Singer Lee Seung-Chul celebrated his 40th anniversary with lively banter, an emotional live performance and warm affection for younger artists.
Lee Seung-Chul appeared as a guest on the tvN variety show You Quiz on the Block, which aired on the 5th, and candidly and plainly shared his reflections on reaching his 40th anniversary and a variety of behind-the-scenes stories.
Lee Seung-Chul, who said he had longed to appear on the show, appeared jokingly, saying "I don't know how much I wanted to sit in this chair." When host Yu Jae-seok mentioned the happy news that he will soon become a grandfather, Lee Seung-Chul replied, "I never imagined being Grandpa Lee Seung-Chul," drawing laughter. He expressed special anticipation about being selected, following Na Hoon-a and Cho Yong-pil, as a performer for KBS's "Hangawi grand production" this Chuseok, calling it "the biggest concert since my debut."
The broadcast unfolded the glorious 40-year musical career of Lee Seung-Chul. From the extraordinary childhood story of "having vibrato from birth," to the moving tale of how his mother borrowed money to help him buy a 400,000-won sound system as a condition when he was chosen as the second vocalist for the band Resurrection, he shared touching anecdotes.
He also revealed the backstory of how the "flowing singing technique" was born while imitating mentor Kim Hyun-sik, and unexpectedly disclosed that he had appeared in director Park Chan-wook's debut film in 1991. Lee Seung-Chul said, "It was a blockbuster on opening day, but it failed because the next day was the first day of school and students couldn't come to the theater," and provoked laughter with his blunt remark that "having my voice dubbed by a voice actor was Director Park Chan-wook's mistake."
His qualities and principles worthy of the title "emperor of live" were also evident. Performing more than 2,000 shows and 200 days a year, he conveyed his philosophy of fan love by escorting fans from the stage to the exit for their safety. On his criteria for selecting hit songs, he said, "I decide by looking at the expressions of the food delivery person or restaurant staff. Two-thirds of my hits came that way," revealing firm values as a popular singer.
The behind-the-scenes story of the masterpiece "Neverending Story," born from reuniting with Resurrection, also drew attention. He said there was no early reaction and he was prepared to stop activities, but a reversal began after his final appearance on the variety show "Iyoo Night," and he reflected on his special connection with then-host Yu Jae-seok. He then performed a string of hits live on the spot, including "Don't say goodbye," "Huiya," "The last concert," "Neverending Story," "Malli Flower," and "Connection," eliciting admiration.
Regarding the harsh comments he made as a judge on "Superstar K" in the past, he joked, "It was because of the devil's editing," but added, "You have to be born with more than 90% of the ability to be happy singing. I advised juniors like an uncle when they were shaken," revealing his true feelings. In particular, he showed genuine "affection for juniors" by personally participating as a chorus for the recent audition program "The Scout" winner Lee San and accompanying the winner on his concert stage.
At the end of the broadcast, Lee Seung-Chul donated the quiz prize money to Good Neighbors to build schools for children in Africa, conveying warm compassion. It was a moment when the true worth of the legendary vocalist who has breathed with the public for 40 years shone once again.
Meanwhile, Lee Seung-Chul will begin his 40th anniversary national tour "The Voice : Lee Seung Chul" starting with a performance at Seongnam Arts Center Opera House on Aug. 8, and will stage a major tour this year-end, including a Seoul performance at KSPO DOME (Olympic Gymnastics Arena) from Dec. 4 to 6, as well as shows in Gwangju, Daejeon, Daegu, Incheon and Busan.<
[Photo] tvN, LSC
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