Jang Han-byeol trades dental school for a shot at Cho Yong-pil's crown

Choosing the Trot Path Over a 120 Million Won Salary

Singer Jang Han-byeol has stepped onto the stage, leaving behind a stable professional career. In a preview clip for MBN and Channel S's 'Jun Hyun-moo's Plan 4,' Jang Han-byeol revealed his extraordinary background.

When KwakTube (Kwak Joon-bin) mentioned his admission to an Australian dental school and asked about his credentials, Jang Han-byeol disclosed that he was actually attending a dental school in Australia ranked in the global top 50. He confessed that while a dentist's first-year salary in Australia reaches approximately 120 million won, he ultimately chose to drop out. He essentially chose music over a life guaranteed to be a smooth road.

From Winning Malaysia's 'I Am a Singer' to 'Unknown Legend' TOP3

Jang Han-byeol's musical journey spans both domestic and international stages. After debuting in 2011 as a member of the group Led Apple, he once appeared on the Malaysian version of 'I Am a Singer' and became the first foreigner to win the competition. At that time, he continued global activities by conquering everything from dramas to variety shows in the region.

Recently, he is drawing attention once again after reaching the TOP3 in the 2026 trot audition program 'Unknown Legend.' In the preview, MC Jun Hyun-moo even mentioned their connection, remembering Jang Han-byeol from his appearance on a past episode of 'Hidden Singer' featuring Park Sang-min.

"I Want to Be Like the King of Singers Cho Yong-pil": The TOP3 Reveal Their Role Models

'Unknown Legend' finalists Sung-ri, Haru, and Jang Han-byeol set out to find famous restaurants in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do. Jun Hyun-moo offered them advice regarding the role models they need to leap forward as famous stars.

Jang Han-byeol mentioned the 'King of Singers' Cho Yong-pil without hesitation. "I hope I can become like him—someone with the power to sell out tickets and possess a name that is called the 'King of Singers' in Korea," he said. The TOP3 members then spontaneously sang Cho Yong-pil's representative song, 'Wind Song,' together, showing their chemistry.

The goals of the other TOP3 members differed as well. Haru expressed a desire for longevity by naming Nam Jin, who has been active for 60 years, as his role model, while Sung-ri mentioned Na Hoon-A. These details will be broadcast on 'Jun Hyun-moo's Plan 4' on the 17th at 9:10 PM.