Lip Sync Controversy Puts South Korea’s Top Female Singer Queen of Trot in Retirement Crisis

“The Queen of Trot” — A popular female singer known by this title in South Korea is currently in a difficult situation. Rumors of a retirement crisis surround Jang Yoon-jeong (44). Trot is a genre of vintage songs passed down through generations, akin to Japanese enka. Jang Yoon-jeong is credited with introducing the charm of trot, which has many middle-aged fans, to younger audiences.

“She debuted in 1999, showcasing her dance skills honed as a cheerleader at Seoul Arts University and her idol-like adorable smile, quickly becoming a popular singer. Her song ‘Omona!’, released in 2003, was a major hit, winning the Grand Prize in the Adult Pop category at the Seoul Music Awards. In 2007, she held a concert tour in six major cities, including Tokyo and Osaka, in Japan. Her music videos feature Kenichi Mikawa in a guest appearance.

The popularity of trot led by Jang Yoon-jeong has also spread to Japan, with ‘Trot Girls Japan’ held in Odaiba, Tokyo, this August. Her domestic popularity is remarkable; according to a survey by the polling company ‘Korea Gallup,’ she ranks sixth among all artists in South Korea as a ‘Favorite Artist.’ Among men in their 50s, she shines as the number one favorite” (Korean newspaper reporter).

She has no regard for her fans.

The trigger for the stumble of the immensely popular Jang Yoon-jeong was a live performance held in late August in Incheon, northwest of Seoul.

“According to Korean media outlet ‘Korea Wave,’ allegations of ‘lip-syncing’ arose during two of the four songs she performed. After the concert, videos were posted on YouTube, and there was a noticeable mismatch between the music and her lip movements. The suspicion quickly spread online, sparking a heated debate.

While some defended her, saying, ‘Since it’s a performance with dancing, lip-syncing shouldn’t be criticized,’ others were outraged, arguing, ‘She’s disregarding her fans’ and ‘Those who came to the live show want to hear her real voice.”

As the controversy escalated, demands flooded in for Jang Yoon-jeong to refrain from participating in music events and programs. Television networks and event companies are struggling to respond.

“In response to the uproar, Jang Yoon-jeong’s agency stated, ‘We never lip-sync or just move our lips.’ However, the controversy intensified as allegations of ‘lip-syncing’ at other events also surfaced. This year marks the 25th anniversary of her debut, and she is currently on tour, but perhaps due to the scandal, ticket sales have not been promising. If criticism continues to rise, there is even a risk of her halting her activities.”

Troubles have hit the ‘Queen of Trot’ at the height of her popularity. Whether she can calm the situation and once again enchant the Korean public with her singing voice remains uncertain.