A popular drama, which is on the air, attracts people’s attention by adding classical music. For that reason, CBT met Jung Se-hun who sings ‘popera,’ a mix of opera and pop music. He is a countertenor. A countertenor is a man who sings with a female voice. However, he is far beyond a countertenor; he is like a castrato. A castrato is a man with a singing voice equivalent to a soprano, produced by castration before puberty. However, he said, “I am not a castrated castrato as in a dictionary’s definition, but my voice is different from the color of an alto’s soft voice, and my voice’s power makes you shudder. Therefore, I want to be called a ‘popera castrato’ rather than countertenor.” Let’s listen to his story about being the first and best Korean castrato and to his music which inspires him. -Ed.

Hesitation as the first Korean castrato and his beginnings
The way of this castrato began in Canada. When he studied as a common alto, he was interested in classical music and popular music. And then, his singing in the voice of countertenor won the first prize while studying in Canada. After that, he was convinced about this sound and started studying. However, the way of a castrato was not easy. Castratos were unfamiliar to Koreans, and there were not any teachers in Korea. “All of us, who were doing this at first, were worried and hesitated about the way. So was I, but I regarded my voice as natural. No matter how many difficulties there were, I was encouraged by receiving a voice which can be used for many audiences.” Hence, he chose to study by himself rather than to abandon the forward journey. Finding his value in spite of hesitation, he took the first step.
A long journey for the best
Until becoming the best, the practice in listening and singing was continued. The people’s reactions were a help to him during the practice. “If the audiences are moved when I sing a song, it is the best music. Even though people don’t know the song, the song is good music if it gives people an impression.” He kept trying to sing the best music for people.  Although he became the best, he had to suffer grief because he was the best. “I have never regretted being a musician, but I have done it as a public man. I had to feel pain, and my behavior couldn’t be natural because I was a public man. Gaining people’s affection was accompanied by pain.” Although he had difficulties in enduring the pain, he made a greater effort.
Sympathy between Jung Se-hun and audiences through music
What is the part of the music that fascinates him? “First, I love this music that is unique. However, the better point is giving an impression and comfort to not only audiences but also to me. As audiences shed tears when I sang a song, I felt good that my songs healed their minds.” Also, the music fascinates not only audiences but also him and other musicians because it is both popular music and classical music. Therefore, he has never given up due to his attraction for music, though he has had a hard time. When CBT asked him about the meaning of the music as thought of by students, he just wanted them to listen to the music. “People should listen to the music of their age at that age. It is good music if they are impressed. Music is just enjoying oneself; this is the reason why the music consoles us and gives us happiness.” Because existence has meaning in itself, this music also has meaning just by listening.
A guidebook for the best from the best musician
He said as a senior, who had overcome hardship, that the most important thing is having a goal. Having the goal to be the best in the world, he never regretted being a musician. “I have always had a goal. The reason is that there is hope and a pleasure of life if a goal exists. Even though I have all the things I need, hope to live will disappear without a goal. Because I thought that I will be the best in the world, I could attain that position. I will continue to work for the highest goal until I die rather than just trying.”
If you set a goal, you can know what you have to do. Also, you don’t have to be afraid of the way to reach the goal. You are taking a step back if you are doing nothing because of fear. However, you are taking a step even though you fail after overcoming the fear. People know doing their best, but the important thing is to make it their own to be a successful man. Make it yours after setting a goal and overcoming the fear like him.