Singer Kim Gun-mo, who had halted activities amid allegations of sexual assault, is preparing to return after six years, and attention is focusing on his unexpectedly revealed recent condition. The update, delivered through a colleague, also drew continued support from fans who had awaited Kim Gun-mo's comeback.
Jazz pianist Yang Tae-kyung posted a photo and a long message on his social media on the 19th, revealing an anecdote about meeting Kim Gun-mo.
Yang Tae-kyung opened by saying, "I went to the rehearsal room for Peppertones' tomorrow performance. In another practice room at the rehearsal space, Hyun-chang hyung had already come early to rehearse for Kim Gun-mo hyung's concert. I had a pleasant conversation with Hyun-chang hyung about drinking and then went down for my rehearsal. During a break, as I was going up from the basement to the first floor, I ran into Kim Gun-mo hyung."
He continued, "I immediately greeted him with 'hello' and bowed 90 degrees. But hyung looked at me and said, 'Oh? Tae-kyung, uncle?' then asked to shake hands and politely said he watches my YouTube often," and explained the meeting with Kim Gun-mo: "Actually, I briefly met Gun-mo hyung at a concert more than 10 years ago. Hyung may not remember me, but at that time he covered a song after my fatal mistake and showed incredible sense, and he was a very gentle, cool, and wonderful senior. Back then he spoke to me informally saying 'Tae-kyung,' but it was so long ago he probably doesn't remember. It's actually a relief."
Yang Tae-kyung added, "Anyway, I was very grateful and secretly very happy. He went through a brief difficult time but overcame it well and is finally breaking the hiatus to hold a concert. He is such a musical genius that the concert will surely be wonderfully done."
Yang Tae-kyung also showed support for Kim Gun-mo, saying, "I have always respected and supported hyung. His smiling face is so handsome. Legend Kim Gun-mo hyung! I hope you enjoy music more happily and joyfully going forward and become even better off than before, and be healthier! #김건모 #가요 #천재뮤지션," and he expressed his respect by posting a long message and photos, delighted to have met Kim Gun-mo again.
Kim Gun-mo earlier officially announced his comeback last month by announcing a nationwide tour concert. This concert marks his first official activity in about six years after he completely halted entertainment activities following a 2019 sexual assault allegation. At the time, nightclub employee A alleged she had been sexually assaulted and filed a complaint against Kim Gun-mo, and two years after the accusation, in Nov. 2021 he was cleared with a decision not to prosecute. During this process, Kim Gun-mo went through difficult times, including marriage and divorce with pianist Jang Ji-yeon.
Kim Gun-mo's comeback concert, which begins on the 27th in Busan, is scheduled to expand to major cities nationwide, including Daegu in Oct., Daejeon in Dec., and Seoul in Jan. next year. Through this performance, Kim Gun-mo will return to his primary profession and reunite with fans who have waited a long time. According to the update Yang Tae-kyung shared, he currently appears to be concentrating on preparing for the concert.
Kim Gun-mo is reported to have kept his love for music even during the hiatus. His associates said, "Kim Gun-mo may have been away from the stage, but he never let go of music for a single moment." Interest is focusing on whether Kim Gun-mo, taking the long-awaited stage, will candidly express his feelings about the incident six years ago along with an unchanged performance.
[Photo] Provided by Istar Media Company.
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