Q: Please introduce your activities.
Hello, I’m Son Jinwook — a singer, musical actor, and vocalist of a band.
I was selected as one of the Top 7 on Tomorrow’s National Singer (국민가수), and I also appeared on King of Mask Singer, where I became the 186th King.
Aside from that, I’ve had the opportunity to perform on many music shows, concerts, and various stages as a singer and vocalist.
Q: What made you pursue being a vocalist?
I joined the band club back in high school.
Making music with my friends and peers was so much fun that, even though this wasn’t originally my major, I ended up walking this path.
Simply because I loved it.
Q: What’s the appeal of being a vocalist?
Unlike playing an instrument, you use the vocal cords — muscles that are part of your own body.
Depending on how you train and which direction you take, countless vocal styles and influences emerge.
While teaching students and seeing them grow, or when I personally reach a new level of understanding about vocal techniques and resonance — those moments feel exciting and fresh.
Sometimes, it’s even thrilling.
That freshness, the joy you can only get from creativity and art — I think those are what keep me going on this path.
Q: If you could recommend just one song?
There’s a foreign vocalist I really love — Myles Kennedy, the vocalist of Alter Bridge and a singer-songwriter.
I want to recommend his song Love Can Only Heal.
I like country music a lot, so that’s part of it, but more than that, Myles Kennedy is someone I’ve looked up to the most while dreaming of becoming a vocalist.
When you hear his voice, it often feels like, “This is impossible… there’s no way to copy this.”
That’s exactly why I recommend him.
Q: Any artists who influenced you?
Right now, I’m also in a band, so I have a lot of hyung-dongsaeng (close senior-junior) relationships with other bands.
But the band that influenced me most to pursue music professionally was Broken Valentine.
The vocalist I admired from their TV performances is sadly no longer with us…
But back when Broken Valentine didn’t have a permanent vocalist, I actually participated as a guest vocalist for their national tour.
Looking back, of course I had my own efforts that helped me move forward, but I think I was able to keep pursuing my dream because Broken Valentine never gave up and kept running forward too.
That’s why I believe we’re still active together in this scene today.
Q: For those thinking of learning an instrument?
If you’re learning just as a hobby, I strongly recommend it.
I’ve seen many students — especially young ones — who are into games or other activities suddenly shift to piano or practical music lessons.
Their source of dopamine changes.
That’s why I really recommend music for people who want to enjoy a hobby.
For adults too — people who spend a lot of money on drinking or other destructive outlets, or those mentally struggling with addictions — I’ve seen music become a healing tool and a healthy hobby.
So I strongly recommend it for hobby learners.
But for those considering professional entrance exams, I hope they think deeply before making that choice.
For hobby learners, I make sure they truly have fun.
But for entrance exam students, while I don’t use harsh words, I do scold them when necessary.
It’s natural to feel bad when you get scolded, even if you’re working hard. Some cry, some storm out, some give up entirely…
But I still remember one student clearly. After I scolded them, they went straight to the practice room and started practicing right away.
Even now, thinking about that gives me goosebumps.
That student eventually got into a great university and is still working hard as a vocalist today.
Q: Do you have a particular teaching method or philosophy?
I do have a structured curriculum that benefits most students.
But I want to continue exploring and understanding the diversity of voices out there.
There are people with vastly different vocal types, and to be honest, I’ve never met anyone with vocal cords exactly like mine.
If I were to describe my philosophy: I do have a curriculum that can help others, but teaching isn’t about machines instructing people — it’s about people sharing their abilities with one another.
That’s why every lesson feels new.
I love that aspect.
Of course, “new” could mean things go in unexpected directions, but as long as we approach it with professional skill, I’m confident we can always guide things positively and productively.
Q: Where are lessons available?
Primarily in Seoul.
But unless it’s somewhere too far or doesn’t fit my schedule, I’m flexible.
As long as there are people passionate about learning, I’ll go anywhere.
I cover everything from hobby lessons to exam prep, and I’ve done special lectures as well — for example, acting as a mock examiner to help prepare prospective students for entrance exams.
Band-focused training is absolutely welcome too.
Q: Your future goals or dreams?
I want to experience even more art and culture than I have so far.
If juniors or students follow my path, I’d love to share those experiences with them.
Most of all, I hope to never lose the determination to run toward my dreams without giving up.
Q: What motivates you to live through music?
Being in a band is a huge source of energy for me.
I’ve worked as a solo artist, but when you’re in a band, you always have teammates by your side.
And music isn’t just for those making it — there are listeners, fans, and people who support or evaluate your music.
There are also those who work alongside you.
All of that — the relationships, sharing emotions — I think those human connections are what really fuel me.
Q: What does Musician Lounge mean to you?
Creating a project where I can teach and pass on skills means a lot to me as a singer.
It’s a way to preserve and continue culture and art.
In a way, Musician Lounge acts as a connection point, a meaningful bridge.
That’s why I’m sincerely grateful for this project.
I’m so happy I get to introduce myself to all of you through Musician Lounge, and I hope this becomes a great opportunity for us to meet and enjoy valuable training together.
Thank you. I’m Son Jinwook.
* this translation was made by AI from automatic transcriptions of the video. Might contain minor mistakes.
