During a live broadcast celebrating the 10th anniversary of his appearance on the Chinese version of "I Am a Singer," a short comment from a 20-year friend of singer Hwang Chi-yeul touched the hearts of many fans. It served as a testament from someone closest to him that he has never lost his initial mindset, even while living the life of a major star.

"Hwang Chi-yeul is like a pine tree" – Sincerity shared through a 20-year friendship During the broadcast, a comment left by Sang-min, an acquaintance of Hwang for 20 years, became the most symbolic moment of the day: "As someone who has watched him for 20 years, he truly is a person like a pine tree." This single sentence from someone who had observed him long before he gained fame ten years ago was an evaluation that pierced through to the essence of Hwang Chi-yeul as an artist.

Upon seeing the comment, Hwang responded warmly with a bright smile, saying, "Thanks, Sang-min. Make sure to take care of your health." His ability to cherish long-standing relationships even after becoming a top star, and being recognized as "unchanging" by those who know him best, offered a glimpse into his true character.

"Unshaken because there was a goal" Hwang Chi-yeul pointed to his clear sense of purpose as the secret to staying consistent like a pine tree. He explained, "In the process of trying to do well, one can become sensitive or irritable, but all of that stems from the desire to show a perfect stage to those who took the precious time to come see me."

He has maintained his position not just as a "nice guy," but as a professional with a fierce obsession with his craft. To his 20-year friend, Hwang appears like a tree whose roots do not shake even in a gale—a person of great fortitude who never compromises his attitude toward music and his fans.

2026: Adding the Shade of Leisure to the Pine Tree Now, Hwang Chi-yeul is looking to add a new growth ring called "leisure" to his pine-like steadfastness. He stated, "In the past, I lived with a desperate survival instinct, but now I want to leave some space in my heart and communicate more comfortably."

The tenacity proven by his long-time friend has become a symbol of trust for his fans and a dependable foundation for Hwang himself to look forward to the next decade. His philosophy of "doing one's best so no regrets remain" is becoming even firmer after being tested by 20 years of time.