Singer Son Tae-jin catches the eye by gracing the cover of the October issue of ‘Woman Sense’.

Son Tae-jin is known as an all-rounder in the trot world, whether it‘s singing, variety shows, or his hosting skills as a radio DJ. Not only is he talented, but he also has a model student-like appearance and a warm and gentle image, receiving enthusiastic support from trot fans and is on a roll. In the pictorial that was released, Son Tae-jin decorates the pictorial with an atmospheric look that announces the start of fall.

In the accompanying interview, Son Tae-jin said, “As time passes, the existence of my fans becomes more precious. I take the time to look back on my life when I hear people say that they healed their tired hearts and gained the strength to live while listening to my music. When they say that I gave them the driving force in their lives, that becomes my driving force as well.” He expressed his endless affection for his fans and the power that moves him, saying that his fans are the driving force behind him.

Regarding the recent release of the special song ‘White Night’ gifted by senior singer Jo Hang-jo, he said, “I confess now that I was grateful to receive such a special song, but I had a lot of concerns before singing it. I thought I wouldn’t be able to sing it as well as Mr. Jo Hang-jo. But he advised me that I should sing it while thinking of someone I miss. Based on those words, I was able to complete the song with confidence.” He expressed his gratitude.

When asked what the stage means to Son Tae-jin, he said, “It‘s always a place where I feel nervous and afraid. Nervousness is connected to my desire to finish the stage with perfection. I feel nervous because I have a big desire and heart to show how much I’ve grown. No matter how much I practice and prepare, I always get nervous before going on stage. When I think about the reason for my nervousness, I think it‘s a pleasant nervousness. When I actually go up on stage and sing, my nervousness gradually subsides. That’s how my true stage is created,” he said, sharing his sincere mindset when standing on stage.

When asked about his future aspirations, he said, “I want to find a song by singer Son Tae-jin. Whether it‘s a hit song or not, my ultimate goal is to create my own music and make ’Son Tae-jin-like music.‘ More broadly, I’m envisioning a future that isn‘t limited to being a singer. I think that you don’t have to be a singer to be a composer. I‘m trying to keep various possibilities open within the big picture of music. Rather than a singer, I want to grow as an artist Son Tae-jin. As a human being, Son Tae-jin, I want to be someone who exerts a positive influence. Also, when I look back on my life at the end of my life, I hope the phrase ’not to be envious of others‘ will suit me. That’s my favorite expression. I think my life will be enriched if people focus their attention on me instead of envying and being jealous of others. Even if there comes a moment when I envy someone, I want to have a firm and strong heart that listens to and cares about my life,” he said, concluding the interview and revealing his aspirations for the path he will take.

The pictorial and interview containing the sweet and elegant image of singer Son Tae-jin as a man in autumn can be found in the October issue of ‘Woman Sense’, available online and offline starting September 22.

Choi Yoon-na, Donga.com reporter yyynnn@donga.com