On September 2, the YouTube channel Song Seung Hwan’s Wonderful Life uploaded a video titled “The Original Korean Idol! Sobangcha’s Jung Won Kwan“. Jung debuted in 1987 as a member of the legendary trio Sobangcha and has remained active in the entertainment industry for 38 years. Host Song Seung Hwan noted that many older staff members were excited about his guest appearance, highlighting his continued influence, particularly among middle-aged female fans.
Over the years, Jung has worn many hats—music producer, company CEO, and even president of Bugs Music. Reflecting on his journey, he admitted, “I once tried to erase the identity of Sobangcha, but it wasn’t easy. Now I don’t think it’s necessary anymore. Thanks to the love and support from fans, I’ve lived without major incidents even past my 50s.”
After Sobangcha, Jung went on to produce for first-generation idol group NRG, as well as artists like Cho PD, Insooni, Hwayobi, and Kim Jo Han. Notably, he spearheaded the ambitious 13-member girl group i-13, composed of trainees recruited from dance academies. “We trained them for a long time, moved around in a rapping bus, and worked hard to debut them,” he recalled.
Although i-13 was a groundbreaking effort at the time, it failed to achieve significant success. Jung reflected, “The group didn’t become popular, but it was still fun. While working with them, I realized how great Soo Man-hyung (Lee Soo Man) was. The SM system was much more structured and systematic. What I did was simply out of passion.”
He added with a smile, “Some of the i-13 members were in elementary school—second and third graders—back then. Now they’re sending me wedding invitations.”
Jung also shared an update about his present career. “I’m currently running a marketing company. Ever since I was young, I wondered, ‘What could make this restaurant do better?’ That kind of thinking eventually evolved into helping businesses with branding and expansion,” he explained.
Sources: naver
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