By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Singer Kim Kwang-jin leads a busy life: he is not only a successful head of a researching team in Dongbu Asset Management, but also a famous ballad singer.
Despite his hectic schedule, the 44-year-old singer managed to prepare a special concert titled ``Magic Winter'' to celebrate the chilly season.
The Korea Times met Kim at Yeouido, where his office is located. Rushing into the cafe, he was not the singer seen in television screens or album covers, but a tired and busy businessman squeezing his time for an interview.
``I had my dreams in music since I was young, and I thought it was something I could do. But I thought it would be hard to make a living just singing,'' he said.
So, with foresight, the aspiring singer graduated from Yonsei University and moved to the United States to study management at the University of Michigan.
Not being such an outgoing person, he struggled at first, but when he sang at a school event, everything changed.
``They gave me a standing ovation. I guess they thought I had talent. From then, my school life became much easier,'' he said.
When he came back to Korea, he got a call from fellow singer Han Dong-jun and Kim made his debut with a song he wrote for Han. This led him to make his own group ``The Classic,'' and from there he has been juggling two jobs as a musician and an analyst.
Kim is the only singer here who is also a chartered financial analyst (CFA) and even offers a fund that carries his former group's name. The two vastly different titles may have hindered either side of the professions, but it seemed he was managing the two well.
``My team is actually considered one of the best in the business. The earning rates are good, so I guess I'm happy with that,'' said Kim.
When asked about the recent slump in the Korean pop scene, Kim sighed.
``(The music business) is difficult. I actually feel relieved that I worked in the '90s. If the business was like this, I don't think I would have gone into singing,'' he said.
The reason for his worries was not because of the sluggish sales in albums, but because the main priority of singers has changed.
``It's not about the musician's music, but more about other elements. Musicians don't show their talents through music, but other activities. And this doesn't fit me,'' he said.
When asked if he was happy, or even relieved to have another job to focus on, Kim shrugged and said it wasn't always comforting.
``They do tell me that fellow singers are jealous. But to be frank, this kind of business is not that easy. Both jobs are very sensitive and something that requires a lot of energy and interest. It's hard to be satisfied on anything you do,'' he said.
After his sold out concerts earlier this year, Kim has made preparations to celebrate winter and welcome the New Year.
He will offer some of his best and new songs from recent album ``Last Decade,'' with special guests like pianist Yiruma and jazz musician Chung Won-yong. Famous for his delicate voice and sweet tunes, his concert will be perfect to warm up the chilly weather with friends or family. The performance will take place at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts from Dec. 27 to 28. For more information, visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588-7890.