Singer Shin Seung-hoon expressed confidence that the era of ballads will soon come.
On the 22nd at the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, a press conference was held to commemorate the release of Shin Seung-hoon's 12th full-length album "SINCERELY MELODIES."
Shin, who has held his place for more than 30 years as the "emperor of ballads," when asked about the recent K-pop–centered music market, said "These days things pass by very quickly. I have become a BGM singer. In the past people paid to listen to music, but these days it has become like background music heard during conversations. Even if it can't be helped because of the times, there are clearly things that get through. There is also a variety show called SBS "Our Ballads." It will remain a standard. There are people who say that when they hear 'Invisible Love' they think of winter. That is the truth. I have been steadily active before any memory loss happens," he said.
He said, "The idol market has grown, but they're doing well. Because of that, you can't call it a bubble. It's not that one day ballads will rise and break through K-pop; it's enough for ballads to remain in their place. If they stay there, the other things will come down. Then ballads will begin to be seen. I think that time will come. I think it will come soon. I came out to help make that happen. I still think fall is for ballads and winter is for ballads," he emphasized.
When asked whether there are any younger ballad singers he pays attention to, he said, "These days there aren't many good ballad singers. Behind me were Jo Sung-mo, Sung Si-kyung, and Jung Seung-hwan. After that, at some point it became somewhat soul R&B. Crush and Zion.T also seem different from traditional ballads, but I think if it has lyricism and evokes memories, it's a ballad. There are people who divide that up, but if it brings comfort and strength to someone, it's a ballad," and added, "I think Zion.T does well. Crush seems to make music that fits the current era. It's good to be faithful, but I find younger artists who challenge themselves with composition to the end charming," showing his affection.
Asked as a senior in the music industry about the globalization of K-pop, he said, "I also really enjoyed 'K-pop Demon Hunters.' K-pop's status has improved so much that it's pleasant. When I first went to Japan, dramas were famous and actors were well known. But music, without the term K-pop, was placed next to Indian music under 'world pop' where my album was shelved. Gradually many Korean singers went to Japan, and a K-pop section appeared in album stores; that kind of era came," he began.
He added, "It's the same now. The music market has become idolized and specialized, but there is an imbalance in genres. We need to make an effort too. Musicians should collide within each genre, but there is a sense of dejection. It's a big market moving things. We need to be stronger, but structurally it's too concentrated. When creators do something together, it has become harder to break through. People post on social media and do challenges, and if that becomes more active I think good music will continue to survive. It's encouraging, and I hope it branches out into many genres."
Meanwhile, Shin Seung-hoon's 12th full-length album "SINCERELY MELODIES" will be released tomorrow (23rd) at 6 p.m.
[Photo] Dorothys Company
[OSEN]