Lin Revealed as Music Industry Drill Sergeant After 20 Years, Huang Chi-yeul Shares Past

Singer Lin has been summoned as the central figure in the long-standing rumor about the "music industry drill sergeant" from 20 years ago. However, the revelation by Huang Chi-yeul suggests a different side of Lin—one not just of a stern senior, but one filled with responsibility and affection for her juniors. On the upcoming episode of SBS's variety show "My Little Old Boy," set to air on the 26th, Lin's trip to Gunsan with Huang Chi-yeul and Cho Jin-se will be revealed. Amid a cheerful food adventure, an unexpected past story will emerge, drawing attention. Huang Chi-yeul recalled their first meeting over 20 years ago, stating, "I heard that Lin was known among juniors as extremely scary." He directly referenced the "Lin drill sergeant" rumor that once circulated in the music industry. Lin, beloved for her pure voice and emotional ballads, was also known in her debut years for her strong personality. She was said to be strict with juniors and unhesitatingly pointed out any lack of manners, which led to her "scary" image. However, Lin explained the situation by saying, "I spoke up before they got scolded more severely elsewhere," clarifying her intentions. This reflects the unique nature of the music industry in the 2000s, where senior-junior culture was much stronger, and advice and guidance from seniors were naturally part of learning stage experience, broadcast manners, and basic etiquette. While many aspects of past authoritarian cultures have rightly been criticized and should be eliminated, it is also true that not all strictness can be interpreted as abuse. There is a subtle difference between a protective intention toward juniors and an authoritarian attitude. Huang Chi-yeul, while exposing Lin's past, presented it not as a malicious story but as a nostalgic episode. It is expected to be a scene that reveals another side of Lin, who has long been a strong presence for juniors through her activities. The broadcast will also reveal Huang Chi-yeul's surprising past. Although he is now a star with a gentlemanly image and a solid fan base, his early life was far from glamorous. He lived in a cramped, 10-pyeong basement room in Seoul and survived on cheap powdered soup and rice. He even shared a story about touring real estate just because he wanted to drink coffee—a time when even a cup of coffee was hard to afford. Before becoming a successful star, he held onto his dream with nothing but determination. Particularly, Huang Chi-yeul will reveal his own dating method from the days when he couldn't even afford dates—expressing affection through sincerity rather than material things. Ultimately, this broadcast will go beyond a simple food trip, capturing the growth stories of singers who have walked through the same era. Lin, remembered 20 years ago as a "scary senior," and Huang Chi-yeul, who finally reached the top after a long period of obscurity. Their stories are expected to offer a moment to reflect on the senior-junior culture in the music industry and the human moments behind the glamorous stage.