Great skill is one of the main secrets to being an outstanding singer, besides pure talent and a perfect melodic sound. You need to have an excellent instructor to know the strategy.
Kim Sungeun of the WIP Agency, one of the K-pop sector's largest vocal coaches, is responsible for providing BTS and TWICE singing lessons - and she is very fond of her previous learners. Here is what she said in an initial meeting with The Korea Times regarding them.
Kim Sungeun trained three BTS members and one year of singing classes: Jungkook, V, and Jin.
Kim revealed that one of the factors she fell madly in love with her work was because through all of it, she managed to meet so many "great and wonderful people," and one of those wonderful people is none other than the sensational BTS member Jin.
Kim admitted that Jin had his challenges, as did many starting trainees. Jin performed Asher Brook's "Go," a hit from the Famous soundtrack, throughout one singing class. But he could "scarcely carry it off" at that moment.
Then, some years later, Jin approached Kim with a recording clip of himself performing and singing the same track out of the blue. He questioned his former vocal coach to listen to it and give her evaluation and replied, "Have I not improved?"
Kim stated Jin wasn't just even more professional than he always was. She was also more impressed by his manner and personality.
"While having busy schedules as a celebrity, [Jin] is always aiming for more," she shared.
Jin identified "Try" as being one of the tracks that inspired him in discussion with HARU*HANA magazine, so it's pretty much guaranteed he decided to practice it frequently throughout that period.
Kim Sungeun continued to speak about TWICE's leading vocalist's areas of strength as well. For the band's Melody Project, she put up Jihyo's daunting setlist: "Butterfly" by Rhythm King, "Angora" by MoonMoon, "Unbreakable Smile" by Tori Kelly, "All About The Bass" by Meghan Trainor, and an acoustic jazz cover of TWICE's own track, "TT"
Kim shared her appreciation at just how Jihyo presented all of the tracks efficiently onstage with a band. She said, "I assume she was pushing the boundaries."
Kim Sungeun also had plenty of support for IU and Kang Daniel, including her previous students.
Kim's internal interpretation of a "professional singer" is not just about somebody who can reach high notes but anyone who can effectively convey a song's thoughts and feelings. IU is a wonderful example for Kim.
"Everybody knows IU succeeds in chanting high-pitched tones and has a velvety voice, but just don't actually realize how it really goes into the flow or how expertly it exemplifies its emotions in a song."
As for Kang Daniel, Kim was surprised seeing him move from a WANNA ONE's musician and dancer to a successful solo artist.
"His tone was so powerful, and he was fantastic at reading music. Kang takes his music and art very seriously, and also puts a lot of efforts into his work," Kim said.
