Jinsung reveals why he hid 100 million won under his mattress: "I couldn't trust the bank"
Trot singer Jinsung opens up about his battle with illness and the anxiety of sudden wealth on MBN's Kim Ju-ha's Day and Night.
Singer Jinsung, who returned to the stage after overcoming blood cancer and heart valve disease, is candidly sharing the anxiety that accompanied his hard-won success. Reflecting on his life, he confessed to hiding 100 million won in cash under his mattress because he didn't even trust the bank, revealing the deep-seated fears that lingered even after he found fame.

In the 35th episode of the MBN talk show "Kim Ju-ha's Day and Night," airing on the 25th, trot singers Jinsung and Kang Jin will engage in deep conversation regarding their years of obscurity, their prime, health, and self-management.
During the broadcast, Jinsung will reveal the decisive turning point that ended his long period of obscurity and led to his reputation as the "King of Medleys." He recalled that his life changed completely after participating in an audition upon the recommendation of a lyricist, which led to a medley album that achieved record-breaking success with over 1 million copies sold.
At that time, the medley album market was a core pillar of the adult contemporary music industry, driving the popularization of the trot market through explosive sales at nationwide events and through various distribution networks. Jinsung emerged as a breakout star within this trend, quickly garnering industry-wide attention.
Following the album's success, competition among production companies to recruit him was fierce. Jinsung surprised the cast by revealing that he was offered an exclusive contract with a 100 million won cash signing bonus. While significant by any standard, the offer was considered extraordinary given the economic climate of that era.
However, the sudden windfall brought anxiety before joy. Jinsung revealed he hid the 100 million won in cash under his mattress, stating, "I couldn't even easily trust the bank."
He confessed he was so worried about potential thieves that he couldn't feel at ease even while out, often rushing home out of anxiety. Because his success was earned with such difficulty after years of obscurity, his fear of losing it was greater than anyone else's.
His confession highlights how economic abundance does not necessarily lead to psychological stability. For artists who have endured long periods of uncertainty, sudden success often brings a simultaneous fear of loss and anxiety about the future. Jinsung's experience serves as a poignant example of the lasting impact of a long period of obscurity.
Singer Kang Jin will also appear to share his secrets to strict self-management. Boasting a muscular physique that earned him the nickname "Kwon Sang-woo of the Trot world," he shared his daily habits: "Even at home, I watch TV while standing, and after meals, I consistently go up and down stairs or take walks."
Kang Jin demonstrated his physical strength by performing impromptu push-ups in the studio, emphasizing that consistent exercise is the driving force behind his long-lasting career.
He also shared a childhood anecdote, noting he was so meticulous that he strictly distinguished between his outing clothes and school uniforms, earning him the nickname "British Gentleman" among his school friends.
In recent years, Jinsung has received immense support from fans by being open about his health struggles. Last year, he appeared on MBC Standard FM's "Son Tae-jin's Trot Radio," where he disclosed his battle with blood cancer and heart valve disease.
During that appearance, he drew sympathy by confessing, "I suffered from major illnesses like blood cancer and heart valve disease. As I received long-term medication, my forgetfulness became so severe that I even suspected I had dementia." Since returning to the stage through steady treatment, he continues to perform actively for his fans.
This broadcast is expected to provide a humanizing look at Jinsung's struggles with anxiety and his journey of overcoming illness, alongside Kang Jin's disciplined lifestyle and witty remarks, offering viewers a resonant story of life, health, and success.