Singer Hwang Young-woong made a dazzling comeback after a three-year hiatus through a performance on the stage of the 54th Gangjin celadon festival held in Gangjin County, South Jeolla Province, on the 28th.
This performance was his first official event in three years, and the venue was packed with fans and county residents who had gathered from across the country. In particular, about 10,000 spectators crowded the event, leaving no room to stand, and nearby parking lots quickly became full, prompting fans to split between parking lots 1 and 2, showing his unwavering popularity and the intense enthusiasm.
Ahead of his comeback stage, Hwang Young-woong reportedly devoted himself to practice more than ever. As it was his first official stage in three years, he repeatedly rehearsed and checked the performance up until the night before to increase its completion, and he went through a special process in which he spent sleepless nights, unable to sleep because he was so absorbed in preparation.
Opening with the first song "Unlovable Love," Hwang Young-woong bowed deeply and politely to about 10,000 spectators during the performance to express his gratitude. He said, "I never thought a day like this would come again," and, moved, vowed, "I will start again step by step," receiving warm applause.
He added, "The moment I most desperately dreamed of during the three years I was away from the stage is right now," and said, "It feels like I took a very long road to come back to holding the microphone and meeting your eyes. I bow my head in thanks to the fans who did not forget and waited, and to the people of Gangjin County for giving me this precious opportunity."
That day he passionately sang new song "Oppa is back" as well as "Hot goodbye" and "Night fog," showcasing a deeper sensitivity and vocal ability. In particular, he explained, "'Hot goodbye' is not a farewell but a passionate greeting that announces a new beginning," adding more meaning to his comeback stage.
He also compared it to Gangjin celadon, saying, "Like celadon that endures harsh flames and produces a brilliant sound, the past three years have made me stronger," and added, "Gangjin's clear air and kindness felt like a warm spring breeze to me after a long winter."
The highlight of the performance was his final closing remarks just before the encore stage. Hwang Young-woong credited the fans, saying, "What lifted me up again during the time I was lost and wandering was the faith of the Paradise family who steadfastly kept their places," and he dedicated the credit to the fans. He went on to say, "From now on I will practice donation and sharing and become a singer you can be proud of," receiving big applause.
Starting with this comeback stage, he has also begun practical social contribution activities. He donated part of his performance grants to Gangjin County through the "Hometown Love Donation Program," expressing his gratitude to the local community that embraced him.
An event official said, "Fans' interest in Hwang Young-woong's comeback stage was much hotter than expected," and added, "His sincere stage manners and vocal ability elevated the festival's atmosphere."
Meanwhile, having launched a successful signal shot for his comeback, Hwang Young-woong plans to accelerate his full-scale activities starting with this Gangjin celadon festival.
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