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A special Lunar New Year performance on MBC’s “King of Mask Singer” aired on February 11th to celebrate the festive season.
In an engaging first round, two hidden singers performed “All of My Life” by Park Won as a duet. Judge BMK speculated, “I suspect this individual belongs to an idol group, responsible for both singing and rapping,” and further commented on the performer’s evident skills in delivering a dynamic performance.
Judge Lim Han-byul chimed in with, “I get the impression that this singer is not a native Korean, considering the way they handle dance songs as opposed to ballads.“
“Digestive Medicine,” who lost in this duet battle, unveiled his identity to be Ten, the Thai member of the K-pop group NCT under SM Entertainment. His melodious rendition of Baekhyun’s “My Love” revealed his vocal prowess.
Reflecting on his life in Korea over the past 11 years, Ten mentioned the challenges he faced initially, and the support he received from his group members. Kim Sung-joo’s question about Ten’s integration into Korean life led to Ten’s humorous revelation that he realized his assimilation when he started feeling like a ‘K-ggondae’—a playful term for an old man.
He shared an awkward moment when fellow NCT member Mark greeted him informally, highlighting the cultural aspect of honorifics in Korean society. Sam Hammington remarked that there’s nothing wrong with feeling like a ‘ggondae.’
Ten looks forward to his solo endeavors as he becomes the second NCT member to do so. He also gave a sneak peek of his solo song “Nightwalker”’s choreography on the show. His personal story included a touching reference to his grandmother, an avid fan of Super Junior, who encouraged Ten to pursue a career in K-pop through SM’s global audition process. In a heartfelt gesture, Ten sent a video letter to his grandmother in Thailand.
Source: Daum
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FAQs about Ten’s Experience in Korea
- What challenge did Ten face when he moved to Korea?
- Ten experienced cultural and adjustment issues when he started living in Korea, but was aided greatly by his NCT group members.
- How did Ten realize he had become accustomed to Korean culture?
- Ten humorously mentioned he felt like he had become a ‘K-ggondae’ or an old man in Korean slang, signifying his cultural assimilation.
- What was Ten’s reaction to being greeted without honorifics by a younger member?
- Ten felt awkward when Mark, a younger member of NCT, greeted him informally, which indicates the importance of honorifics in Korean etiquette.
- Is Ten planning to launch a solo career?
- Yes, Ten disclosed that he is preparing for solo activities and is the second NCT member to do so.
Conclusion
Ten’s journey from Thailand to Korea encompasses not just a physical relocation but a significant cultural adaptation. With his appearance on “King of Mask Singer,” he not only showcased his talents but also shared his personal stories of integration and growth. Reflecting on a decade of experiences, he demonstrates how cultural nuances like honorifics can shape interpersonal relations, and how supportive environments can facilitate personal and professional development. Looking to the future, Ten is branching into solo works, with the love and backing of his grandmother and fans worldwide, marking an exciting chapter in his career.
