Leo Sayer, left, Bonnie Tyler, second from left, and the members of The Manhattans pose for the camera after a press conference at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, central Seoul, Thursday. They will play two nights at the Sejong Center starting today. / Courtesy of Music Compass

By Rachel Lee

“More Than I Can Say,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” “Kiss and Say Goodbye.” Remember these songs?

The stars who sang them — Leo Sayer, Bonnie Tyler and The Manhattans — are here to perform for nostalgic pop fans on May 12 and 13 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul.

“Korean audiences are amazing, they really love the music,” said Grammy award-winner Sayer, 63, at a press conference at the Sejong Center on Thursday.

This is his second visit to Korea since performing two concerts in 2001. The British star also said that he is thrilled to be back in Seoul again and appreciates the fact that Korean people love his era of music.

The musician showed a special interest in Korea. “I am a big fan of Korean food. I love the fact that it’s a growing city, growing country,” he said.

Welsh singer Tyler, 60, was astonished that she could barely recognize Seoul, commenting that it is totally different from her previous visit in 1979. “Fantastic, really a happening place,” she added. Tyler is most known for her husky voice and massive hits including “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” which topped the Billboard charts in 1983.

American R&B group The Manhattans, who had a string of million-selling hits will also sing chartbusters such as “Kiss and Say Goodbye,” and “Shining Star.”

The two soloists and the group all follow the contemporary music scene. The Manhattan’s favorite artist is Beyonce and they try to understand Korean pop.

Sayer expressed concern about the way the music industry operates today, which he thinks is definitely not the same as it was in his heyday. He said that musicians of his era dedicated time and effort to learning music and learned their craft in small clubs and bars. He believes that young artists, who make their first appearances on television, should learn more about music before they are allowed to play to the public. “There are good people out there but we just wish they had the same chances we had,” he added.

Songs by the three acts are loved and cherished by Koreans not only in their 40s but are also well-known among 20- and 30-somethings. The artists will also perform “Let It Be” by English rock icons The Beatles and “Unchained Melody,” a jukebox hit for The Righteous Brothers in 1965 that also featured in the 1990 hit movie “Ghost”. These classics will ensure the concert awakens memories for the pre-Internet generation.

Without doubt, the genuine passion the pop legends have for what they do keeps them going.

“The more you give us as an audience, the more it keeps us young,” said Sayer with a big smile.

Ticket prices for “Forever Pop Concert 1.0” range from 88,000 to 275,000 won. Visit www.musiccompass.kr or call (02) 2052-5988 for more information.