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| Singer Jeong Dong-won poses during an online press event Wednesday. Courtesy of Show PLAY Entertainment |
By Dong Sun-hwa
TV Chosun's "Mr. Trot," a singing survival show for male singers of trot music ― which enjoyed its heyday in Korea during the 1960s and '70s ― was undoubtedly one of the most popular programs last year. All seven winners from "Mr. Trot" rose to meteoric stardom thanks to the show's success, and Jeong Dong-won, the youngest one, became a household name.
Jeong was a standout among all the contenders largely because of his young age: he was only 13 in 2020 when he won the title. So many people called him a trot "prodigy." With his first full-length album, "The Giving Tree," which hit shelves Wednesday, he is now ready to prove that he deserves the nickname.
"It has taken about a year-and-a-half for me to gear up for the album, as I endeavored to make it perfect," Jeong said during an online press conference Wednesday. The event was held a few hours before the album's release.
"I know I cannot remain a child forever… So in this album, I tried to display how I am gradually growing up and becoming more mature. In the past, I sang on the stage because I loved to do so, but now, I am more serious about singing and I have more thoughts in my mind, too."
Defying the expectation that he would put out an album packed with trot songs, Jeong included the tracks of various genres, ranging from a British-style pop ballad to hip-hop to disco, to show his well-roundedness. One of the lead singles ― "Goodbye My Love" ― is a sentimental ballad written by Cho Young-soo, one of the judges on "Mr. Trot."
"The song will remind the listeners of beautiful memories they share with their loved ones," he said. "I hope it can bring solace to those who have lost people they loved. Another lead track, 'Forget-me-not' is also a sentimental tune about a breakup."
"Grandpa's Saxophone," is a song dedicated to Jeong's late grandfather.
"Through this piece, I want to show my appreciation to my grandfather for greatly influencing me to become a singer," he said. "In fact, he also inspired me to come up with the album's title… I named it, 'The Giving Tree,' as I wanted to dedicate it to my grandfather who gave me unconditional love like a giving tree."
During the event, the five other winners from "Mr. Trot" ― Lim Young-woong, Jang Min-ho, Lee Chan-won, Kim Hee-jae and Young Tak ― sent Jeong a congratulatory message via a video call.
"People might be able to witness Jeong's maturity this time," Lim said.
Describing the six winners as his family members, Jeong said he has learned a lot from them.
"They give me a lot of energy, too," he added.
The 14-year-old singer wrapped up the press conference by revealing his goal.
"I want to take first place on a music show," he said.
Jeong is scheduled to hold his first solo concerts, "1st JEONG DONG WON's TALK CONCERT," on Nov. 26, Nov. 27 and Nov. 28 at Blue Square in central Seoul.
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