Singer Tae Jin-ah to Debut in Japan
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Veteran trot singer Tae Jin-ah will make his debut in Japan with his new album made in collaboration with renowned Japanese musicians.
The 56-year-old singer said that he worked with celebrated Japanese composer Keisuke Hama and lyrist Ikki Matsmoto on the album at a press conference, Monday.
Tae began his singing career in Korea in 1971 and has released numerous hit albums over the last 38 years. He has been hailed as a ``king'' of trot music.
``I had the opportunity to sing a song for Hama when I first met him in Seoul 18 years ago. At that time, he offered for me to work in Japan but I couldn't because my songs were already big hits here. I recorded songs but couldn't release an album,'' he said. Last year, he and Hama began talking again about his activity in Japan, and started recording songs last October.
But he emphasized that he will promote Korean songs (trot) and not enka (a Japanese popular music genre). ``Through my activity, I will take a lead role in enhancing the cultural exchange between Korea and Japan and become Tae Jin-ah of Asia,'' he said.
Hama said that Tae's voice is versatile in its ability to cross genres. ``His husky and powerful voice was very attractive when I first heard it 18 years ago. I am sure that he will make it big in Japan,'' he said. He will kick off his activities in Japan on Sept. 14.
Considered to be the oldest form of Korean pop music, Tae took the trot music scene by storm with his debut in the 70's. With hits on every album and sweeping trot music awards across the board, Tae continues to put the spotlight on trot music, which has slowly gained more appeal with the younger generation.
His most famous songs include ``Babo'' and ``Love Isn't For Anybody To Do.'' Aside from crooning on stage, Tae hosts a radio program, the Tae Jin Ah Show Show Show.