Singer Hwang Garam Reflects on Overcoming Debt and Struggles of Obscurity

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Singer Hwang Garam recently opened up about overcoming the challenges of his obscure years and clearing significant debts.

On the 29th, Hwang Garam appeared on Kim Bum-soo's channel 'Kim Bum-soo's I Want to Hear' and caught attention by discussing the resurgence of his song 'I Am a Firefly'.

In the released video, Kim Bum-soo asked Hwang Garam, "I heard your period of obscurity was long. How long was it?" Hwang Garam replied, "It's true that I was homeless for a while, and some people think I just came out of Seoul Station recently, but that's not the case."

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Hwang Garam continued, "Before 'Firefly' became successful, I worked part-time at Coupang and a side dish store. Even when 'Firefly' was gaining popularity, I was working at a side dish store in Hwaseong."

Living and working at his aunt's side dish store, Hwang Garam shared, "I would wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning to cut heavy radishes or cabbages. My aunt was so moved when she saw the song climbing the charts in real-time, asking, 'What is happening?'"

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He also remembered the fellow musicians who were with him during his obscure days. Hwang Garam said, "A brother I met while homeless still lets me stay at his place, feeds me, and even arranged 'Immortal Songs' for me. Those who helped me back then are still my colleagues today."

Recently, Hwang Garam resolved the debt issues that had weighed on him for so long. He shared, "I was behind on rent for over six months, but now I've paid off all my debts. I paid it all in cash, and being able to express gratitude is more precious than the joy of earning money."

Reporter Na-yeon Cho, TenAsia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr