Legendary singer Cho Yong-pil releases new album '20'

Singer Cho Yong-pil waves his hands during a press conference for his new album, "20," at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Seoul’s Yongsan District, Tuesday. Yonhap

Cho Yong-pil, a legendary figure in the Korean music scene, aims to reconnect with his longtime fans through the release of his 20th studio album, "20," which was released on Tuesday.

The 74-year-old singer, who debuted in 1968, is celebrated as a pioneer of K-pop, known for crafting music that transcends generations. Despite today's idol-driven music industry, characterized by flashy performances, Cho's timeless hits — such as "Short Hair Girl," "Dream," and "Leopard of Kilimanjaro" — continue to be staples on Korean playlists and karaoke must-sing lists.

Cho also made his mark on the global stage with his 2013 megahit, "Bounce," praised for its fresh, catchy melodies and seamless blend of band elements, appealing to both older fans and teenage listeners alike.

Singer Cho Yong-pil speaks during a press conference for his new album, "20," at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Seoul’s Yongsan District, Tuesday. Yonhap

Celebrating his first album in 11 years, the singer shared the story behind his long-awaited return during a press conference at Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Seoul’s Yongsan District, Tuesday.

"Releasing new music isn’t easy once you’re over 70," Cho said with a chuckle. "Making an album is never simple. I’ve written plenty of songs, but only those that really satisfy me make it to release."

The new "20" album features a total of seven tracks, including the title track "That's Alright," alongside "Moment," "Timing," "Like Serengeti," "Why," "Feeling Of You" and "La."

Notably, "That's Alright," a modern rock song, delivers a message of encouragement, telling listeners it is okay to believe in themselves and take their time. Its music video features well-known actors Park Geun-hyung, Jeon Mi-do, Esom and Byun Yo-han.

Cho explained that the inspiration for "That's Alright" came from watching a sports match on TV this spring.

"The winner was celebrating and the camera focused solely on that person. I wondered about the loser’s feelings. Of course, they must have been disappointed, but I wanted to convey the message, 'You’ll win next time' and 'It’s okay for now. Let’s try again.'"

Singer Cho Yong-pil speaks during a press conference for his new album, "20," at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Seoul’s Yongsan District, Tuesday. Yonhap

The press conference also saw Cho reflect on his 56-year career and his ability to create music that resonates with listeners of all ages. His secret, according to the veteran singer, is "endless learning and practicing."

"As a singer, you need to love singing, love music, and explore different genres. I believe in the power of constant learning. Even now, I study various vocal techniques and ways of producing sound and I often experiment with references from other singers. I find the entire process enjoyable," he said.

"Music is a way of expressing emotions. Once a song is out in the world, it ultimately belongs to the listeners. That’s why I continue to study and refine my craft."