Singer Sunmi, now celebrating two decades in the K-pop industry, has shared a candid and humorous reflection on the unique pressures faced by established artists. She revealed that she often refrains from leaving the waiting room during broadcasts, a decision stemming from a desire not to make junior artists uncomfortable.
This sentiment highlights the significant passage of time and the evolving dynamics within the music scene, a realization Sunmi expressed with a touch of wry amusement. Her appearance on the KBS 2TV show ‘The President’s Ear is Donkey’s Ear’ (often abbreviated as ‘Sadangwi’) is set to air on Sunday, the 19th. On the program, Sunmi, widely recognized as the ‘original water bomb queen’ for her hit song ‘Gashina’ which garnered over 23 million views on its water-themed music video, will be featured as a special MC.
The episode will see Sunmi participating in a challenge alongside fellow guests Jeong Ho-young, set to a rendition of her latest track ‘TAIL’. Despite her enduring, almost timeless visual appeal, which has led many to comment on her unchanging appearance even as she reaches her 20th anniversary as a senior artist, Sunmi opened up about the unexpected difficulties that come with being a veteran in the industry.
Navigating the Waiting Room: A Veteran’s Dilemma
Sunmi’s candid admission about her reluctance to leave the waiting room, fearing it might inconvenience newer artists, underscores the subtle but palpable shifts in the industry landscape. “I don’t often go out of the waiting room because I worry it might make the junior artists uncomfortable,” she confessed, articulating the weight of her years in the business.
This perspective drew a contrasting anecdote from comedian Lee Kyung-gyu, known as the ‘veteran comedian’. He recalled a different era: “In the past, 20 to 30 people would share one broadcast waiting room. I used to tell everyone else to leave so I could have it to myself,” he stated, eliciting laughter with his bold recollection of past practices.
A Special Connection: Sunmi and Go Tae-yong
Beyond her reflections on industry seniority, Sunmi also delved into her unique relationship with acclaimed designer Ko Tae-yong, the creative mind behind her mega-hit ‘National G-String’. This revelation sparked considerable curiosity among viewers.
Recalling their first meeting 12 years ago, Sunmi described Ko Tae-yong’s presence: “He had a commanding charisma, like a ruler. When we were together, we barely spoke because he was so sensitive and perceptive,” she explained, testifying to his chic and intense aura.
In response, Ko Tae-yong acknowledged the past with a cool confidence. “Back then, I was nicknamed ‘Gi-wa-jang’ (tile-roofed house beam) because I carried the weight of the world on my shoulders,” he humorously admitted, referencing his former self, who was evidently filled with a strong sense of self-assurance.
Anticipation Builds for ‘Sadangwi’ Episode
The episode promises to explore the captivating moments that led Sunmi to Ko Tae-yong’s creative orbit. Viewers are left wondering what specific instances of Ko Tae-yong’s charisma Sunmi encountered that left such a lasting impression.
The blend of Sunmi’s enduring visual presence, her reflections on being a seasoned artist, and the intriguing behind-the-scenes stories with Ko Tae-yong, whom she reunited with after 12 years, are all set to be revealed in the upcoming broadcast of ‘Sadangwi’.
‘The President’s Ear is Donkey’s Ear’ airs every Sunday at 4:40 PM on KBS 2TV.
