Maroon 5, Eminem to fire up summer

By Rachel Lee

Among the most anticipated concerts in coming months are those by two big American names — Maroon 5 and Eminem — stopping off in Korea as part of their global tours.

Eminem will perform for the first time in Korea at Jamsil Sports Complex in Seoul on Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. Organized by Hyundai Card, the world-famous rapper from Detroit will visit Korea to the delight of many fans. Japan is the only other Asian concert on his “Recovery Tour.”

His debut album “Infinite” released in 1996 earned harsh criticism for the 39-year-old artist but he soon found fame with his first major label album “The Slim Shady LP” in 1999. Since then, he has received numerous awards including the American Music Awards’ Artist of the Year in 2009 and Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album in 2000 and 2011 and Best Rap Solo Performance in 2011. The rapper was among the best-selling artists during the 2000s.

Started in 2007, Hyundai Card’s Super Concert series has boasted a line-up of top musicians including Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Sumi Jo.

Maroon 5, a five-member rock band, will perform at the Busan Sports Complex in Busan on Sept. 14, followed by a second date at Jamsil Sports Complex on Sept. 15. This is their third time performing here.

Making their debut in 2002 with “Songs about Jane,” the group rose to stardom through hit tunes such as “This Love” and “She Will Be Loved.” Their second album “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long” was released in 2007 and the single “Makes Me Wonder” was downloaded some 244,000 times in the first week. The band also won Grammy Awards for Best New Artist in 2005 and Best Pop Performance in 2006 and 2008. Last week the latest studio album “Overexposed” again swept the world with the band’s catchy yet creative music. The concerts will feature songs from the newest album as well as past hits.

Tickets can be purchased at ticket.interpark.com/global. For Eminem, tickets range from 110,000 to 132,000 won. If purchased with a Hyundai Card, a 20 percent discount is offered on up to four tickets. For Maroon 5, tickets range from 66,000 to 132,000 won.