Hwang Chi-yeul's comeback thrills Chinese fans

Once-obscure Korean singer rising to stardom in China

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Hwang Chi-yeul unveiled his second mini-album titled “Be Myself” on Tuesday to cement his return to music and thank fans for their unwavering support.

“I'd like to dedicate the single The Only Star to my fans. In the past, I've sung sorrowful ballads, but I wanted to bring grateful, blissful feelings to fans this time,” Hwang said during his first-ever showcase held at YES24 MUV Hall in western Seoul.

“Be Myself” marks Hwang's return to music after 10 months since the release of his first mini-album “Be Ordinary” in 2017, which found substantial success by becoming the best-selling record by a solo male artist since veteran singer Cho Yong-pil's “Hello” in 2012.

For the last 10 months, Hwang has focused more on emceeing “Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend” and “The Unit” and performing in China and Southeast Asia. He participated in writing and composing four of the album's seven songs.

Reaching a peak in his singing career, he has found popularity in China.

Although Hwang enjoys unforeseen popularity in China, there had been times when Hwang was blocked from appearing on Chinese TV programs in 2016. Back then Chinese authorities banned Korean celebrities amid a diplomatic dispute over the plan to deploy a U.S. missile defense system on the Korean Peninsula. The 36-year-old was abruptly replaced by another actor and removed from TV appearances. But Hwang's devoted fans in China brought him back to stage shortly after.

There are several episodes of his fans in China that arouse astonishment due to their large scale and loyalty. In November, Hwang's China fans posted the copies of receipts worth 900 million won ($828,000) with which they purchased Hwang's albums on Weibo. This took place as Chinese fans wanted to surprise the singer for his birthday on Dec. 3.

To celebrate Hwang's comeback in April, his Chinese fans made a special video of him, which went viral online, rising to the top 3 on Weibo as of April 20. Weibo is a Chinese version of Twitter.

When asked about his plans for future releases in China, Hwang said “I'm writing new material and there will definitely be an album coming out in China, hopefully soon.”

He released a full-length album in China four months ago.

Hwang is a late bloomer. He rose to stardom after eight years of obscurity when he participated in Mnet's “I Can See Your Voice” in 2015. Appearing on China's Hunan satellite TV's “I am a Singer” in 2016, he became a sensation across China.

“I never thought I'd hold a showcase in my life. I thought showcases were only for star singers. But any opportunity to perform in an up-close show for my fans means a lot to me,” Hwang said.

Hwang's fans formed a fan club named “Chi-yeul leader” pronounced as cheerleader. “Of course the leader refers to my fans, not me,” he said.

Hwang also shared honest opinions about surviving in the fast-moving music industry as a solo ballad singer.

“It's hard to keep fresh in the K-pop music industry as lots of idols and rappers come and go behind the stage. I'm grateful for still being able to sing and perform on the stage…If you love what you do, I think you can find a niche market somehow,” Hwang said.

He was also thankful for BTS members for their support.

“Jungkuk of BTS did a cover of my latest song Rewind, and that helped it reach higher on music streaming chart. I really wish he covers The Only Star,” he laughed.