Song Ga-in reveals heartwarming reason for department store VIP status

Singer Song Ga-in has revealed the touching reason behind her status as a department store VIP. While she previously faced scrutiny regarding whether her success had led to extravagant spending, she explained that her frequent visits were actually to express gratitude to those who supported her during her years of obscurity.

During an appearance on the MBC program 'Songs That Survived Today - Playlist 109' aired on the 25th, Song shared an anecdote involving department stores after the keyword 'VIP' was mentioned as one of the terms describing her.

“After I became successful, I went to department stores frequently. That is how I became a VIP,” she said. While her visits to department stores did increase significantly following her rise to fame, they were not for her own personal use.

“The reason I went to the department store so often was to buy gifts for the people who were kind to me and whom I was grateful for during my unknown days,” Song explained. “Because I went every day just to buy gifts, I became a VIP.”

Upon hearing this, DinDin recalled rumors that had previously surrounded the singer. He revealed there was once a saying, “If you want to see Song Ga-in, go to the department store,” and admitted he initially thought, “She must have made a lot of money and become very extravagant.”

However, once the true reason was revealed, DinDin expressed admiration. Rather than spending on herself, Song had been visiting department stores to convey her gratitude to those around her.

Song also specified the recipients of her gifts, noting, “I repaid my teachers, friends, my parents' acquaintances, and my family.” This highlights that she has not forgotten those who reached out to her during her struggling years and continues to care for them following her success.

Lee Seok Hoon also praised her attitude, noting, “No matter how much money you make, you can't spend it all like Ga-in.”

Song rose to mainstream stardom after winning the final competition on TV CHOSUN's 'Miss Trot,' becoming a central figure in the trot craze. Because her success followed a long period of obscurity, her desire to return the favor to those who helped her holds significant meaning in her life.

While the title of department store VIP typically evokes images of luxury and high spending, for Song, it served as a way to honor past connections and share the fruits of her success. Her philosophy of "repayment" has highlighted a deeply thoughtful side of her character.