On May 6, 2025, singer Hwang Ga-ram made a memorable appearance on JTBC's program 'Han Moon-cheol's Black Box Review,' commonly referred to as 'Han-bleri.' During the show, she delivered a surprise duet performance of the song 'I'm a Firefly' alongside lawyer Han Moon-cheol, captivating the audience with their heartfelt rendition.
Hwang Ga-ram opened up about her current situation, sharing, "I sing a new song every day because there is no such thing as a score. I give a lot of feedback." She expressed gratitude for the warm reception she has received from fans, stating, "I’m also preparing for a performance now." Her authenticity resonated with viewers as she acknowledged the struggles she faced, saying, "I apologize if it seems like I’m the only one who has suffered. I’ve persevered to get to this point."
Han Moon-cheol, showing his enthusiasm, remarked, "The song is so good that I even wrote the lyrics," before suggesting an impromptu duet. The two artists then sang 'I'm a Firefly' together, filling the studio with warmth and emotion.
This episode also highlighted children's traffic safety in honor of the month dedicated to family, featuring elementary school students who expressed their admiration for Hwang Ga-ram, naming her as their favorite artist. The combination of heartfelt music and an important message made for a compelling broadcast.
Earlier, on April 22, 2025, Hwang Ga-ram released her new single 'Even if the World Deceives You.' The song, which conveys a message of hope and comfort, quickly climbed to the top of the Melon HOT 100 and Kakao Music real-time charts, showcasing her growing popularity in the music industry.
Despite her rising fame, Hwang Ga-ram has been balancing her music career with part-time work to support herself financially. On May 5, 2025, during an episode of SBS's 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 - You Are My Destiny,' she humorously mentioned a phone call with Jung Joong-sik, the original composer of 'I'm a Firefly,' saying, "Did you wake me up to tell me to work from morning?" This light-hearted comment illustrated her dedication to her craft while managing her livelihood.
Hwang clarified that she does not receive income from the song since Jung Joong-sik handled the lyrics and composition. In contrast, Jung Joong-sik proudly shared that his royalties have significantly increased since the song's success, now earning the equivalent of a monthly payment for an imported car. He noted, "Before 'Firefly' took off, I would receive 20,000 won a month, but now it’s like an imported car's worth of royalties." He also mentioned the international interest in the song, stating that he is frequently contacted for copyright agreements from other countries.
Hwang Ga-ram's journey reflects the challenges faced by many artists in the industry, where success can come with its own set of struggles. Her ability to connect with audiences through her music and her candidness about her experiences have endeared her to fans.
As she continues to prepare for upcoming performances and navigate her career, Hwang Ga-ram stands as a testament to resilience and passion in the face of adversity. Her story resonates not only with her fans but also with anyone pursuing their dreams against the odds.
In conclusion, Hwang Ga-ram's recent appearances have not only showcased her vocal talent but also her ability to inspire through her story. With her new single topping the charts and her heartfelt performances, she is undoubtedly an artist to watch in the coming months.
