Fly to the Sky’s Hwanhee opens up about his trot debut: “It wasn’t about financial struggles, it was for my mother”

Hwanhee reveals the personal story behind his recent transition into the trot genre.

The 'Radio Star' production team confirmed on April 30 that the episode will be part of a special titled “Wise Colleague Life,” featuring celebrity guests Lee Yeon Bok, Jang Shin Young, Brian, and Hwanhee.

Hwanhee, who recently appeared on a trot competition program and ventured into the genre for the first time in his career, clarifies that the decision wasn’t motivated by financial hardship, as some speculated.

"It wasn’t because of financial struggles," he says. "It was actually because of my mother. Despite my long career, she once told me that she couldn’t sing along to my songs. That really moved me."

Having debuted with the R&B duo Fly to the Sky, Hwanhee admits, "I used to think trot didn’t suit me at all, and I struggled with the decision. But in the end, I made a big choice for my mom."

He also shares a surprising reaction from fans: "Some fans apparently asked Brian to stop me from doing trot." To this, Brian responds firmly, "If this is the path he’s chosen, I respect it. Why stop someone from doing what they truly want?"

Hwanhee then reveals he was deeply touched by Brian’s support.

Addressing the rumors about financial hardship, Hwanhee says, "I once talked about the challenges we faced when Fly to the Sky changed agencies, but that was a long time ago. Somehow that story resurfaced and led to misunderstandings. Since it wasn’t true, I didn’t feel the need to publicly deny it."