Kang Jin reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the reverse surge of 'Ttaengbeol'... Became a star thanks to Jo In-sung

Singer Kang Jin appeared on MBN’s ’Kim Juha’s Day and Night’ and shared the behind-the-scenes story of the resurgence of his hit song ’Ttaengbeol,’ expressing gratitude to actor Jo In-sung. On the show, Kang Jin explained that ’Ttaengbeol’ was known mainly among middle-aged and older listeners for about five years after it was recorded in 2001, and that trot music was not as popular then as it is now. He said, ″At that time, trot was not a boom. Even after promoting it for about five years, it was only slightly known among the middle-aged and older generation.″ As the turning point, Kang Jin mentioned the scene in the movie ’A Dirty Carnival’ where Jo In-sung sings ’Ttaengbeol.’ He said, ″One day, a junior singer told me that Jo In-sung sings ’Ttaengbeol’ in the movie. When I went to the theater and watched the film, people were asking what song it was and saying it was fun.″ He added, ″Not long after, I woke up to find I had become a star. My schedule started filling up, and before, I had to ask to get schedules, but then calls came to my home asking me to appear.″ Kang Jin said, ″When I appeared and left, they thanked me. Everything completely changed,″ and shared that he became the first trot singer to take first place on ’Music Bank.’ He revealed that the competitor at the time was Kim Dong-wan of Shinhwa. Regarding his feelings about the popularity, Kang Jin said, ″I was overwhelmed. It felt like I was floating on a cloud. I received that much love from people. I handled up to 10 schedules.″ He also joked, ″I made Jo In-sung win the Best Actor award. Everyone says that ’Ttaengbeol’ did well because Jo In-sung sang it, which is true, but to be precise, I was the one who elevated Jo In-sung to the next level,″ then added, ″I am thankful and grateful to Jo In-sung.″