Jo Hye-ryun reflects on 34-year career and past struggles

Broadcaster Jo Hye-ryun looked back on her 34-year career, sharing how she rose above the pains of her past to form her current life philosophy. In the ninth episode of Studio Slam's YouTube series "Saeolppak," rapper GaoGai and Jo met for a candid conversation about music and life.

GaoGai's musical evolution and the legacy of 'Anakkana'

During the video, GaoGai discussed his musical direction and his new track. He revealed that his stage name was inspired by a cartoon character and derived from the Japanese word "gao," meaning "face." He introduced the lyrics to his new song "Seokmatic," noting that it captures the joys and sorrows of school life. GaoGai also shared an anecdote about how renowned producer Diplo applauded after hearing his music, highlighting a significant musical connection. Looking ahead, he plans to evolve his style by reducing profanity in favor of Korean-centric lyrics and using sophisticated diss tracks that deliver messages by indirectly praising opponents.

Meanwhile, Jo reflected on her signature song "Anakkana," describing it as a "future-oriented" track that was simply ahead of its time, even though the public struggled to embrace it back then. Humorously addressing past critics who labeled the song "substandard," she noted that she was merely ahead of the trends. She also highlighted her current success, noting she recently performed for 12,000 people at a water festival with her song "To the Eagle," illustrating the evolution of her public persona.

A veteran's perspective on the changing broadcasting industry

As a 34-year veteran, Jo recalled the rigid atmosphere of the broadcasting industry in years past. She noted that being affiliated with a specific station often meant that moving to a competitor was viewed as a "betrayal," particularly for those hired through open recruitment. She recounted an instance where she attempted to move from KBS to SBS but was prevented from doing so, eventually leading to her move to Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation.

Jo also touched upon the vastly different payment methods used in the past. She shared a memory from before she had a bank account, when she had to exchange her appearance fees for cash using vouchers at the KBS main building. Recalling a time when fees were only around 40,000 to 50,000 won, she described the high stakes of the era, where losing a voucher meant losing her entire pay.

"Dreams become reality": Jo's next step toward Broadway

Jo emphasized a philosophy of constant growth rather than settling for the present. She shared her recent experience visiting Broadway to watch actress Ivy perform, noting she gave a standing ovation to Ivy for her flawless English and performance, which she felt showcased the spirit of Korean talent. Driven by this inspiration, Jo expressed her ambition to bring her own production, "Mother of Love," to the Broadway stage, adding, "I am looking into stages at Carnegie Hall."

The conversation turned to the emotional ups and downs of her life. Jo admitted, "I was a truly unhappy child about 10 years ago," as she reflected on overcoming past hardships. Discussing her mindset with GaoGai, she stated that "long-run" is the keyword in her head, emphasizing the value of a life spent continuously pursuing one's passions.