K2 of '90s returns to limelight
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Promotional photo for K2’s upcoming concert “The Showcase” / Courtesy of the artist
By Park Jin-hai
Singer Kim Sung-myun, also known as K2, who has captivated 1990s audiences with his four octave running vocal range and emotional tone, has signaled a return to the limelight, breaking over a decade-long hiatus.
Kim appeared on JTBC’s “Sugar Man” last week, singing his popular song “To Her Lover” and audiences welcomed the return of the legendary singer.
Before the return, Kim said he was all on edge. “After a long time away from performing, back standing in front of an audience was very nerve wracking but at the same time I was very excited, he said during an interview with The Korea Times.
“For all those years, I had to fight against myself over the worry that I might have no further chance to perform on stage.”
The former member of the group Pinocchio and later performing as K2, Kim produced numerous hits including the well-known “Between Love and Friendship,” “Sadly Beautiful” and “Love Is Not To Possess.”
However, he disappeared from the local music scene for the last 12 years, leaving his fans puzzled. Last year, Kim tried to hold a concert but unfortunately it was cancelled.
Kim said financial difficulties were the main stopper. “I worked under two agencies but unfortunately they were not good at doing their jobs. Due to financial difficulties, I could not make a new album nor hold a concert,” he said.
With a concert titled “The Showcase” in Busan on March 19, the 43-year-old singer is beginning a countrywide tour.
Kim said he is going all out to make it succeed. “I have always missed performing live. Standing on stage and singing for the audience is the happiest moment for a singer as it is when he feels that he is alive. I longed to breathe that atmosphere again,” he said.
“After the cancelled concert last year, I spent more time and effort in preparing for the upcoming tour.”
Along with his return concert, he is releasing two new songs. Kim said they are about his life story.
“There will be no major changes in the vocal style. Yet those songs are composed more dynamically so that they will appeal to people from all ages from teens to my older fans. They are about my life and what happed to me over the past 12 years,” he said
“They are of hopes and dreams after many long dark years. At a time when I am ready for a second jump in my life, I hope these songs will give strength to those in despair.”
Kim added that he wants to be a “timeless” musician who can always stay close to his fans.
“I want to be a musician whose music can communicate with the audience. I want to write great songs and release great albums that can stand the test of time, resonating with the hearts of my audience at all times,” he said.