Cheon Rok-dam: The 'Romantic Hunter's' struggle and resolve

Singer Cheon Rok-dam has opened up about the human struggles and sincere musical convictions hidden behind his glamorous stage presence. As an artist who sings of love, romance, and life, he shared the process of constantly questioning himself while carving out his own unique path.

Facing the heat of Ulsan after a five-hour journey

The long trek from Seoul through Chungju to Ulsan was no easy feat. Leaving Seoul at 2 PM, Cheon spent the time navigating congested roads while multitasking between YouTube editing and songwriting. After a brief stop at a rest area in Gyeongju to ease his nerves, he arrived in Ulsan around 7:30 PM. The energy at the Ulsan Shipbuilding & Marine Festival was intense; his fandom, 'Damidami,' turned out in massive numbers, leaving even Cheon surprised by the larger-than-expected crowd.

Before taking the stage, Cheon completed his own preparations, utilizing self-makeup skills he has practiced for over a year. After finishing his look with practiced hands, he eased his tension by greeting senior artists. Once on stage, he fully embraced his role as a "life singer," drawing massive cheers from the audience with requests like, "Please make this a sea of green waves moving together." Following the performance, he spent warm moments with fans and acquaintances at a local Ulsan cafe.

'Even if it is an illusion, I will pursue it': The confession of a Romantic Hunter

The time following the spectacular performance was reserved for reflection. Visiting a pebble beach before heading back to Seoul, Cheon looked back on the past year and voiced his deepest inner thoughts. While describing himself as a singer of love and romance, he confessed that he still does not truly know the essence of real love or romance. He revealed a fundamental conflict, wondering if the dream he pursues is merely an illusion detached from reality.

However, this confusion soon transformed into firm resolve. Expressing gratitude for his family, Cheon declared that even if everything he experiences turns out to be an illusion, he will remain a 'Romantic Hunter' to pursue the romance of life. This determination highlights his commitment to protecting his unique musical identity despite an uncertain future. His philosophy of ultimately choosing romance, even while wavering between reality and ideals, underscores his profound dedication to his craft.