Im Chang-jung Shares Love Story with Wife Seo Ha-yan on 'Baekban Journey'

Singer Im Chang-jung made a rare variety show appearance on TV CHOSUN's 'Baekban Journey with Heo Young-man' on the 22nd, where he explored Seoul's culinary delights with Heo Young-man and shared his love story with his wife, Seo Ha-yan.

During the episode, Im Chang-jung reminisced about his connection with Heo Young-man, the original author of the movie 'Beat' in which he starred in 1997. He recalled, “When the movie was released, I also received a music award for 'Again Then'.”

Im introduced a chicken soup restaurant he has frequented for 15 years, continuing the conversation. When Heo Young-man compared his dual career as an actor and singer to Elvis Presley, Im responded, “I was always curious and couldn't stay still. My dream was to become an entertainer.”

Regarding his singing debut, Im explained, “After the movie 'Nambugun,' I had nowhere to go, so I visited Lee Byung-hun, who I had worked with in a drama. He suddenly connected me with teacher Um Ki-baek, who directed me to a recording studio.” He added, “I sang there, and they told me to start practicing for a musical from the next day.”

Im recalled, “There was a record producer at the musical performance, and I debuted, but no one noticed. Then, 'Already to Me' played in Daehak-ro. I was so overwhelmed that I listened to it all there, and it played again from a cart. Eventually, it reached 6th place on a music show.”
How did you meet your wife, Seo Ha-yan?Im performed a live rendition of 'A Glass of Soju' at another restaurant, prompting patrons to sing along and applaud, proving the song's enduring popularity. Seo Ha-yan made a surprise appearance on 'Baekban Journey,' sharing their first meeting: “I was having snacks with a friend, and Im Chang-jung was behind us, asking us to buy him a beer,” she laughed.

Im added, “I eventually got her phone number,” to which Seo Ha-yan responded, “From the next day, he expressed his feelings so actively that I was completely smitten, wondering if it was a dream.”

Im Chang-jung, who recently released his new song 'Crazy Guy,' also expressed his desire to return to acting in films and dramas through a recent radio appearance.

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