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John K and Sung Si Kyung’s Korean BBQ Adventure: A Taste of Music and Friendship in Seoul

What happens when two talented musicians from different corners of the world meet in Seoul for Korean BBQ? A delightful conversation filled with music, laughter, and of course, delicious food! Join us as we dive into the heartwarming encounter between American singer-songwriter John K and beloved Korean ballad artist Sung Si Kyung. This meal wasn’t just about savoring Korean cuisine; it was a meeting of minds, exploring potential collaborations, and sharing personal stories.

A Warm Welcome and a Korean Jacket

The scene opens with Sung Si Kyung warmly greeting John K, who is visiting Korea. A humorous start to their meeting is John K sporting a jacket lent by Sung Si Kyung. As John K explains, “We took a couple long walks just to go explore and 5 minutes on the road I was like glad I had it so thank you for this.” This small gesture of kindness immediately sets a friendly and comfortable tone for their get-together. They quickly settle in to order, with Sung Si Kyung playfully ordering a non-alcoholic tea for himself, hinting at a past of enjoying drinks, while John K takes on the honorary role of drinking for both of them for the day, toasting to Korea and their newfound friendship.

Musical Bridges: From Ballads to Potential Collaboration

The conversation soon turns to music, the universal language that brought them together. John K reveals his admiration for Sung Si Kyung’s music, reminiscing about discovering it during his first visit to Korea two years prior. He praises Sung Si Kyung’s consistent artistry and genuine artistic identity, something John K himself aspires to. The idea of collaboration arose organically, with John K expressing his excitement to explore a musical partnership, saying, “I’m willing to do anything be fun yeah.” Sung Si Kyung, known for his ballads in a K-pop dominated world, also expresses his enthusiasm, acknowledging the uniqueness of such a collaboration and feeling lucky to be approached by John K.

Savoring Korean BBQ: A Culinary and Cultural Experience

They delve into the Korean BBQ experience at a local restaurant. Sung Si Kyung guides John K through the menu, recommending dishes and explaining the unique aspects of Korean barbecue. They opt for “CH buy it,” described as brisket, and “rib eye.” The interactive nature of Korean BBQ is highlighted, where they select their meat and cook it themselves (or have it cooked for them, as in this case). Sung Si Kyung emphasizes the quality of the meat and introduces “paji,” a green onion salad, a flavorful accompaniment despite the potential for “bad breath” afterwards. They discuss kimchi, a staple of Korean cuisine, and how its taste varies from place to place, reflecting the individuality of each restaurant.

John K’s Journey: From American Idol to Korean Stages

The conversation takes a personal turn as John K shares his musical journey. He recounts his family’s musical background, influenced by his great-grandfather who played with Louis Armstrong. He talks about his early love for music, inspired by Mariah Carey, and his unexpected audition for American Idol encouraged by his grandmother. He candidly speaks about his experiences on the show, the initial disappointment of being cut, and the valuable advice he received to develop his craft. This led him to Nashville, a hub for songwriters, where he honed his skills, albeit with a period of typical young artist dreaming and a bit too much socializing.

Love, Inspiration, and Korean Fans

A pivotal moment in John K’s story is meeting his wife, Lene. He credits her as his inspiration and the catalyst for his songwriting success. He shares the serendipitous story of writing his hit song “if we never met” shortly after meeting songwriter Steph Jones, a song deeply rooted in his relationship with Lene. John K expresses immense gratitude for his Korean fans, emphasizing how their enthusiastic support has reignited his passion for music and taken the pressure off chasing perfection. He fondly describes the surreal experience of performing in Korea and having fans sing along to his songs.

The Essence of Life and Future Korean Adventures

The conversation touches on deeper themes of life balance and finding joy in simplicity. John K’s reflections on overcoming self-doubt and embracing imperfections resonate as wisdom beyond his years, especially compared to Sung Si Kyung’s self-proclaimed “workaholic” persona. They discuss healthy living, with John K sharing his two-year sobriety journey and the positive impact on his well-being. The meal concludes with plans for John K to return to Korea, potentially with his family, and Sung Si Kyung enthusiastically offering to be his guide to the best of Korean culture and cuisine beyond Seoul. The friendly banter and genuine connection highlight a promising friendship and perhaps, a future musical collaboration born over a sizzling Korean BBQ.

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