Singer Jin Seong Confesses to Using Alcohol to Cope with Emptiness During 40 Years of Obscurity
Singer Jin Seong shared the struggles of his 40-year career as an unknown artist, the story behind selling one million copies of his medley albums, and the inspiration for "Don't Tackle Me," which was born from hearing his father's voice, on MBN's Kim Ju-ha's Day, Night.
Singer Jin Seong has opened up about the psychological distress he endured during his long 40-year period of obscurity and the dramatic moment of success that changed his life. Appearing on MBN's 'Kim Ju-ha's Day and Night' aired on the 25th, Jin sat down with senior singer Kang Jin to candidly share his inner thoughts.
Recalling those difficult times, Jin confessed to a deep sense of emptiness that resided in his heart. "As my years of obscurity stretched on and I drifted from one late-night stage to another, I felt a profound emptiness deep inside," he said, sharing the pain of that period. "To soothe that feeling, I repeatedly lived a life of drinking with people after work."
An audition opportunity that led to 1 million medley album sales
The turning point that ended his endless waiting was his medley album. Jin revealed that he struggled and wandered without direction due to a lack of recording experience at the time. However, while visiting a studio to record a medley album at the suggestion of lyricist Kim Byung-geol, he unexpectedly landed an audition opportunity. Just three months after the audition, he received a call, and his subsequent album set a record by selling 1 million copies at once, earning him the nickname 'The Four Kings of Medleys.'
This album, which propelled him onto the path of success, became the most significant turning point in Jin's musical career. It served as the decisive moment that allowed him to overcome the limitations of a rookie with zero recording experience and make a name for himself with the public.
Insights from auditory hallucinations of his father and 'Don't Tackle Me'
One of his signature songs, 'Don't Tackle Me,' carries a heartbreaking behind-the-scenes story. Jin explained that the song was created based on an insight he gained after hearing the voice of his late father as an auditory hallucination. Along with the nationally beloved 'At Andong Station,' this song demonstrates his musical depth.
During the broadcast, Jin delivered a live performance of 'Don't Tackle Me.' He proved why he is called the godfather of trot, showcasing his signature powerful vocals and stage charisma. After finishing the performance, he once again solidified his presence as a singer who endured a long period of obscurity to reach the top.
