'Unknown' Korean singers prove tops in China
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Hwang Chi-yeol, above, and Jeong Soon-won
Singers Hwang Chi-yeol and Jeong Soon-won are making hallyu history in China, where they have risen to stardom after being unknown there.
The singers found fame on the Chinese TV talent contest “I Am a Singer” on Hunan TV.
Hwang, who appeared on the program on Jan. 15 as the only foreigner, came second out of eight competitors. Jeong, whose stage name is The One, appeared in February 2015 representing Korea, and was ranked third.
Hwang and Jeong made their debuts in China without achieving megastar status in Korea. Neither was globally recognized like BigBang or Girls’ Generation nor hallyu megastar actors like Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun from “My Love from the Star.”
“Popular Korean stars from variety shows, TV dramas or movies imported into China are top of the list in China, but those with no such local popularity have to start from rock bottom,” said a Korean music label company CEO, according to Yonhap news agency.
“Hwang and Jeong, who broke into the Chinese showbiz industry with their appearances on Hunan TV, have done something quite amazing.”
With more than 350,000 Weibo followers, Hwang appeared on a Chinese TV talk show on Tuesday and will model for Chinese online shopping mall YGQQ.
Jeong, with 700,000 Weibo followers, will release an album in China in March. He will also perform at up to 15 events between May and July and will give a solo concert at the end of this year.