"My looks might not fully trigger that maternal instinct," Park Hyun-ho said with a laugh. "In trot, that kind of appeal really matters."

The singer released his new digital single "Jom Chine" on December 19 and is now in his fifth year as a trot artist. He has endured the long grind, but the breakout moment is still ahead. What's certain is that he hasn't stopped pushing forward. As competition in the trot scene intensifies, Park Hyun-ho is betting on constant reinvention.

Taking Dance Trot to TikTok Live

Unexpectedly, Park Hyun-ho's latest strategy centers on TikTok. "I recently started live streams and was shocked when around 600 people tuned in," he said. "There were lots of fans in their 40s and 50s, too."

Traditionally, trot singers rely on Daum and Naver cafes or YouTube. Why TikTok? "I wanted to meet new fans through live streams and short-form content. I thought it would showcase my strengths best."

Dance trot is Park Hyun-ho's specialty. Songs like "Don Don Don" and "Let's Laugh" all fall into that category. Before trot, he was a member of the idol group ToppDogg, so dance has always been his forte. During the interview, he casually pulled out his phone and filmed a challenge video for "Jom Chine" on the spot—an instinctive move that reflects a veteran's adaptability.

"Hit Songs Are Born in Singing Classes"

For trot singers, nationwide singing classes are essential. According to past reports, there are around 5,000 such classes in Korea, with roughly four million participants annually. Many credit them as a foundation of trot's golden era.

"I'll go anywhere if it's a singing class," Park Hyun-ho said. "Hearing them sing my song is the best feeling. In big regions, there can be 2,500 people at once. I always imagine them all becoming my fans—and I'm determined to make that day come."

Asked about a performance he'll never forget, he didn't hesitate. "Ulleungdo. The waves were so rough that day, I got terrible seasickness. In the footage, my face is all swollen. I still regret not giving a better performance."

One Song for Three Years Is a Thing of the Past

"These days, it's like the idol market," he said. "Audition shows keep coming, and new singers debut nonstop. Survival and endurance are everything. Every single day is a battle of ideas."

The notion of sustaining a career with one song for three years no longer applies. New releases are crucial for broadcast opportunities, which still hold immense influence in trot. That's why Park Hyun-ho keeps writing.

He composes and writes his own music, including "Jom Chine." "I wanted a song that really carries my color—cheerful, fun, and honest, without a mask."

What does the title mean? "In boxing, when someone throws a good punch, people say, 'You've got a punch—jom chine.' These days it's used positively. It's like, 'This feels new,' 'I can do anything today.' It's a good, uplifting expression."

From Idol to Musical Actor to Trot Singer

"I trained for three years, debuted as an idol, briefly went solo, even played a lead role in a musical. After military service, I started trot. Honestly, I've barely taken a day off. I've always kept moving for the future."

Looking back, Park Hyun-ho believes trot suits him best. He was too young during his idol days, with many limitations—especially in fan culture. "Trot lets you breathe and connect directly with fans. That fits me perfectly."

He admits to some regrets. "If I'd practiced then the way I do now, I might've been a better singer sooner. But those lessons help me endure and grow as a trot artist today."

This February, Park Hyun-ho will become a father. He married fellow singer Eun Ga-eun—who placed seventh on Miss Trot 2—in April 2025. "It's incredibly precious and overwhelming," he said. "I have so many plans. Now, as a family of three, we'll build them one by one."