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| yna@yna.co.kr 2026-05-18 09:32:26
SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) -- “Today marks the period at the end of my 40-year music career. The fact that my songs became comfort and strength in your lives means more to me than anything else.”
Veteran singer Yim Jae-beum delivered his retirement remarks Sunday during the Seoul encore performance of his 40th anniversary concert “I Am Yim Jae-beum” at Olympic Hall in Seoul’s Songpa Ward.
“It is a meaningful day marking both the end of the 40th anniversary tour I shared with all of you and the closing of a chapter in my musical life,” he said calmly. “I only sang songs, but I was deeply grateful that they gave energy to someone’s life.”
The two-day concert, held Saturday and Sunday, marked the final performances of Yim’s music career. In January, he abruptly announced that he would retire from the music industry after completing the nationwide tour.
Yim debuted in 1986 with the first album by rock band Sinawe and gained nationwide popularity through hit songs such as “Flight,” “Confession” and “After This Night,” backed by his emotional voice and explosive vocal power.
Despite the sudden summerlike heat, audience members of all ages gathered to witness the final chapter of his 40-year musical journey.
Once the performance began, Yim poured his full energy into every song. Though now in his mid-60s, his powerful vocals and commanding stage presence remained intact. Beginning with the opening song “The Days I Endured,” he passionately performed more than 20 songs over nearly three hours, including his solo debut track “After This Night” and the new song “Life is a Drama.”
When audience members shouted for him to continue singing, Yim firmly replied, “There is no more after this.” He added, “Rather than being sad today, I hope you enjoy it. I’ll do my absolute best tonight to repay the love I’ve received.”
At times, he gazed silently into the audience as if overwhelmed with emotion. Moments later, his powerful singing filled the concert hall, drawing thunderous cheers from fans, who responded with smartphone flashlight events and group singalongs during the encore stage.
“When I see each of you listening to my songs in your own way, I feel the emotions I put into my music are truly reaching you,” Yim said. “When I look back on these 40 years, so many moments pass through my mind. You were always there on the road I walked. Thank you sincerely for staying by my side for so long.”
The audience responded with loud applause.
The second half of the concert featured a string of Yim’s hit songs, including “For You,” “Confession,” “Brand” and “Love.” Introducing the songs, he said, “‘Love’ and ‘Confession’ are both songs that carry my feelings for precious people. I’m always grateful that so many people still love and passionately respond to ‘Confession.’”
As the concert neared its end, Yim continued performing with all his strength through the encore despite physical limitations, including back pain.
“My feelings are very mixed,” he said after finishing the stage. “You always gave me the strength to sing again. It was a beautiful and tremendous source of power.”
He added, “From now on, I hope the love you gave me can be shared with those who are marginalized or struggling, and that acts of kindness will continue.”
Yim, who once described himself as “a singer who wants to talk about people,” said he would now return to being “an ordinary person named Yim Jae-beum.”
“I’m walking toward another chapter, not an ending. I’m returning to an ordinary life,” he said. “Because my life was publicly known, I couldn’t even comfortably go out with my daughter. Now, I’ll live freely without hiding. Though I am leaving, my music will remain warmly by your side.”
Throughout the concert, Yim repeatedly expressed his heartfelt gratitude. Some fans wiped away tears as they lamented his final performance, while others shouted, “You worked hard, hyung!”
After bowing deeply at a 90-degree angle to the audience and staff who joined him for his farewell concert, Yim exited the stage. Many audience members remained in their seats long after the show ended, chanting his name.
One audience member surnamed Park, who came from Seoul’s Seodaemun Ward, said, “It’s sad to think this was his last concert. Yim Jae-beum was a true singer’s singer. It’s unfortunate that such a great artist is leaving. I’ve liked him since I was a teenager, and now I’m already in my 40s, so it feels especially emotional. Since he has decided to retire, I hope he will be even happier from now on.”
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