The current broadcasting landscape is filled with numerous Trot programs that have gained popularity. Shows like TV Chosun's 'Miss Trot' and 'Mr. Trot' that began in 2019 have given rise to notable Trot stars like Song Ga In and Lim Young Woong, leading to a golden era for Trot music.

However, amidst the remarkable growth of the Trot industry, a young trot singer tragically took her own life. Haesoo, a 29-year-old artist who studied Pansori at the Korean National University of Arts, was discovered deceased in her dormitory on May 12. A will found at the scene suggested that she had taken her own life.

Haesoo, often referred to as Jang Yoon Jung's protégé, gained recognition through appearances on various television shows such as Sports Seoul Entertainment TV's 'Breaking Jang Yoon Jung's Seal,' KBS2's 'Boss In the Mirror,' and KBS2's 'Immortal Song.'

Following the news of Haesoo's tragic death, Jang Yoon Jung expressed her sorrow, stating, "I had to say a painful goodbye to my beloved Haesoo, whom I loved dearly. I embraced her like a mother bird, hoping she would find love and heal in her own nest, spread her wings, and fly away. It breaks my heart that she missed that opportunity. She was such a lovely child."

The sudden death of a rising talent like Haesoo has brought attention to the challenges and dark side of the Trot industry, despite its current popularity. 

The Trot market heavily relies on income from local government events, which have faced significant struggles in the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the easing of pandemic restrictions, the demand for Trot singers has surged, resulting in an increase in festivals and events.

Trot singer Jiwoni, in a recent interview, shared that she performs at regional events around 4 to 5 days per week, whereas, before the pandemic, she had around 70 to 80 monthly schedules. Notably, singer Hong Jin Young, who appeared on TV Chosun's 'Huh Young Man's Food Travel,' reminisced about her prime days when she would perform at up to 8 events in a single day.

With the growing number of stages available to trot singers, more people are transitioning from idol groups to pursue a career in trot, with some even dreaming of becoming trot singers from a young age. There is a saying that goes, "If you go into trot (industry), you won't starve to death." However, industry insiders remain skeptical of this notion.

However, the trot phenomenon seems limited to a few star singers, as lesser-known artists continue to face hardships despite the increased number of events. A CEO of a Trot singer management agency highlighted the disparity, explaining that while top performers can earn 25 to 30 million KRW (22,338 USD) in event fees, unknown singers often receive only 1 to 1.5 million KRW (745 to 1,117 USD) due to budget constraints.

The CEO further emphasized that well-known singers like Lee Chan Won and Song Ga In, who gained fame through auditions, can attract large fan bases, allowing them to rent buses and mobilize 400 to 500 fans. Local governments find it more profitable to book a single top-tier singer rather than several unknown artists, leading to a scarcity of opportunities for aspiring singers.

It is not uncommon for trot singers who have achieved stardom to have endured difficult times when they were relatively unknown. Jang Yoon Jung, often regarded as a self-made businesswoman, shared an anecdote about surviving on saltwater-boiled ramen for three days to alleviate her hunger during her early days.

Additionally, the tragic death of trot singer Lee Chang Yong, who gained popularity in 2009 with the song "You Are the Best," sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by trot singers. He passed away at the age of 38, leaving the world far too soon.

While the Trot industry has expanded with various audition programs, the number of local government events has not significantly increased, resulting in limited performance opportunities and intensified competition, according to industry insiders.

Another prominent figure in the Trot industry explained that while fees for established singers have risen, lesser-known artists often struggle to earn even 1 million KRW (745 USD) recently. They likened the situation to sharing the same pie among an increasing number of artists.