Lim Young-woong’s rise to stardom is more than a success story. His songs console and encourage, while his fandom is a conduit for positive social change. Ultimately, Lim makes us think again about what it means to be a hero.
Most of Lim Young-woong’s fans are middle-aged people who form communities through their fandom activities.
© Mulgogimusic, CJ ENM
In the history of Korean trot music, Lim Young-woong appeared on the scene very late — but just at the right time.
Trot is a music genre that originated during the Japanese occupation (1910–1945) and dominated Korea’s popular music scene in the 1950s and 1960s. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it combines “a traditional Korean singing style with influences from Japanese, European, and American popular music.” The melancholy lyrics of many trot songs about lives, homes, and dreams lost to war deeply resonated with Korean people. Then, as optimism and a new generation rose, trot took a backseat to rock and folk music.
Offstage but never forgotten, trot has now made a big comeback with the emergence of new, young singers and the popularity of trot audition TV shows. In a genre that was once dominated by middle-aged crooners, today’s No. 1 trot singer is undeniably 33-year-old Lim Young-woong, whose popularity compares to K-pop superstars. He uses his fame for social good and is a hero to his fans.
BIRTH OF A HERO
Lim’s given name, Young-woong, literally means “hero” in Korean. His journey to stardom from his humble origins in Pocheon, a small, mountainous city in northeast Gyeonggi Province, and his struggle to overcome adversity and obstacles connect with all strata of society.
A hero’s journey typically involves an extraordinary birth, hardships and growth, the guidance of a mentor, and eventual transformation after facing great trials. Although not a perfect match, this narrative closely reflects Lim’s life.
Lim’s first major crisis was the loss of his father in a car accident, when he was only five years old. The tragedy plunged Lim’s family into hardship, but his enduring love for music got him through his difficult formative years. The barriers he faced in rising above obscurity became stepping stones for personal growth. His transition from ballads to trot music and his participation in audition programs presented both challenges and opportunities.
As he chased his dream of becoming a singer, Lim eked out a living by working temporary jobs in factories, restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores. At one point, his monthly earnings amounted to a mere KRW 300,000 (approx. USD 215). Even after his debut, he ran a street stall selling roasted sweet potatoes to ensure he had a safety net.
BREAKOUT STAR
Lim’s career began with the release of his digital single “Hate You,” a trot tune, in 2016. The next year, he followed it up with appearances on KBS1 TV’s morning show AM Plaza, where he became a five-time winner of its “Challenge! Dream Stage” segment. But his real break came three years later, on TV Chosun’s music contest show, Mr. Trot.
By 2020, music audition programs had become regular television fare. They were an escape from the trepidation of COVID-19, and Lim was perfectly positioned to seize the moment. His star was rising thanks to his touching life story and approachable attitude.
Unlike traditional trot performers who often rely on exaggerated gestures and overtly dramatic expressions to convey tragic themes, Lim maintains a measured, conversational style that alternates between composure and calmness. His heartfelt songs provided relief from the fears and uncertainty triggered by the pandemic. During the competition for the Mr. Trot. title, Lim performed “The Traitor,” a 1969 song dear to his late father. This performance and backstory stirred an outpouring of empathy from viewers. Lim easily won the coveted title, garnering 25 percent of the votes from nearly eight million real-time viewers.
The following year, Lim’s rendition of “My Starry Love” hit the top spot on MBC’s Show! Music Core, an exceptional feat for a trot song on a pro¬gram primarily watched by younger audiences.
His success continued as his songs hit ten billion cumulative streams on Melon, a leading Korean music streaming service. Lim became the second artist to achieve this milestone after BTS, the most successful male K-pop group, and the first solo artist to do so. Lim is also the first trot singer to receive a YouTube Gold Play Button for achieving one million subscribers on his YouTube channel. On the big screen, Lim’s 2024 concert filmIM HERO – THE STADIUM attracted 357,858 viewers. In a survey conducted by Star News in collaboration with Gallup Korea, Lim ranked first in the category of “the most loved trot singer of the 21st century.” The Lim Young-woong phenomenon, driven by a powerful fandom, sets him apart from other trot singers.
A poster for the film IM HERO – THE STADIUM, showcasing Lim’s live performances.
© Mulgogimusic, CJ ENM
Unlike mythological heroes endowed with supernatural powers, the modern kind attains success through dedication and passion. Lim has obviously captured the public imagination with his abilities, earnestness, and humility. Worries that his popularity may be fleeting are dispelled by a fan base that continues to swell.
FAN FOLLOWING
Lim Young-woong’s online fan club, Hero Generation, now boasts over 200,000 members and demonstrates a level of loyalty comparable to the fan bases of K-pop idols. What sets Lim’s fan base apart is its broad generational reach, though women in their fifties and sixties remain its core demographic. Many of these women may have chosen Lim as a way to cope with empty nest syndrome, holding onto the singer as their emotional anchor.
Numerous fans have shared that engaging in fandom activities has alleviated symptoms of depression or insomnia. People who felt disconnected and found no pleasure in life have rediscovered purpose and bonded with others who felt isolated, building vibrant fan communities. Through this transition from isolation to solidarity, from alienation to empathy, they have begun a new chapter in their lives. Lim’s contribution to the mental health of middle-aged female fans and thus harmony in their families — that on its own is an achievement.
In May 2024, Lim Young-woong gave a concert at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in front ofapproximately 100,000 of his fans.
© Mulgogimusic, CJ ENM
Admittedly, such positive influence is not exclusive to Lim’s fans. Middle-aged women who are fans of other singers also form strong bonds and solidarity through their shared devotion. However, Lim’s fandom distinguishes itself through its scale, unmatched by any other trot singer in Korea.
While the compelling nature of Lim’s narrative lifts him above his fellow singers, his musical approach and understated demeanor particularly resonate with fans. Songs like “Trust in Me” (2020) and “My Starry Love” (2021) notably avoid any direct reference to a male figure. His musical repertoire, performance style, and attitudes exemplify a gentle masculinity, which has significantly contributed to his widespread appeal.
Moreover, Lim’s fan base has established itself as a force for positive social change through various philanthropic and volunteer initiatives. Their charitable works span an array of causes, from youth independence programs to support for families that have members with disabilities and children battling cancer. Through sustained charitable giving and community service, they have demonstrated the potential of organized fandom.
Lim’s talent and personal qualities, and the inspiring stories spread by his supporters, affirm that life is worth living and that we must persevere against all odds. His name has transcended individual success to symbolize hope for those seeking meaningful change in their lives.
한국국제교류재단
