Hong Ji-yoon signs exclusive contract with SM C&C

Singer Hong Ji-yoon has signed an exclusive contract with SM C&C, the agency announced on July 13. The contract puts Hong under the same agency as broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo and other SM C&C artists.

SM C&C said in its statement, 'Hong Ji-yoon is an artist with outstanding singing ability and solid musicianship. We will provide full support so that she can show her own appeal through trot as well as a range of genres and stages.'

SM C&C's announcement described Hong's background in Korean traditional music, saying she studied the field from childhood and won a bronze award at the 21st Imbangul Gugak Festival while in high school. The announcement also said she recorded strong results in multiple competitions.

Hong finished as runner-up on TV Chosun's 'Miss Trot 2' and became known by the nickname 'Trot Barbie.' She recently won the final title on MBN's 'Active King of Singers 3.'

In 2022, Hong appeared in the musical 'Seopyeonje' as the lead character Song-hwa. The same year, she received an award in the popular music category at the Korea Arts and Culture Awards.

SM C&C's roster includes Kang Ho-dong, Jun Hyun-moo, Seo Jang-hoon, Jang Young-ran, Jang Do-yeon, Moon Se-yoon, Lee Hak-joo, Yoo Seung-mok, Ji Seung-hyun and ALGOBONI HONSUSANGTAE.