[Provided by Herald POP (now Herald Muse)]
[Provided by Herald POP (now Herald Muse)]

Singer Jeon Young-rok, 72, has opened up about the painful side of his life hidden behind his glittering heyday.

On Saturday's episode of MBN's "Kim Joo-ha's Day and Night," Jeon and fellow singer Hye Eun-i appeared together and candidly shared the rumors and difficult moments they endured as stars who had long enjoyed public adoration.

Jeon spoke about his experience with various fake news stories, including repeated reports of his death. "I hold the record for funeral rumors," he said. "There were 123 fake news articles about my death alone," drawing sympathy from viewers.

Hye Eun-i recalled a dark period marked by divorce, debt and panic disorder. "I couldn't sleep without medication," she said, adding that she "sang herself to the bone" to pay off her debts.

Jeon made his debut in 1973 with "Nageune-ui Gil" and went on to establish himself as a versatile entertainer — singer, actor and composer. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he released a string of hit songs including "Bulti," "Jongi Hak" and "Sarangeun Yeonpillo Sseuseyo," and also appeared in films and drama series.

Hye Eun-i is regarded as one of the defining stars of the Korean pop music scene. She shot to fame immediately upon her debut in 1975 with "Dangsinun Moreusil Geoya."


husn7@heraldcorp.com