Trot singer Tae Jin Ah is quietly living out the second act of his life, devotedly caring for his wife of many years who is battling dementia.
Known as one of the “Four Kings of Trot” alongside Song Dae Kwan, Seol Woon Do, and Hyun Chul, Tae Jin Ah made his debut in 1972 with the song “The Green Hills of Memories.” However, in 1975, he faced a broadcast ban due to an adultery scandal and spent 16 years in a long hiatus.
He later rebuilt his career performing for Korean communities in the U.S., where he met and married Lee Ok Hyung, a relative of legendary singer Lee Mi Ja. Together, they raised a family, including their son Jo Sung Hyun, known by his stage name Eru.
Returning to Korean television in 1984, Tae Jin Ah staged a successful comeback with hits like “A Woman Who Doesn’t Look in the Mirror,” “Sorry, So Sorry,” and “Ok Kyung.” His frequent displays of affection for his wife in public earned him the nickname “wife fool.”
In 2023, it was revealed that his wife Lee Ok Hyung had been diagnosed with dementia, prompting widespread sympathy. Tae Jin Ah tearfully shared on television, “I would spend my entire fortune if it meant she could be cured.” He also revealed that he ties his wrist to hers while sleeping, underscoring the depth of his love.
In March of this year, he recalled the emotional moment when, thanks to treatments and care, his wife looked at him and called him “honey” again—bringing him to tears.
But the reality remains difficult. On a TV program aired in May, Tae Jin Ah confessed, “I have little income now, and it’s getting hard to manage living expenses,” noting that he’s slowly using up the savings he once had while caring for her.
Lee Ok Hyung was diagnosed with dementia in 2019. Tae Jin Ah has been by her side for six years now, providing daily care. “These six years have felt longer than the past fifty,” he admitted.
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