Kim Yong-bin Reveals He Was Offered a Spot in SHINee by Lee Soo-man

In a recent episode of KBS 2TV's 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀), aired on June 1, 2025, Kim Yong-bin, the winner of 'Mr. Trot 3' (미스터트롯3), shared an intriguing revelation about his past. He disclosed that Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment, once offered him a chance to join the popular boy group SHINee. However, he candidly admitted that he declined the offer.

During the show, Kim Yong-bin, along with fellow contestants Son Bin-ah and Cheon Rok-dam, met with Park Myung-soo at Son Bin-ah's home to discuss various topics. After winning 'Mr. Trot 3' and receiving a cash prize of 300 million KRW, Kim mentioned that he used part of the money to pay off debts. He expressed his busy schedule, stating, "I really don’t have time to spend money. Many people are reaching out to me, and I have numerous events. I’m happy to share that I recently filmed my first cosmetics advertisement."

Reflecting on his journey, Kim noted that he felt fortunate not to have participated in the first two seasons of the show, as he ultimately emerged as the winner in the third season. He set a record by being the top choice in the popularity polls for eight consecutive weeks, a feat he acknowledged was not achieved by previous winner Lim Young-woong. He proudly shared that his fan club has grown twentyfold, with 45 buses arriving at a recent event to support him.

When asked about his early singing career, Kim revealed that he had been performing since the age of seven, influenced by his grandmother who raised him on trot music rather than children's songs. He also opened up about the pressure he faced as an adult trying to revive his career, which led to a period of panic disorder that lasted nearly seven years. Despite the challenges, he believes that time was not wasted, as it contributed to his emotional depth in music.

In a heartfelt moment, Kim shared that his aunt was overjoyed when he won 'Mr. Trot 3,' as she had played a significant role in his upbringing. He recalled his grandmother's encouragement before her passing, urging him to work hard on the show, which motivated him to participate.

On the same day, Kim Yong-bin, Son Bin-ah, and Cheon Rok-dam surprised fans with a guerrilla concert at KBS, allowing them to connect closely with their supporters.