From Trot Star to Emotional Vocalist
Although the competition is fierce for the top spots in the 2025 Netizen Awards for Best Male Artist, there’s one artist capturing attention from the lower ranks—Choi Sooho, currently in 18th place with 269 votes (0.1%). Known for his activity across multiple platforms, Sooho is winning fans with his versatility on stage and screen.
Moving Hearts with ‘Emergency Room’
On June 26, Choi Sooho delivered a stirring performance of the classic ballad Emergency Room on MBC ON’s variety show Trot Champion. Named as the second ‘Fan ON Star’ of the program, he also briefly sang iconic songs like Jeon Yu-jin’s Evening Primrose and Lee Sun-hee’s Light Rain before performing the main act.
Unlike typical trot-style delivery, Sooho embraced the original emotional tone of the ballad, earning praise for his soft, expressive vocals. His stable range, refined styling, and impromptu emotional acting showcased his full potential as a true performer—not just a singer.
A Genre-Bending Artistry
Sooho’s recent appearances in the Active King 2 National Tour Concert have helped him connect with fans all across Korea. While he started out in trot, his ability to fluidly cross over into the ballad genre is seen not as a shift but as an evolution in his musical career.
“He doesn’t just sing the lyrics, he interprets them,” one industry follower commented, applauding his growth into a stage artist rather than just a good vocalist. His well-received performance could be a stepping stone in the ongoing fan-driven Netizen Awards.
Climbing Slowly, but Meaningfully
As of 8:31 PM on June 27, Choi Sooho remains in 18th place. While it may seem far from the podium, the increased attention to his vocal adaptability and artistic transformation could boost his ranking in the second half of the year.
Given the strong reaction to Emergency Room beyond his existing fan base, there’s real potential for short-term interest to mature into lasting support. One thing is for sure—Choi Sooho’s steady evolution is a story worth watching.
