From 'Gold Spoon' to Chart-Toppers: '20th Century Hit Song' Reveals Stars with Wealthy Backgrounds

The 289th episode of KBS Joy's '20th Century Hit Song,' aired on the 14th, featured a special segment titled 'What Do Your Parents Do? Gold Spoon Singers' Hit Songs,' shining a spotlight on artists born into privileged circumstances.

Claiming the 10th spot was Kim Jin-pyo's 'With Determination.' This melodic rap track, characterized by its 'infused with anger' vocals, gained attention for its fitting atmosphere. Kim Jin-pyo's maternal grandfather was the founder of Korea's first self-developed fountain pen company and a pioneer in the stationery industry, honored with the Coal Industry Medal and a Prime Minister's Commendation. Observing a childhood photo of Kim Jin-pyo, host Kim Hee-chul remarked, "It's not even black and white from '78. Traveling abroad was probably difficult then, but just having those American-made hats..." expressing his admiration.

At number 9 was Jeon Young-rok's 'Seems Like It's Still a Dark Night.' This powerful new wave dance track led Jeon Young-rok's golden era, and as the son of legendary actors Hwang Hae and Baek Seol-hee, he was a prime example of a 'talented gold spoon.'

Coco's 'We These Days' secured the 8th position. The upbeat and lively dance song carried a message of pursuing true love over superficial appearances. Member Yoon Hyun-sook's father was a general who served as the Assistant Minister of Defense, a fact Yoon Hyun-sook reportedly stated she was always proud of.

Positioned at number 7 was Pipi Band's 'Hello.' This punk rock anthem, with its unconventional concept, unique lyrics, and cute, lovable charm, caused a sensation in the music scene at the time. Vocalist Lee Yoon-jung's father transitioned from Chief Political Correspondent of a newspaper to Senior Secretary for Public Relations to the President, eventually serving as the Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission in 2013.

Lee Seung-chul's 'Don't Say Goodbye' ranked 6th. Having attended high school at Daeshin High School, founded by his maternal grandfather, a national movement activist, Lee Seung-chul was an 'education elite gold spoon.' His student privileges, such as being able to go out for jajangmyeon during lunch as the founder's grandson, were also revealed.

Landing at 5th place was Kim Won-jun's 'All After Everyone Fell Asleep.' Known as the 'pretty boy legend of Banpo,' he was born to a hospital director father and a nurse mother, making him a 'medical gold spoon.' His childhood photos displayed expensive musical equipment like a record player, headphones, and a piano, items not commonly found in households at the time.

Koyote's 'Meeting' took the 4th spot. Thanks to original member Cha Seung-min, who was the 'CEO's son,' Koyote was able to travel and perform in a van from the moment of their debut.

At number 3 was S.E.P.A.'s 'It's So Fortunate.' Tak Jae-hoon, known as the 'Remicon Prince,' was the son of a businessman with an annual revenue of 18 billion won. Although he received a business card with the title 'Director' from his father, he chose the path of a singer, stating he had 'no interest in management.'

Cool's 'The Reason I Wanted It to Be You' came in at number 2. Original member Lee Jae-hoon's father was the founder of a luxury furniture brand. Often called 'young master' as a child, Lee Jae-hoon amusingly revealed, "I thought my name was Young Master."

The top spot, number 1, was claimed by Nam Jin's 'Don't Change, My Love.' With a father who managed a newspaper company and served as a member of the National Assembly, and hailing from a wealthy family in Mokpo, he was so prominent that people would exclaim, "Here comes the young master!" as he walked down the street. It was also revealed that his family uniquely owned a private car and a yacht, the only ones in the Jeonnam region at the time.

Netizens commented, "So many actual 'gold spoon' celebrities appeared," "Kim Jin-pyo's maternal grandfather's pen company was really amazing," and "It's fun to hear old songs that today's generation might not know."