[Exclusive] Singer Shin You, '18-Year Veteran', Announces '2nd Act' Begins with July Concert (Interview)

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Singer Shin Yu will host a concert next month. Provided by Entro Entertainment.

If until now it was just a process, this is where the real start begins.

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Veteran singer Shin Yu, who has been active for 18 years, has taken a new starting line. The '2025 Shin Yu Concert Start - Seoul' will be held on July 6, 2025, at the Grand Auditorium of Yonsei University in Seoul. As the name suggests, this performance marks the opening of the second act in Shin Yu's musical journey.

The "idol of the trot music scene," once refined and impeccable, has grown into a musician who has experienced the ups and downs of life. Behind this transformation were the times when he ran like a racehorse, focusing only on the path ahead; moments when he began to question and study about music again; and the inner passion that blossomed late in his life. I had the chance to listen to his story, where he says he finally understands the true meaning of singing.

Singer Shin Yu's 'Start'

He first stepped onto the stage in 2008. The young man who used to sing "Sleeping Princess" and "Hand of Clock" has now been in the industry for 18 years. During this time, he has grown older with his fans and accumulated seasons.

At that time, I ran like a racehorse, looking only ahead. There was no time to look to the sides or behind. When I first started trot, to be honest, I didn't even know what trot was. I practiced because my father (singer Shin Woong) told me to, and I just did it without much thought. But gradually, as I felt the emotions within it, I became more curious to know it deeper.

Shin Yu is a generation that endured and rose up when Trot was not as mainstream as it is now. Looking back, many sad things were experienced.

When I think back to the beginning... it was a time when trot was being ignored. Should I say it was an unpopular genre? It wasn't well-received by television stations, it was just a genre loved by a few enthusiasts. I even considered switching to another genre, but somehow I developed a stubborn streak. By persistently continuing, I ended up walking this path.

His junior singers have become able to start under much better circumstances, riding the flow of the times. Shin Yu expressed his support for them as well, calling it a 'blessing,' and also conveyed his gratitude towards the seniors.

Still, the pride that singers from our time have is in their solid fundamentals. Of course, there were times when we were sad, but we really learned properly. There are so many amazing seniors. If it weren't for the famous songs of the seniors, what songs would juniors be singing on audition programs now? We can only be grateful for being able to make good use of what those seniors have prepared for us.

Singer Shin Yu debuted in 2008 and has consistently walked one path. Entro Entertainment.

Singer Shin Yu is preparing for a new beginning. Provided by Entro Entertainment.

The New Year's Ceremony Act 2

The concert 'Start', opening next month, is especially significant. As the name suggests, it marks the first step in the second act of his singing career. Shin Yu will not only showcase hit songs but also a variety of genres, attempting changes never seen before. To show a stage that expands his own world, he has been putting in great efforts. The guest is Song Ga-in. Thanks to the 'righteous woman' Song Ga-in who readily accepted the invitation, he is gathering more strength to prepare for the performance.

These days, it really feels like a fresh start. It's quite touching to be holding a concert after about 4 years. You'll be able to meet a new style that breaks away from my previous image. I'm putting in two to three times more effort compared to my previous performances. What do I want my second act to look like? I truly just want to 'live well.' Rather than having grand dreams, I want to focus on the little things, create music filled with sincerity, and want to make sure the audience can feel that.

When talking about his changes, one cannot avoid mentioning the MBN 'Hyeonyeonggawang2'. This program holds more than just broadcasting significance for Sin Yu.

It's been a while since I last went on stage with such intense focus for the competition. Regardless of how my condition was, I poured everything into the performance. During this time, I felt like I had various thoughts such as 'I still have a lot to improve' and 'I have these aspects within me too.' It was a time where I learned and felt a lot through the younger members. There's no saying that seniors don't have anything to learn from juniors. It was a time that acted as medicine for me.

Singer Shin Yu openly shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with us. Provided by Entr'o Entertainment.

The fans are 'love' itself.

Shinyu has many grateful fans who have been with him from the very beginning. He said that lately, he has been feeling even more grateful for his fans.

Fans are just love. Words can't fully express it. There are fans who have been with me from debut until now. Some have gotten married and moved on, and some may have started to like other singers, but there are also many who have consistently stayed by my side. When I see the fans, I can only say that this is truly love. People who stay with me no matter what situation I'm in. Now I can feel that sincerity clearly. That's why I also genuinely love them.

Over the course of 18 years of activity, Shin Yoo has steadily grown, and he said that he is grateful for the nickname 'the idol of the trot genre.' However, smiling, he added that it might be good to have a new nickname as a musician. In addition to his activities as a singer, Shin Yoo has also shown his versatility in various fields such as musicals and variety show MCs. The show 'Back to the Music' on KBS, which introduces the stories behind hit songs that continue to be popular over time, is also returning for a new season.

It looks like I'll be doing MC again for 'Back to the Music' with senior Cho Sun Hwi as it enters season 2. One of the good things about being an MC is that you get to know the guests who come on, and through conversations, you feel and learn a lot. You empathize with each other's stories and influence each other greatly. I think music is ultimately about that too. I have a growing desire to take on various challenges in the future. I also want to do musicals again. I believe showing good performances is the top priority. Please support my new beginning a lot.