Former Girl Group Member Achieves Fame as Trot Star Despite “Zero Income”

Profile of Kang Hye-yeon: From Trainee to Trot Star

Born in 1990, Kang Hye-yeon has captivated audiences for six years as a trot singer, triumphing in a genre known for its emotive melodies and rich cultural context. Now at 34, her journey in the music industry is a testament to resilience and reinvention.

Bestie EXID Kang Hye Yeon — Kang Hye-yeon, fondly known as the “Trot Squirrel” for her adorable charm.

Early Inspiration and Musical Aspirations

Kang’s passion for music was ignited during a visit to the Inha University festival in elementary school. Witnessing singer Maya’s fervent performance on stage motivated her to pursue a career in singing. With dedication, she prepared for entrance exams to the practical music department, participating in various singing contests throughout high school.

Her vocal prowess came to the forefront when she clinched the gold prize at the Bupyeong Youth Song Festival, where she performed Mariah Carey’s “Hero.”This achievement earned her the affectionate title “Bupyeong Jang Yun-jeong,” establishing her as a promising talent.

Joining the Idol World

Following two years of juggling part-time jobs while training, Kang debuted as an original member of EXID. However, her time in the group was short-lived as she parted ways with EXID just two months after their debut.

After a year of regrouping, she made her return as a member of BESTie, a girl group that initially garnered praise for its talent. However, the group struggled through member changes and financial issues within their agency, leading to its eventual disbandment and the conclusion of Kang’s idol career.

A New Path in Trot Music

Reflecting on her time in the music industry, Kang Hye-yeon resolved to embark on a new journey in trot music, drawing inspiration from the genre’s rich history and her previous performances. Her big break came in 2021 when she participated in TV Chosun’s “Miss Trot,” finishing in 8th place, and re-establishing her presence as a solo artist.

With her exceptional vocal abilities and charming persona, she reclaimed the nickname “Trot Squirrel,”symbolizing her endearing appeal. Following her success on the show, she released her debut full-length album “Sunday Hye-yeon” and excited fans with solo concerts, marking a significant rise in her career.

Reflections and Gratitude

In February, during the finals of MBN’s “King of Singers,” Kang emotionally performed Shin Haeng-il’s “Bring Back Youth,” which stirred fond memories of her girl group days. In her heartfelt performance, she expressed deep gratitude and remorse towards her parents for their sacrifices throughout her career. “My parents supported me immensely. During my time in girl groups, I had no income, and I ended up with over 100 million won in debt. They sacrificed their youth for my dreams, and I aspire to repay that kindness,” she shared.

As Kang Hye-yeon continues to flourish in the trot music scene, her story reflects not only her talent but also an inspiring journey of perseverance and dedication.