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K-Pop Star Song Ga-in Captivates Youth with Her Timeless Influence
Amidst the ongoing audition shows like MBN's 'Legend of the Unknown - Trot Men's Ranking Battle', 'Current King 3', and TV CHOSUN's 'Miss Trot 4', numerous young contestants are choosing Song Ga-in's tracks such as 'Mom Arirang', 'Wolha Gayak', and 'Geomungo Ya', showcasing her cross-generational influence.
Since winning 'Miss Trot 1' in 2019, contestants like Kim Ji-yul from 'Miss Trot 2', Koo Min-seo, No Gyu-ri, and Bin Ye-seo from 'Miss Trot 3', and Bae Seo-yeon from 'Miss Trot 4' have performed her songs. Additionally, Lee Soo-yeon from 'Current King 3' and Hong Seung-hyun from 'Legend of the Unknown' have passionately sung her music. Song Ga-in's songs are repeatedly chosen across different generations and programs.
The average age of these contestants singing Song Ga-in's songs is around 12. Song Ga-in herself began formal training in traditional Korean music at a similar age. Starting from the same point, young Song Ga-in upheld the roots of 'tradition' and rose to the top, and now children of that age are testing their dreams with her music.
Among many aspiring young singers, Song Ga-in has become a 'role model'. Her songs embody the longing and sorrow of traditional trot, with clear emotional progression and technique, showcasing the fundamentals of traditional trot. Young audition contestants choose her songs to demonstrate their skills and pay respect.
Her influence extends beyond musical achievements to symbolic significance. As an artist with a background in traditional Korean music, Song Ga-in has bridged traditional and popular music. Recently, her song 'Gainieora' was included in middle school textbooks, establishing her as a cultural icon beyond just a star. The name 'Song Ga-in' itself is becoming a genre, adding to its significance.
Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr