Tropea, the dynamic duo of Park Chun-jae and Cheon Yong-hyun, has emerged as one of the fan-favorites from TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot 3', showcasing both their classical singing prowess and their passion for the traditional genre of trot music. The show has become iconic, providing not only entertainment but also inspiring stories of resilience and gratitude among contestants, especially for those like Cheon Rock-dam, who have faced significant life challenges.
On March 13, 2025, the much-anticipated final of 'Mr. Trot 3' aired, marking the culmination of weeks of hard-fought competition. The show, known for its intense performances, brought together the top seven finalists, including Tropea, Lee Ji-hoon, Cheon Rock-dam (Lee Jung), Kim Hyun-soo, Chris Young, Nam Seung-min, and Choi Hyuk-jin & Choo Gil-yi, who tied for sixth place.
During the finale, Cheon Rock-dam performed Na Hoon-ah's 'Gong', touching the audience and judges alike. His performance held special significance as it was exactly two years since he had undergone kidney cancer surgery, marking this occasion as both triumphant and emotional. "My life is divided before and after my kidney surgery," he shared, adding, "I am living with sincere gratitude these days." His reflection on how his struggles have influenced his music resonates with many of his followers, who find strength and courage through his songs.
Tropea members, Park Chun-jae and Cheon Yong-hyun, shared their experiences from the competition, demonstrating the camaraderie found within the show’s diverse lineup. Park expressed gratitude for the guidance and support he received from fellow contestants, especially from Lee Ji-hoon. “Lee Ji-hoon helped me so much during the competition. We even found accommodation close to his place, which made things easier for us,” Cheon Yong-hyun mentioned. They painted a picture of support, with Park stating how he was touched by Ji-hoon's energetic presence. Despite facing personal challenges, Ji-hoon maintained his positive demeanor throughout the competition.
Reflecting on their duet and dreams, Cheon Yong-hyun mentioned his initial name 'Jeon Yong-hyun', which he changed upon Cheon Rock-dam's suggestion to 'Cheon Yong-hyun'. He revealed, “He asked me if I could use the character 'Cheon', and it turned out to be meaningful because it symbolizes 'a wise face sent from the sky' when combined with my original name.” This transformation not only changed his artist persona but also deepened his connection with the trot genre.
Tropea has become ardent supporters of Cheon Rock-dam, whom they believe has the potential to win 'Mr. Trot 3'. Park Chun-jae expressed, “Cheon Rock-dam is truly amazing; his skills and stage presence are top-notch. It would be wonderful if he wins the grand prize.” This endorsement adds to the sense of community and mutual support exhibited throughout the competition.
Beyond their recent success, both members of Tropea are eager to establish their careers as artists. Park Chun-jae recently launched his solo career with the release of his first single titled 'More Flowers', which has garnered appreciation for its blend of opera and trot elements, illustrating his unique artistic vision. “The name Tropea seems to create constraints between trot and opera,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of nurturing individual identities as artists.
Meanwhile, Cheon Yong-hyun, reflecting on his more than ten years of experience, acknowledged how their participation in 'Mr. Trot 3' has been pivotal. “I haven’t thought much about other genres over the past decade. Through this competition, I have learned and connected with various genre participants,” he noted. The evolution of their musical styles indicates their readiness to embrace the challenges and opportunities offered by the wider music industry.
Both of them now possess ambitions to pursue solo careers alongside their work with Tropea, allowing them to expand their artistic expressions. Cheon Yong-hyun intends to continue delving deep within the trot genre, expressing his exhilaration for performing. “It brought me tremendous joy to sing trot. The lyrics seem more direct, and I believe they resonate well with the audience,” he remarked.
Through their participation and experiences on 'Mr. Trot 3', Tropea members and Cheon Rock-dam have created lasting memories and deep bonds, all within the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and artistry. With aspirations upwards, they all hope to continue their journeys, whether as duos, solo artists, or as supportive friends within the ever-evolving Korean music scene.