The Melodic World of La Poem: South Korea's Premier Crossover Quartet
In the evolving landscape of South Korean music, few groups have bridged the gap between classical elegance and contemporary pop as seamlessly as La Poem. This male crossover vocal group has captivated audiences by blending the technical precision of operatic training with the emotional accessibility of popular music. Since their emergence on the national stage, they have become a staple at prestigious music festivals, award ceremonies, and major sporting events.
The group's name is a poetic fusion of the French term la bohème and the English word poem. This reflects their core mission: to deliver music that feels as free and evocative as poetry, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of their listeners.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Origin: South Korea
- Formation: July 2020 via the JTBC reality show Phantom Singer Season 3
- Genre: Crossover (Pop and Classical)
- Members: Chaehoon You, Kihun Park, Minseong Jeong, and Sunghoon Choi
- Label: Drama House
- Active Years: 2020–present
The Journey to Success: Formation and Rise
La Poem was born from the competitive arena of Phantom Singer 3, a JTBC reality audition program that aired from April to July 2020. The show sought to discover male singers trained primarily in classical music and musical theater, tasking them with forming elite quartets. After intense competition, La Poem secured victory through the highest number of viewer votes on July 3, 2020, officially debuting as a professional crossover group.
Since their win, the group has maintained a high profile, performing at diverse venues ranging from the opening ceremony of the Korean Series (KBO League) to various high-profile television broadcasts and music festivals.
Meet the Members
The strength of La Poem lies in the diverse backgrounds and exceptional training of its four members. Each brings a unique vocal color and academic pedigree to the quartet.
Chaehoon You
A graduate of Hanyang University, Chaehoon You transitioned from a background in classical music to pursue the popular music market. Before joining La Poem, he performed with popera groups such as Awesome and Ekklesia. His breakthrough moment came during Phantom Singer 3 with a powerful rendition of "Il Mondo," which earned him a dedicated fanbase. His versatility led him to become the 9th host of the music show Culture Concert Nanjang in 2021.
Kihun Park
The youngest member of the group, Kihun Park is a graduate of Seoul National University. A highly decorated singer, he won the Deuxieme Grand Prix (runner-up) at the 51st International Singing Competition of Toulouse in 2016 at just 21 years old. He is known as a "bulgot" (flame) tenor, a title reflecting his intense and fiery vocal power.
Minseong Jeong
Minseong Jeong attended Yonsei University and has won numerous domestic awards, including a grand prize at the 2019 Daegu singing competition. His journey to La Poem was marked by international ambition; while participating in the preliminary auditions for Phantom Singer 3, he was studying at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Germany. To compete in the Korean auditions, he made the difficult decision to leave his studies in Germany to return to Korea.
Sunghoon Choi
Sunghoon Choi possesses an extensive international musical education. After studying at the Korea National University of Arts, he moved to Europe, studying at the City Conservatory of Paris and the Centre of Baroque Music Versailles. He later earned a master's degree from the Geneva University of Music. His experience as a soloist and opera singer across Europe paved the way for his successful audition in London, which eventually brought him to the Phantom Singer 3 stage.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบPerformance History and Discography
La Poem has maintained a rigorous schedule of concerts and television appearances. Their filmography includes winning matches on Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend and earning MVP awards on Phantom Singer All Stars. They have also collaborated with K-pop artists, notably providing vocal support for Ateez on Kingdom: Legendary War.
Notable Concert Tours
- Phantom Singer 3 Gala Concert Tour (2020): A tour featuring the top quartets from the show.
- La Poem's 1st Concert <Scene#1> Tour (2021): A multi-city tour covering Busan, Ulsan, Suwon, Cheongju, Seongnam, Daegu, and Seoul.
- 2021 Great Concert Series: A prestigious performance at the Sejong Center accompanied by the Korea Coop Orchestra.
- Serenade of La Poem (2021): A special year-end event combining a concert with a fan meeting.
Summary of Group Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Group Type | Male Crossover Quartet |
| Primary Genres | Classical, Pop, Popera |
| Key Achievement | Winners of Phantom Singer 3 |
| Notable Members | Chaehoon You, Kihun Park, Minseong Jeong, Sunghoon Choi |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name "La Poem" mean?
The name is a combination of the French word "la bohème" and the English word "poem." It symbolizes the group's intention to sing songs that are as free and moving as poetry.
How did La Poem form?
The group was formed in July 2020 through the JTBC reality audition program Phantom Singer Season 3. They won the competition through viewer votes and debuted shortly after.
What genre of music does La Poem perform?
La Poem specializes in crossover music, which blends elements of classical vocal techniques with pop sensibilities.
Has La Poem collaborated with K-pop idols?
Yes, they have appeared on music competition shows like Kingdom: Legendary War, where they featured in a performance supporting the group Ateez.
Where can I find La Poem's music?
La Poem has released various singles, EPs, and albums, including the Scene#1 debut and the Eclipse trilogy. Their music is available through major music platforms and has appeared on various official charts.