Remembering Hyun-chul: A Tribute to the Legendary Trot Singer on His First Anniversary

On July 15, 2024, the beloved trot singer Hyun-chul (현철), who passed away at the age of 82, was commemorated on the first anniversary of his death. Known for his hit songs like 'Love is Like a Butterfly' (사랑은 나비인가봐), 'Bongseonhwa Yeonjeong' (봉선화 연정), and 'I Don't Like It' (싫다 싫어), Hyun-chul left an indelible mark on the Korean music scene.

Reflecting on personal memories, one writer recalls a poignant moment from 1986 when a senior student sang Hyun-chul's 'Love is Like a Butterfly' during a university gathering, captivating everyone with his heartfelt rendition. At a time when the student movement was dominated by protest songs, the choice of a trot song was both surprising and refreshing.

Hyun-chul, who endured years of obscurity, finally rose to fame in his late 40s, winning the KBS Song Festival award in 1989 with 'Bongseonhwa' and again in 1990 with 'I Don't Like It.' His unique vocal style, characterized by precise pitch bends, became a hallmark of his music. Alongside fellow artists Song Dae-kwan, Tae Jin-ah, and Seol Woon-do, he was celebrated as one of the 'Four Kings of Trot' in the late 1980s.

Following his passing, an obituary in the Chosun Ilbo highlighted the sentiments of Park Seong-hoon, a long-time collaborator who described Hyun-chul as a singer who extended the vitality of Korean music, achieving success against the odds in an industry that often sidelined older artists.

In December 2023, a special episode of TV Chosun's 'Tuesday Night is Good' featured a tribute concert in his honor, where Hyun-chul expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt letter to the younger generation of artists who performed in his name.

Hyun-chul's funeral was notably held as a 'National Singer's Funeral,' a first for a Korean artist. On July 18, amidst heavy rain, over 70 fellow singers gathered to bid farewell, singing his hit 'I Think of You All the Time.' Many prominent figures from the music industry paid their respects, including Tae Jin-ah, Seol Woon-do, and Insooni, among others. The outpouring of love and remembrance from fans and peers alike underscores the lasting legacy of Hyun-chul in the world of trot music.