Song Review: Youngtak – Juicy Go (with Kim Yon-ja)

Apart from the K-pop ecosystem we all know and love, there’s a thriving trot industry in Korea that most foreign listeners may never be exposed to. I don’t often write about trot music, as it’s its own genre with unique quirks and vast history. However, sometimes a song crosses over in a way that embraces K-pop tropes.

Youngtak has been working in the trot industry for nearly a decade, though he made his debut as a balladeer much earlier. Then, we have the iconic Kim Yon-ja, most beloved by modern audiences for her trot-dance crossover Amor Fati that still highlights end-of-year celebrations regularly. The two combine their talents for new single Juicy Go (주시고), which is more Gangnam Style than traditional trot. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s a ton of goofy fun for those willing to embrace its charms.

While there are hints of the trot sound here and there throughout Juicy Go, it’s in the way that first and second generation K-pop retained these elements prior to the industry’s increased westernization. More often, Youngtak performs in a melodic rap style favored by many idols and pop performers. The verses are pure PSY with a bit of Super Junior thrown in for good measure. Then, Yon-ja comes in to lend her commanding voice to the song’s silly hook. I love how they perform this novelty track as if it’s the most important piece of music ever recorded. That’s camp, and lets the listener in on the joke. This is legitimately more fun than many current idol releases.

Grade: B