Uhm Jung-hwa, a 'dance singer' at an age when others worry about joint health

Uhm Jung-hwa, known as Korea's legendary diva, is still active even after her 30th debut anniversary. From being an older sister full of humanity to being a charismatic singer and an actor with a variety of acting skills, Uhm Jung-hwa's potential remains as she acts without boundaries.

Uhm Jeong-hwa is appearing as the main character Cha Jeong-suk in JTBC's 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook', which is currently airing. 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook', which began broadcasting for the first time on the 15th, is a drama depicting the life of Cha Jeong-sook, who went from a housewife of 20 years to a first-year resident. The sight of a woman whose career was interrupted trying again to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor is receiving positive response, eliciting support and sympathy from viewers.

In a recent broadcast, her husband, Seo In-ho (played by Kim Byeong-cheol), was shown astonished by Cha Jeong-sook's admission to the hospital and began to sabotage her. Seo In-ho kept their marital relationship a secret and did not hesitate to say harsh words to Cha Jeong-suk in a strict superior-subordinate relationship and did his best to push Cha Jeong-suk away. However, Cha Jeong-sook also did not give in to her husband's sabotage and continued her residency steadfastly. The sight of Seo In-ho confronting her at a dinner party and making a refreshing counterattack by telling her that her husband is dead brought laughter.

At the center of the popularity of ‘Doctor Cha Jeong-sook’ is Uhm Jeong-hwa. Cha Jeong-sook is a character who survives a life-or-death crisis and tries again to pursue a major that she gave up 20 years ago. Uhm Jeong-hwa convincingly portrayed the process of a woman experiencing a career break, awakening to live as 'me', and pioneering a life without being defeated by opposition and prejudice from those around her. In the topicality survey for the third week of April (April 17 to April 23) released by Good Data Corporation, Uhm Jung-hwa ranked first in the drama cast category and also ranked first in the TV-OTT integrated chart.

Following the drama, Uhm Jung-hwa has not stopped her stage activities. Appearing on tvN's 'Dance Singer Wandering Troupe', which will be aired for the first time on May 25th. ‘Dance Singer Wandering Troupe’ is the story of a national tour concert featuring Uhm Jung-hwa, Kim Wan-sun, Lee Hyori, BoA, and Hwasa traveling around the country to meet fans in person and enjoy them together. Traveling around the country, the five members perform solo performances with different themes on each stage. Hit songs representing each artist's career are included in the setlist of each performance. Uhm Jung-hwa presents another ‘legendary stage’ with her hit songs.

Uhm Jung-hwa recently showed thorough self-management through her YouTube channel ‘Umaizing Uhm Jung-hwa TV’. Uhm Jung-hwa, who is currently managing her diet, made a diet menu and ate it, saying, "I am building muscle these days, so I have to eat carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables three hours before exercising. I have to eat something that can satisfy these three things."

Uhm Jung-hwa, who says she hates exercise, was surprised when she revealed that she uses mind control thinking she 'likes exercise'. He said, "I was injured and couldn't exercise for almost a year and a half. As a result, I lost every muscle in my body. It was difficult to even walk around the house. I lost muscle in my hind legs," and emphasized, "As you get older, you need to build muscles like insurance." did. He also said, "I don't like (exercise), but I changed my mind to say that I like it out of necessity. I don't think I want to exercise. I changed it to 'I like exercise.' It works. You just have to think that you like it."

Born in 1969, Uhm Jeong-hwa is 54 years old. He debuted in the 1992 movie 'Marriage Story' and released his first full-length album as a singer in 1993. Now, 30 years later, Eom Jeong-hwa takes thorough self-care and is more active than those in their 20s and 30s, at an age when others would worry about joint health. No matter how you introduce yourself as an ‘actor’ or as a ‘singer’, there is no problem. This is why, even after 30 years of activity, Uhm Jeong-hwa is called ‘50s Sister’ and receives applause.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr