Yu Ji-na turns Nam Jin’s stage gift into an 18 million won tip

A 25-song encore thanks to Nam Jin's consideration, resulting in a miracle 18 million won tip

Singer Yu Ji-na has recalled a decisive moment from her days as an unknown artist. On the TV CHOSUN program 'Perfect Life,' airing at 8 PM on the 8th, Yu Ji-na shared her connection with the legendary senior in the music industry, Nam Jin.

At the time, Yu Ji-na appeared as a traditional Korean music guest at Nam Jin's mini-concert in Japan. The true highlight was Nam Jin's consideration. On stage, Nam Jin handed the microphone to his junior, saying, "I only need to do one song, so you go up and sing."

Thanks to this kindness, Yu Ji-na was able to perform a massive 25-song encore stage, which ultimately resulted in receiving a tip totaling 18 million won. Using this performance as a turning point, Yu Ji-na solidified her position by performing solo events in Japan for the following five years.

"You have to go through it all to sing with such sorrow": Yu Ji-na's unfiltered wit

Yu Ji-na's honest charm was also on display during the broadcast. After passionately singing 'Eohwa Nae Nim' during the opening stage, Yu Ji-na reacted wittily to MC Oh Ji-ho's impression performance.

When Oh Ji-ho sang Yu Ji-na's signature song 'Gochu,' Yu Ji-na stepped in to perform a verse herself, bringing out the true flavor of the song. She then turned to Oh Ji-ho and said, "Ji-ho, you haven't been through a divorce, have you? You have to go through all sorts of ups and downs to sing this sorrowfully," humorously expressing the unique 'han' (deep sorrow) of trot music and leaving the studio in stitches.

Miss Kim's confession: "I sang her song when I was five"

The warm senior-junior relationship between Miss Kim, who placed 4th on 'Miss Trot 3,' and Yu Ji-na was also highlighted. Miss Kim confessed her long-standing admiration for Yu Ji-na, whom she used to watch on TV as a child.

Miss Kim recalled participating in a song contest in Ttangkeut Village, Haenam, Jeollanam-do, when she was around five years old, where she sang Yu Ji-na's song 'Sok Gipeun Yeoja.' Yu Ji-na also expressed her affection for Miss Kim, noting, "She is warm-hearted and speaks with sincerity." She added that they felt close rather than like strangers due to their shared connection to Jeolla-do style singing.