Jo Sung-mo returns after four years

Jo Sung-mo

Ballad singer Jo Sung-mo returned with a mini album on Monday, ending his four-year hiatus. The album’s title is “Wind of Change.”

“He prepared a lot to have a beautiful comeback,” his management agency Poom Entertainment said in a statement. “We believe the album will help restore his reputation as soulful ballad musician.”

Jo has stayed out of the public light after releasing a mini album “Thank You” in December 2010. During that time, he sporadically appeared on entertainment shows, but stayed away from music-related programs.

Making a debut in 1998 with “To Heave,” he instantly swept domestic music charts and earned the nickname “Prince of Ballad” for his sweet and soulful voice.

He has sold more than 16 million albums, according to the Music Industry Association of Korea.