Nam Jin (Korean: 남진; born September 27, 1946) is a South Korean trot singer. He debuted in 1965 with the album Seoul Playboy, and became one of South Korea's most popular singers of the 1960s and 1970s.

Biography

Early life

Nam Jin was born Kim Nam-jin in 1946 in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, South Korea. His father Kim Moon Ok, was a publisher of the Mokpo Daily, and was a notable figure as a member of parliament for the opposition, which made his family wealthy. His mother was Jang Gi-Soon.

1960s

Originally Nam wanted to be an actor, but he trained at Han Dong-hoon's music academy for two years. Han eventually produced Nam's pop debut album “Seoul Playboy” which was released in 1965 but was a commercial failure. After moving to Oasis Records, his 2nd album "Did I Come Here to Cry?" became a huge hit. His acting career began in 1967 with the film Heartbreaking. His film Longing Is Every Heart sold 100,000 tickets at theaters. In 1968 he enlisted in the Blue Dragon Korean Marine Corp for the Vietnam War.

1970s

He was discharged from the military in 1971. His 1972 single "Together with My Lover" (임과 함께) became a huge pop hit. He married singer Yoon Bok-hee in 1976.

1980s

Nam’s career opportunities were limited by the government in the early 1980s, putting a damper on his career. This prompted him to move to the United States for a short time before returning to South Korea and releasing "Empty Cup" in 1982.

2000s

He often appears on the KBS 1TV Golden Oldies (Korean: 가요무대).

Filmography

Television shows

YearTitleRoleRef.
2021With RumorsHost
2022Our Namjin
Burning TrotmanJudge

Ambassadorship

Awards

Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards

YearCategoryRecipientResultRef.
2017Order of Cultural MeritsNam JinWon

MBC Ten Singers Match

YearCategoryRecipientResultRef.
1971King of Ten Singers"Should Have a Beautiful Heart" (마음이 고와야지)Won
1972"With My Dear" (님과 함께)Won
1973"Don't Change, My Dear" (그대여 변치마오)Won

TBC Broadcast Music Awards

YearCategoryRecipientResultRef.
1969Best Song (Male Artist)"My Heart Aches" (가슴 아프게)Won
1971"Should Have a Beautiful Heart"Won
1973"Don't Change, My Dear"Won