Singer Haha candidly revealed his feelings during his appearance on Infinite Challenge.
On the 14th, KBS 2TV music talk show The Seasons - Sung Si-kyung's Ear Candy featured Haha, Kim Jang Hoon, Kim Jong Kook and Jeong Eun-ji, who delivered stages reflecting their individual colors and candid stories.
Haha performed the opening stage with "Gap" and then presented his recent remake "I only sang." At that moment, the original artist Kim Jang Hoon made a surprise appearance, joining him on stage and heating up the atmosphere.
Kim Jang Hoon, who debuted in 1991, looked back at past activity footage through KBS's self-developed AI portal system "KAIROS." When footage of him roaming the stage with red hair and interacting boldly with the audience was revealed, the studio erupted in laughter. In addition, memories were deepened as past KBS variety show appearances by Haha and Sung Si Kyung were also recalled.
Haha candidly confessed that "Gap" contained the story of him being consumed by feelings of inferiority, describing the lack and sense of inadequacy he felt during his activities on Infinite Challenge. He recalled worrying about his role among the strong members and feeling burdened, saying, "Rehearsals were on Thursday, but from Tuesday night my heart was racing and I spent sleepless nights," recalling the time.
Kim Jang Hoon spontaneously sang "Even if the world deceives you," prompting Sung Si Kyung to shout along and showing a delightful chemistry. Having held about 3,500 solo concerts, Kim Jang Hoon said he visited about 30 cities this year and plans additional performances at some 20 more locations.
He said he aims for 70 locations next year and 100 the year after, adding, "I plan to visit all 240 local governments," revealing his extraordinary passion for performances. Haha also raised expectations by saying he will hold his first fan concerts in Busan and Seoul to mark his 30th anniversary since debut.
Starting with "Shower," Kim Jang Hoon followed with "I am a man" and "Highway romance," delivering a parade of classic hits. With the shout "Let's go crazy," he got the audience to their feet and commanded the stage with explosive energy, demonstrating the presence befitting a "master of performance."
Next, Kim Jong Kook appeared with "Walking in place," eliciting welcome. "Walking in place" is a mega-hit that swept the grand prizes at the three major terrestrial music awards and recorded 17 first-place wins on music shows in the 2000s. Kim Jong Kook completed the stage with his consistent vocal ability, and the audience naturally responded with group singing, proving the power of the classic hit.
He also continued talking about the music project he is carrying out to mark his 30th debut anniversary. Kim Jong Kook, who worked first with Roy Kim, said he wanted to give meaning to expressing songs by artists with distinct musical colors in his own voice.
Kim Jong Kook, who previously asked Sung Si Kyung to write a song, said he still had not received a song and sent another love call. When Sung Si Kyung promised to aim for September, Kim Jong Kook quipped, "I plan to continue the project until Sung Si Kyung comes," drawing laughter.
Kim Jong Kook said, "Having gone heavily into variety shows, I was a little afraid to release music," sharing the worries he felt as a singer. He added, "Through this 30th anniversary project and working on the album, I think I found the joy and happiness I had forgotten," and said, "If even one or two people listen to my music, I thought it would be right to keep making music for them," conveying his sincerity toward music.
Afterwards, Kim Jong Kook delivered deep emotion by passionately singing his new song "Let's hug just once," which depicts the final moments of lovers about to part.
In the "Two people" corner, Jeong Eun-ji appeared. Jeong Eun-ji sang "All For You" with Sung Si Kyung, recalling memories from 2012.
Marking her 16th year since debut, Jeong Eun-ji also looked back at the moment she first stepped out as a singer. She said she sang Lee Young Hyun of Big Mama's "Connection" at an audition when she was 19 and heard the news of her acceptance on the train home. Jeong Eun-ji impressed by immediately singing "Connection" again that day, showing unchanged vocal ability.
She also talked about her solo album released after six years, "Summer, I." Describing herself in love as a "chaser," Jeong Eun-ji said she is often told that she seems cool in daily life and would let her partner go, revealing her frank views on romance.
Sung Si Kyung also shared his view, saying, "Dating is not looking at the same place but facing each other and going through ups and downs together," which resonated with listeners.
Jeong Eun-ji explained about the title track "Wave (i love LOVE)" and how it resembles her, saying, "Even when hurt, I keep jumping in." She said the song captures her tendency not to hesitate in love and closed the broadcast refreshingly by presenting the new song "Wave" with a clear vocal performance.
[Photo] Broadcast capture
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