As the viewers of Youtube have increased in Korea, Youtubers who target them are also increasing. Yoyomi, who is a new Trot singer from Cheongju, is one of them. By interviewing her, CBT investigated how so many Youtubers have become so popular so quickly. -Ed.


1. Trot is more unfamiliar to younger generations than other genres of music. Why did you choose Trot?

  My father is a Trot singer with 30 years of experience. Since I was six years old, I have followed my father. At that time, I sang along with my father’s songs, and I discovered Trot naturally. I always listened to Trot singers like Sim Soo-bong and Hyeeun, and I was entranced by them. As a result, I became a Trot singer. At first, my father objected to me being a singer because he was an unknown singer and knew how hard the lives of singers were. However, I didn’t give up and continued to try to be a singer. After much persistence, my father finally permitted me to follow my dream. Now, he is one of my most reliable supporters. Most of my singing career has been influenced by my father.

2. What do you think is the best attraction of Trot?

  I think that Trot is the best genre to express honest emotions. Trot’s emotional lyrics and melodies are the unique characteristics that distinguish it from others. I’ve sung a lot of Trot songs, but I still feel that I need to try harder. Also, I’m used to expressing emotions by Trot because I started my life with Trot. Therefore, Trot is such precious music to me.

3. Why did you start on Youtube?

  I created a Youtube homepage this January. Many people on Youtube cover various music, like the latest songs, pop songs, etc. However, Trot is an uncommon genre on Youtube, so I decided to introduce Trot there. Also, my fans consist of my uncle and father. I want to sing songs that they love and that make them happy. At first, there were some hateful comments on my homepage, and my parents were worried about them. However, these days, many fans encourage me, and my parents also like my Youtube activities. Recently, they have watched my Youtube videos and have told me which songs were the best.

4. Although you started the Youtube page recently, you have become famous rapidly. What is your secret?

  I have received the spotlight in less than two months. Even I didn’t expect this much popularity. I think that the most significant reason for my reputation is the increase of middle-aged people on Youtube. Most of my fans are between 50 and 60 years of age. Moreover, there are a few other Trot channels on Youtube, so I have received exposure from them as well. My unexpected charm also contributes to my popularity. One fan said that I seem to be a whole different person. In general, I look like a little girl rather than a singer. Thankfully, my fans love this unexpected charm. Lastly, my appearance is an essential element of my popularity. My fans tell me that I look like a singer from the 70s or 80s. Therefore, they get the impression that they’re seeing an old singer.

5. Your name is unique. What is the meaning of your name?

  Our CEO named me Yoyomi. At first, both Yoyo and Yoyomi were considered for my name. Frankly, the name Yoyo is a bit odd! It is because the word yoyo was reminiscent of the yo-yo toy and not a singer’s name, so I chose the name Yoyomi. The meaning of yoyo is “pretty and beautiful,” and the meaning of mi is “pretty” in Chinese. That’s how I became Yoyomi. It’s a little embarrassing to say, but it also reminds of prettiness.

6. You’re showing many talents. What is your driving force?

  I have many driving forces. First of all, I have a family who always supports me. My father always helps me as an experienced Trot singer. Moreover, the CEO helps me too. I don’t think that I would do well without the help of others because singers can’t become famous on their own. Of course, it’s true that I work very hard. However, other than that, I think that it’s better to have teamwork than to work hard alone. I believe the support and efforts of the people around me are important driving forces. Above all, my longing for the music is the main driving force.

7. What is your favorite song among your albums? What is the reason?

  I’ve released albums under various genres month by month. I’ve sung many songs. Therefore, it is tough to pick only one song that I like the most. However, for me, my favorite song is my debut song which is named ‘Who’s that guy’ because I have a special memory with this song. Although it isn’t a big hit in the Trot world, it reminds me of my early days as a singer, so it is my favorite song.

8. What kind of singer or Youtuber do you want to be in 5 or 10 years?

  One of the reasons that I’m still a singer is that I want to share happiness with many people. For this reason, I always tell my fans, “Be happy.” Even now, I want to share satisfaction with the many people who hear my songs. Sometimes, my supporters say that they feel happiness and pleasure in life after listening to my songs. When I hear that, I’m most comfortable. After 5 or 10 years, I want to continue to share happiness with others just like now. I also have big goals. I want to promote K - Trot all over the world and be the front-runner in K – Trot. My dream is to win the first Grammy Award in K – Trot. I also want to challenge myself with not only Trot music but also other genres of music. I’m gradually going to try drumming and different genres of cover songs as well. In the end, I want to break the stereotype that a trot singer can’t sing pop songs or play drums.

By Bang Ui-hwan l janas@cbnu.ac.kr
By Kwon Ji-ye l whodrk@cbnu.ac.kr