Rain drenches crowd with music and love

Rain performs in his "THE SQUALL Rain in Seoul" concert held Saturday at the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in southern Seoul. / Yonhap

By Kim Da-hee

Actor and Singer Rain held his first concerts, “THE SQUALL Rain in Seoul,” in four years at the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium on Dec. 12.

The concerts, over three days from Dec. 11-13, marked the beginning of his world tour “THE SQUALL,” which will take Rain, real name is Jung Ji-hoon, to Australia and the U.S., as well as China, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Rain, 33, who debuted with the album “Bad Guy” in 2002, opened with “It’s Raining,” which was greeted with roars from the audience.

“It's been so long. I've been dying to meet all of you,” he said after singing two more songs “I’m Coming,” and “Hip Song.”

“It’s my second world tour concert in Seoul. It’s been eight years and four years since my last world tour concert and Seoul concert, respectively.”

He then continued with ballads “Love Story,” “Hand Shake” and “In My Bed,” showing off his singing ability on a large stage and on LED screens.

“To be honest, the Seoul concert was not scheduled,” he said. “However, Korea is the place where I debuted. I think I have grown well, thanks to all of you. I am holding this concert to express my deep appreciation to the fans who have supported me for so long.”

Rain at his Saturday concert / Yonhap

Many fans seemed close to tears.

Rain made full use of the stage. For example, he sang ”I” while being drenched with water from above.

The crowd reciprocated, yelling thunderously and grooving to the music. For “La Song”, he did not have to do much because the crowd took over his singing duties.

Rain / Yonhap

Unveiling his plans in the second half of the concert, Rain heightened fans’ anticipation when he said, “Next year, I plan to release an album and to work on drama and movies.”

“The first track of the new album will be a collaboration with an artist that will wow you and the second track will be very powerful dance music.”

He then sang Kim Jo-han’s “I Love You.”

“It’s my first time to sing one of my favorite songs in concert,” he said. “I want to dedicate the song to all of you because of its lyrics.”

The concerts ended with hits such as “30 Sexy” and ”Rainism.”

Rain’s next concert will be in Guangzhou, China, on Dec. 19.