Back in those days, he was a child who seldom went out. Now, he doesn't even find time to rest.
Kim Yong-bin, 33, the champion of *Mister Trot 3*, was seen checking his phone during a recent gathering. "It's pretty much like this. I don't have a single day off." His schedule is packed with activities. Even after completing the six-month *Mister Trot 3 National Tour Concert* that started at the end of March, he mentioned there was no time to rest as he quickly moved on to local events. His official plan during the Chuseok holiday includes the Chupungnyeong Festival on the 4th, the Jecheon International Natural Industry Bio Expo on the 6th, and the opening ceremony of the Naju Yeongsan River Festival on the 8th. Additionally, he has regular appearances and rehearsals for TV Chosun’s *Love’s Call Center – Seven Stars*, and preparations for the premiere of ENA’s variety show *It’s Okay Even If You’re Bad at Directions* on the 18th. On the 15th, he will host his first official fan meeting, *Sky Castle*, since winning *Mister Trot 3*. Due to his rising popularity, the tickets sold out instantly when they went on sale.
◇“After Learning That Teacher Na Hoon-a Wanted to Give Me a Song…”
The crown glitters due to the years dedicated to perfecting his skills. His journey, which started as a trot prodigy, has been a wild ride—peaking, falling, and then rising once more. "It's been a life filled with sadness," he said, continuing, "I feel as though people have come to comprehend my heart through my music."
Although he commented after the event, "I can finally sleep with my legs stretched out," he acknowledged there was no time to unwind afterwards. As he mentioned, "I haven't slept more than four hours a day," his eyes appeared slightly hollow, yet his bare face still showed energy. "Even when I do sleep, I barely manage a short rest in the car. It's really challenging, but I don't dwell on how hard it is." The honesty in his words made his eyes shine. "I'm genuinely thankful. It's not just empty words—there was a time when I wanted to do this but couldn't. I know this chance isn't available to everyone, so thinking about how many people are supporting me makes me emotional…."
Na Hoon-a's *Thank You* (2020), which he used as his competition song, reflected his personal journey. As he recited the lyrics—“The years when even the wind caused pain, the cold winter has now passed… Wounded love turns into wrinkled time, and like a sprout blooming at the end of a bent branch, the memories of pain now transform into gratitude, comforted through song”—his facial expression showed the stress from the final round. When the fireworks burst upon the announcement of his win, he was captured on camera shaking with a pale, lifeless complexion.
A documentary showing events behind the scenes revealed him celebrating by himself following the passing of his grandmother, parents, teacher, and long-time companion. "I truly didn't anticipate this. I had hoped to finish in the top three, but the grand prize?... Over the past 21 years since my debut, I've never achieved first place, not even in the judges' scores during the competition. I genuinely believe this position was created by the viewers and fans. Without them, there wouldn't be a Kim Yong-bin today. Even if I collapse, I want to fulfill the promises I've made to my fans."
Did his sincere appreciation reach the original singer? It appeared so. "Through a friend of Teacher Na Hoon-a, I learned he wanted to give me a song. He mentioned he listened to my performances and watched the broadcasts. *Thank You* was a song I found almost by chance. After performing it, I feel like fortunate events keep occurring every day. *Mister Trot 3* has truly transformed my life."
◇ Top in Rising Star Brand Reputation
He, who was the first in the *Miss & Mister Trot* series to secure the weekly nationwide fan vote in each round, has remained at the top of various rankings. With his competition song *Golden Spoon*, he won three consecutive victories on SBS Life’s *The Trot Show* in June, earning a spot in the Hall of Fame. In August, he ranked 1st in the *Rising Star Brand Reputation* released by the Korean Corporate Reputation Research Institute. Second place went to Byeon Woo-seok, who gained international fame through the drama *Run On, Seonjae*, while third was the band Day6, marking their 10th anniversary. In September, he came in second behind Lee Chae-min, the lead actor from the drama *Bon Appetit, Your Majesty*, continuing his impressive visibility.
His fame is backed by dedicated followers. The fan cafe *Sarang Bin*, which had approximately 1,500 members prior to the competition, exceeded 10,000 during the show and is now nearing 37,000. To preserve his voice, he seldom talks in the waiting area but regularly reviews the fan cafe on his phone to keep track of live responses. "I'm almost asleep in the car. However, when I step in front of the fans and hear their cheers, the tiredness vanishes immediately, as if receiving a strong energy boost."
The pressure is great, yet he states, "They are my heart." "Everyone's eyes are the same. Our fans have been watching me daily for a long time. They can tell my mindset on stage just by my expression. I never want to hear, 'He's lost his original passion' or 'He's become lazy.' With the same sincerity I had before winning, I give my everything in every performance."
He said, "Every moment is my best and a reason to be grateful," and added, "I don't set goals." He intends to live with two songs that hold special meaning for him: Lee Mi-ja's *Song Is My Life*, which he has always treasured, and Na Hoon-a's *Thank You*, which became his anthem during the competition. "Wishing to be like someone or achieve something is just a hope—it won't come true just because I think about it. My popularity might fade one day. I simply want to keep singing. Actually, I wish I could keep singing. Instead of aiming for big goals, I hope my fans stay with me as long as I don't let them down."
◇ "Only through Deep Roots Can One Endure for Long."
Kim Yong-bin will act as a judge for the master preliminary round of TV Chosun's *Miss Trot 4*, which will air in December, together with Son Bin-ah, who came in third place in *Mister Trot 3*. This season, titled "Sisters Who Fear Nothing," features a highly competitive environment. With 22 years of experience in trot, his viewpoint as a judge is distinctive. "I believe all participants share the same dedication I had. I aim to identify those who genuinely love trot from those merely capitalizing on its popularity."
As a child, he was offered idol opportunities and loved ballads. His latest playlist features Sung Si-kyung’s *One More Farewell*. Although he enjoys a variety of genres—from musical numbers to the newest tracks in the movie *KPop Demon Hunters*—he remains loyal to trot because he values its emotional impact. “It can express life's stories. Traditional trot acts as the foundation that genuinely communicates all our feelings. Strong roots enable branches to grow steadily, even during storms. I aim to walk my path quietly without any disturbances.”
■TV Schedule for October 4–8: Keep This Nearby During Chuseok
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