Trot singer Jeong Sam left stage after hit song due to liver disease, starting anew in Chuncheon

Trot singer Jeong Sam, once known for his hit song 'Bwannyago' (Did You See It?), has shared the difficult circumstances that led him to leave the stage. He revealed on the MBN program 'Special World' that a combination of business failure, his father's bankruptcy, divorce, depression, and panic disorder took a severe toll on his health and well-being.

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I was waiting for a work to be scheduled, but it kept falling through.

For the past four years, Jeong Sam has been operating a small pension in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. He personally manages tasks like cleaning rooms, maintaining facilities, and attending to guests, a stark contrast to his life as a performer. He confessed that after about 25 years in the music industry, he began experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks, leading him to withdraw from public life and even turn down performance opportunities.

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Honestly, while resting, I was continuously waiting for a project to be scheduled.

His health also deteriorated significantly. Jeong Sam recalled doctors telling him he was on the verge of liver cirrhosis, emphasizing the severity of his condition. He explained that after focusing on his health, he decided to start a lodging business in the countryside. The challenges began when his father fell ill with a stroke, leading to a massive business bankruptcy that resulted in the family losing their home.

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But fate didn't align, so it kept falling through. I'm still waiting for a project, but in the end, it seems to be a scheduling issue.

The financial strain eventually impacted his marriage, leading to a divorce after 16 years. Responsible for his two sons, Jeong Sam took on various jobs, including sales, manufacturing, and delivery, for six to seven years, considering any personal spending a luxury. His current wish is to bring his mother, who lives alone in Gwangju, to Chuncheon. He expressed deep regret for the worry he caused her, especially after she suffered a stroke while caring for his sons after his divorce. His mother hesitates to move, concerned about being a burden if he remarries, a prospect Jeong Sam finds difficult to consider due to his own lingering emotional wounds.

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A few years ago, social media or YouTube felt like an uncomfortable outfit to me. Some actors enjoy it, but it didn't come easily to me.