▲ Eom In-ho of the band Sinchon Blues speaks during an interview at the Yonhap News Agency headquarters in Jongno Ward, Seoul, on Sept. 12, 2025. (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Sept. 12 (Yonhap) -- For guitarist and vocalist Eom In-ho, leader of legendary blues band Sinchon Blues, the stage remains the center of his life.

 

"Some ask if it wasn’t hard to keep a band going for 40 years, but my motto has always been ‘never look back, just move forward.’ I simply keep going, thinking about tomorrow," Eom said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.

 

Formed in 1986, Sinchon Blues popularized blues music in Korea with classics like "Street Without You" and "Alleyway," while nurturing star vocalists such as Han Young-ae, the late Kim Hyun-sik, Jung Kyung-hwa and Lee Eun-mi.

 

Now preparing for a Sept. 27 concert in Seoul to mark the group’s upcoming 40th anniversary, Eom will perform alongside current members Janice, Kim Sang-woo and Kang Mi-hee, with original member Lee Jung-sun and singer Park Kwang-hyun joining as guests.

 

Eom said he still dreams of new projects, including a "jazz and blues" album. "I started with nothing, and I still learn from younger musicians every day. The process of making something new my own is as exciting as ever."

 

Despite hardships, he said Sinchon Blues always pulled him back. After briefly stepping away in the late 2000s, he returned with renewed passion upon meeting vocalist Janice.

 

"As long as I can stand on stage, I will keep going. The day I can no longer perform will be the end of Eom In-ho too," he said.

 

▲ A poster for the 40th anniversary concert of Sinchon Blues, provided by On Table. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

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