Singer Heo Chan-mi reveals the secret to her success on 'Miss Trot 4'—her extraordinary vocal trainer.
On the upcoming episode of TV CHOSUN's 'Dad and Me Season 3,' airing on the 15th, Heo Chan-mi, known as the 'Seven-time Comeback Trot Phoenix,' will share her daily life with her family for the first time. Heo Chan-mi started as a trainee at SM Entertainment at the age of 13 and was part of the debut lineup for Girls' Generation, but she never debuted. After six years as a trainee, she debuted with the idol group 'Co-Ed School,' but activities were halted just two months later. She then left 'F-ve Dolls,' facing further challenges in her entertainment career. Despite participating in shows like 'Produce 101,' 'Mix Nine,' and 'Miss Trot 2,' she struggled with negative comments and failed to gain recognition.
Particularly during 'Produce 101,' she became a victim of so-called 'evil editing.' Her vocal mistakes, due to vocal cord nodules, were repeatedly broadcast, drawing public criticism. Her sister claimed it was unfair editing. As Heo Chan-mi struggled, her parents wished she would give up her dream of becoming a singer. However, with a final attempt, she entered 'Miss Trot 4' and proudly secured the runner-up position, earning the nickname 'Seven-time Comeback Trot Phoenix.'
After 17 years of ups and downs, Heo Chan-mi finally found success. She stated, "I started learning from this teacher while preparing for 'Miss Trot 2.' They are excellent in trot and have a background in music, so I actively sought their guidance. I believe I wouldn't be in this position without them." Her vocal trainer was a composer who had written songs for famous singers like Nam Jin, Park Woo-chul, Kim Yoon-hee, and Kim Soo-ran. As a former vocal trainer for artists like Park Woo-chul, Choi Jin-hee, Yoon Hee-sang, and Kim Soo-ran, they were the perfect mentor for Heo Chan-mi's transition to trot.
Heo Chan-mi's vocal trainer even received a call from the 'eternal oppa' Nam Jin, who praised Heo Chan-mi, saying, "She's a promising junior with musical talent." The trainer responded, "Please guide her well," entrusting Heo Chan-mi to Nam Jin. However, during training sessions, the atmosphere was intense. As soon as Heo Chan-mi sang a line, the trainer stopped her, demanding, "Aren't you going to do it right?" This relentless pursuit of perfection helped elevate Heo Chan-mi's 'trot power,' drawing attention to the identity of her strict vocal trainer.
Heo Chan-mi will also share her loving family life with her 'affectionate' father, who supports his wife and daughter, and her 'adorable' mother, who even considered joining 'Miss Trot 4' with her daughter. After winning the runner-up position on 'Miss Trot 4,' Heo Chan-mi was moved to tears upon hearing her parents' feelings for the first time. The behind-the-scenes story of 'Miss Trot 4' will be revealed on 'Dad and Me,' airing at 10 PM.
Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr