K-Interview: Song Wonsub (Singer)

Interviewer: Bhavya Chopra, Delhi, India

Editor: Pooja Vishwanathan, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

Song Wonsub, the Korean singer and creator behind the popular YouTube channel ASIA CHORD, has been making waves with his unique musical approach. Known for covering songs from various countries, including Bollywood songs sung in Korean, he seamlessly blends cultural influences to create a distinctive sound. His covers not only showcase his vocal talent but also serve as a bridge, connecting fans from around the world through the universal language of music. In this interview. Let’s dive into his musical journey, creative process, and the experiences that have shaped his career and uncover the inspiring story of Asia Chord and the artistic vision of Song Wonsub.

Could you please introduce yourself to our readers and share a bit about your background?

Hello, I’m Song Wonsub from Asia Chord. I was born in March 1987. I started learning guitar, composition, and music when I was 18. Afterwards, I joined the military band, where I studied the trombone for two years. After completing my military service, I majored in music at the Seoul Institute of the Arts in South Korea. Since 2012, I have worked as a jazz trombonist in Korea for a long time, performing on Korean music TV shows, recording music for Korean singers, and playing in concerts. However, in 2016, I ended my trombone performance career and began preparing to become a solo singer. In 2019, I started creating videos I uploaded on YouTube, and my channel received a lot of love from audiences in different countries. Since then, I have visited several countries for concerts and appeared on TV and radio shows.

What initially drew you to music, and how did your journey in the music industry begin? Was there a specific moment when you realized this was the career path you wanted to pursue, or did you always know this was for you?

When I was 18, I visited a friend’s house and saw him playing the guitar. I was immediately captivated by the sound. From then on, I started working part-time to save money and bought an affordable guitar. I also began learning music at a local music academy. I took music as a career when I studied the trombone to join the military band. While serving, I took the university entrance exam for the Seoul Institute of the Arts, which is also known as Korea’s top jazz music school, where talented students from all over the country gather to study and perform jazz. At 25, thanks to the support of my seniors, I started working on many music projects. Despite being young, I had the honour of performing with respected seniors and professors. I played on TV shows, concerts for Korean singers, and other areas of the Korean music industry.

You have been covering songs from various countries and translating them into Korean for a while. What inspired you to start singing Hindi songs in Korean?

I have already translated and sung songs from many countries into Korean. During a brainstorming session with my company, we had the idea of creating a new YouTube channel separate from my main account to cover songs from more countries. This was to separate languages into different channels. So, two months ago, I started exploring new music from other countries. Surprisingly, when I looked at YouTube’s global music video rankings, I saw that there were many Hindi songs. They were unique and intriguing. At first, it was difficult because they were very different from Korean songs, but I gradually adapted and started singing them. I am very grateful that my Arijit Singh – Tum Hi Ho cover was widely shared on the Asia Chord Instagram page, allowing more people to watch it. This encouraged me to continue trying Hindi songs.

What challenges have you faced in your singing career, and how have you managed to overcome them? 

I constantly struggle with thoughts about myself. Although I have released many songs, I have yet to have a hit song that is widely recognized. As a singer, this is a significant concern. While I have done many cover songs, every artist dreams of being loved for their own music. However, I believe my time will come if I don’t stop. With a small hope, I plan to keep moving forward without giving up.

What do you find most challenging about performing Hindi songs for a Korean audience? Are people in Korea familiar with the Hindi songs you cover?

I try to write lyrics that sound natural and comfortable to Korean listeners. However, the Korean and Hindi languages are very different, and their musical styles are also distinct. This makes writing lyrics challenging. Since lyrics and syllables need to match well with the melody, when Koreans hear my Hindi covers, they might even think they are Korean songs. Hahaha!

How do you prepare yourself vocally and emotionally when performing a song in a language that isn’t your mother tongue?

Hmm.. I firmly believe that creating lyrics that are emotionally meaningful and sound natural in Korean is essential. That way, I can immerse myself emotionally in the song while singing. So, I spend a lot of time self-reflecting and revising my lyrics.

What does the name “ASIA CHORD” mean to you, and what inspired you to choose it for your Instagram and YouTube channel?

My company’s name is Solomon Chord. When creating a new account, we wanted to make a channel focused on Asian countries, so we took inspiration from the company name and named it ASIA CHORD.

Having toured and performed live for your fans, what unforgettable moments stand out? Were there any challenges that shaped your experience on stage?

Every moment has been precious. Visiting new countries and cities, meeting new people, and creating new videos have all been an honour. One day, I hope to visit India and nearby countries for concerts. The only challenges during performances have been technical issues, but other than that, I always focus on communicating with the audience and enjoying the emotions, excitement, and nervousness on stage.

Is there a global artist you would love to collaborate with in the future, and why?

I am not yet a famous singer, so if given the opportunity, it would be an honour to collaborate with any artist. However, I would love to work with someone who writes and composes their own songs and has deep musical knowledge.

Could you share some details about your upcoming projects or covers? What can your fans expect to see next on your channel?

I plan to try various things! In addition to music content, I want to create content that the public enjoys, such as mukbang (food videos), vlogs, and reaction videos. I hope you all can support me as I embark on this new journey along with my musical one.

What advice would you give to aspiring singers who want to explore multilingual covers?

I do not speak Hindi fluently, my English is not perfect, and my Russian is also not perfect. However, I have come this far by focusing on what I do best. Instead of imitating others or following well-trodden paths, I believe carving out a unique path for oneself is the key to success and originality.

The Korean wave is growing rapidly in India, and many fans love listening to  K-Pop. So, would you like to share a message with our Indian K-Pop fans?

Of course! But I am not a K-pop idol… I am old… Hahahaha!

Once again, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your precious time and sharing insights about your journey. Thank you so much. On behalf of the entire team at Hallyuism, we wish you all the best for your future projects and lots of love from India!

We hope you enjoyed reading this interview as much as we enjoyed conducting it. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!