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Music Icon Seo Taiji Plans Comeback

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By Han Sang-hee

Staff Reporter

Korean musician Seo Taiji will have another come back at the ``Eerie Taiji People Festival (ETPFEST)'' rock festival on Aug. 15, his first appearance as a singer in four years.

Seotaiji Company, Seo's agency, said that the 36-year-old singer is currently working on his eighth album and is planning to appear at the annual festival.

``Fans will be able to see Seo at the ETPFEST, which will be held on Korea's Independence Day with top international rock and heavy metal bands participating,'' his agency said.

Seo, who has become a fashion and musical icon among his fans, last appeared in 2004 at the third ETPFEST with his album ``Seo Taiji's 7th Issue.'' This will be the first time in four years for him to present new songs for his fans at a live concert.

``This year's ETPFEST will be upgraded as a grand scale rock festival. It won't just remain as a festival for Seo, but as an international rock event,'' the agency added.

The festival is still in its production stage and participants have not been confirmed yet. The agency will announce the line-up and specific details of the event early next month.

The ETPFEST began in 2001 and aimed for one of the biggest and best rock festivals in Korea. American bands like Hoobastank, Zebrahead and Japanese band PE'Z participated at the event back in 2004.

Seo Taiji started music as the lead singer of the now disbanded group ``Seo Taiji and Boys'' in 1992. The group initially introduced various music genres including rock and heavy metal to the Korean music scene, eventually jumping to stardom.

Ever since the group disbanded in 1996, Seo has continued pursuing his music career, while the other two members Yang Hyun-suk and Lee Juno went their separate ways as a music producer and dancer, and a professor.

sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr