I was the youngest ever to perform the anthem at such an event, and the performance was broadcast to over 150 countries, garnering international attention."
Later that year, he made headlines with his debut recital at New York's Carnegie Hall at the age of 17. Following this performance, three major global record labels expressed interest in attending his shows.
Lim revealed, "The record label offered a five-year exclusive contract worth $5 million, which is approximately 50 billion won at today's exchange rate," leaving the audience in awe. MC Kim Yong-man remarked, "50 billion won 25 years ago is incredible."
However, Lim's mother, Helen Kim, made a surprising decision after hearing the contract terms. She expressed concerns that "an exclusive contract would allow the company to dictate the number of performances and the direction of activities," and instead proposed, "We will handle the performances and production ourselves, and you can take only a portion of the profits."
Lim added, "My mom proposed an 80-20 split in our favor."
The reason behind this decision was unique. Helen Kim stated, "If he hadn't sung the national anthem, I might have wavered, but I couldn't hand over my son, who sang the anthem, just for money," showing deep affection for her son and their country.
Reporter Na-yeon Cho, TenAsia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr