"Mawang (devil)" Sin Hae-cheol
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Singer Sin Hae-cheol is a symbolic music icon demonstrating that the music circle also addresses and openly talks about social issues. We more often see him on stage under his famous moniker 'Mawang' (meaning devil or ghost) than as a musician. As the host of the radio show , he has one of the most influential voices in show business. His remarks on the Taliban hostage crisis or his calls for the revival of music chart programs immediately make it to newspapers. Viewers are more interested in his harsh remarks as a judge of contestants on the reality TV than his career as a singer. Talks on issues such as sex and gambling unfold in the <100 Seconds Forum> he hosts on a comedy cable channel.
Revival of '90s Rock Band
Sin's career is in line with the post '90s Korean pop music history. His band Muhangwedo's 1988 win at the College Song Fest with the song 'To You' revived student rock bands. His hit solo album of songs that he personally wrote and put lyrics to and the formation of the band 'Next' catapulted him as a leader of the 'young generation music' alongside Seo Taiji. It also marked the start of the '90s music era representing a pleasant coexistence of the artistic and commercial side of music. Sin still leads the rock band Next 15 years later. His 1994 album sold hundreds of thousands of copies. Releasing the first Next album, he appeared in an ice cream commercial with a song from the album as the background music. His glib speaking ability became well-known from his years as DJ of <Sin Hae-cheol's FM Music City>. He was indeed a star but a star on his way. He sang about society rather than of love and gave life advice to radio listeners and not sentimental love lines to female fans. He would also tell people to listen to Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones.
Outspoken Remarks
Sin can make people laugh even while discussing serious issues such as illegal downloads or legalizing marijuana. He maintains his star status while addressing the issues typically avoided in show business. Through his influential star power, he freely discusses numerous social concerns. People who don't listen to his radio show still get to hear his thoughts on various topics. And a celebrity's remarks trigger social reaction. Those who oppose adultery as a crime acquired a channel to promote their ideas through Sin. Sin has gathered publicity on the marijuana issue and collected other singers' help to protest the troop dispatch to Iraq. His 'TV star' and 'radio devil' status empowers him and junior singers to pursue the music they want to pursue. Up until Seo Taiji's new album, was almost the one and only heavy rock album in the mainstream Korean music market. Thanks to his brand power as host of he set up an agency to produce albums for indie heavy rock bands as well as a concert hall in the Hongik University area for them to perform. Teenagers listening to laugh at his humor and take an interest in 'rock and society'.
Sin worries that Korea is not an ideal country for rock musicians. He regrouped Next to show all people in the music business that leading a band is his life in its entirety. He tried to look for something more to fulfill his life in his 30s but now in his 40s, he plans to give something back and make new roads. He says that having to do non-music-related jobs could hurt his pride but he's rather grateful that he has been able to do all he does. His inner struggles and thoughts shine more beautifully when cloaked underneath his "devilish" prowess.
Revival of '90s Rock Band
Sin's career is in line with the post '90s Korean pop music history. His band Muhangwedo's 1988 win at the College Song Fest with the song 'To You' revived student rock bands. His hit solo album of songs that he personally wrote and put lyrics to and the formation of the band 'Next' catapulted him as a leader of the 'young generation music' alongside Seo Taiji. It also marked the start of the '90s music era representing a pleasant coexistence of the artistic and commercial side of music. Sin still leads the rock band Next 15 years later. His 1994 album
Outspoken Remarks
Sin can make people laugh even while discussing serious issues such as illegal downloads or legalizing marijuana. He maintains his star status while addressing the issues typically avoided in show business. Through his influential star power, he freely discusses numerous social concerns. People who don't listen to his radio show
Sin worries that Korea is not an ideal country for rock musicians. He regrouped Next to show all people in the music business that leading a band is his life in its entirety. He tried to look for something more to fulfill his life in his 30s but now in his 40s, he plans to give something back and make new roads. He says that having to do non-music-related jobs could hurt his pride but he's rather grateful that he has been able to do all he does. His inner struggles and thoughts shine more beautifully when cloaked underneath his "devilish" prowess.
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