Experienced trot singer Hyun Cheol, known for Garden Balsam Love, dies at the age of 82

Veteran trot singer Hyun Cheol, who reached the peak of his popularity in the late ’90s, died on July 15. The singer had made a name for himself in the industry through popular hits such as Love Is Like a Butterfly and I Think of You Whenever I Sit or Stand. Although it took some time for his music to catch the public’s attention, he was a household name by the late ’80s.

Singer Hyun Cheol dies due to deteriorating health

On July 16, composer Jeong Won Su, who previously worked as the manager of Trot singer Hyun Cheol, confirmed that the veteran passed away on the night of July 15 after a long illness. His health deteriorated after a disc operation several years ago that resulted in nerve damage. He leaves behind a son and a daughter.

More about singer Hyun Cheol

Born in 1942, Hyun Cheol made his debut in 1969 with My Heartless Love. Despite his early efforts, his music remained largely unknown for years. It was not until the 1980s that he rose to popularity with hits such as Love Is Like a Butterfly and I Think of You Whenever I Sit or Stand and became a well-known trot singer.

In 1989, he won the KBS Song Awards with Garden Balsam Love. His success continued in 1990 with the hit I Hate It, for which he won the top award for the second year in a row. His growing fame earned him the title of the “Fourth Emperor of Trot” alongside Seol Un Do, Tae Jin Ah and Song Dae Gwan.

Hyun Cheol continued to work on new music into the 2010s. In 2018, fans became concerned when they saw him struggling on stage during a performance on KBS’ Song Stage. He later largely withdrew from public activities due to health reasons. His last appearance was on KBS2’s Immortal Songs in 2020, where he performed with singer Ha Chun Hwa.