'Sim Soo-bong's grandson' suspicions of preferential treatment highlighted 'Burning Trotman'

Although ‘ex-convict’ Hwang Young-woong is missing, ‘Burning Trotman’ is creaking again. It's been 50 days. This time, following Hwang Young-woong, it is Son Tae-jin. Son Tae-jin, known as the grandson of legendary singer Shim Soo-bong, has emerged as a strong candidate for the championship and is being suspected of being a pushover.

To participant Son Tae-jin, Shim Soo-bong is an aunt. Shim Soo-bong said that he "intentionally did not contact" his maternal nephew, Son Tae-jin, but he openly showed his affection by appearing together on TV. It's been 44 years since Shim Soo-bong appeared on a variety show. This is my first appearance on an audition program. It was Shim Soo-bong who gave up mysticism for the sake of his family.

Shim Soo-bong is 69 years old this year. He appeared on 'Burning Trotman' and showed off his skills by singing 'My Four Seasons' on the spot. Here, while watching the participants' stage, they stood up and did a 'surprise dance', showing excitement. As the godmother of the music industry, she put great effort into the program featuring her grandson, making her familiar to the public.

He also gave generous advice as a judge to other Trotmen, including Taejin Son. They admired the participants' performances and also delivered messages of support. Contrary to his image of being calm and quiet, Shim Soo-bong showed off his unique sense of entertainment with his easy-going and cheerful appearance.

Son Tae-jin also chose Shim Soo-bong's song in both the first and second rounds of the semifinals, thanks to his aunt's support and bitter words. In the first round duet match, he and Hwang Young-woong chose Shim Soo-bong's 'Binari'.

Before performing on stage, Son Tae-jin said, “This mission is more important to me than ever,” and added, “This is my first time singing in front of my aunt (Sim Soo-bong). “It’s my first time singing it, and it’s my aunt’s grandmother’s song,” he confessed.

Shim Soo-bong, who watched the two people on stage, looked proud and satisfied. Shim Soo-bong expressed his affection for ‘Binari’, saying, “It is the song that helped me meet my husband, the match made in heaven.” He said, “I felt sad today and thought about whether Taejin (who is not married) would know how I felt, but he sang the song so well that I don’t know what to do. “Thank you,” he said in his review. The two received a high score of 330 points.

In the second round individual exhibition, Shim Soo-bong's 'A Million Roses' was also selected. Shim Soo-bong, the original singer, praised the singer, saying, “He sang the song well and in a standard way.”

Taejin Son is a contestant who previously won the first season of JTBC's 'Phantom Singer'. In this 'Burning Trotman', the vocal Trot singing method was used, creating a different atmosphere from the existing traditional Trot. A person who can attract attention with just his skills and stardom, even without the help of his family.

That's why this suspicion of 'blood relations push' is even more unfortunate. Although Son Tae-jin has outstanding skills and a handsome appearance, he has been labeled as 'Sim Soo-bong's grandson'. Although his name became more known thanks to Shim Soo-bong, there are concerns that his name may fade because of him.

The final winner of ‘Burning Trotman’ will be announced on the 7th. In the absence of strong championship candidate Hwang Young-woong, it is Son Tae-jin who is in the most advantageous position. This is because he has a fandom as big as Hwang Young-woong.

However, even if he wins the championship crown with the tag of ‘Shim Soo-bong’s grandson’, it is a bit uncomfortable to be sincerely congratulated. In any case, if he is selected as the '1st Trotman', Son Tae-jin has a lot of homework to solve in the future. He must continue to prove that he is not a replacement for Hwang Young-woong and that he is not a replacement for Shim Soo-bong.

Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr