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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-05-29 10:38:35
SEOUL, May 29 (Yonhap) -- "Even if I'm not your top choice, I bet I'm somewhere in your top 20! Haha."
Singer Suh Young-eun expressed her gratitude for her enduring presence in the public's music playlists during an interview with Yonhap News on the 29th. She said, "Knowing that my songs resonate with people throughout their lives gives me great strength. I think my music has the power to bring back moments from the past."
Ahead of her 25th-anniversary concert "June's Gift," to be held at Sogang University Mary Hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul on June 15, she reflected on her career, saying, "I never imagined I would sing for so long. It's amazing and I am grateful for having persevered."
Debuting in 1998, Suh's calm yet powerful voice has produced hits such as "Not Alone" (OST for the drama "Snowman"), "You in My Heart" (OST for the drama "First Love"), "Snow Flower" (OST for the drama "I'm Sorry, I Love You"), and "Back to You Again" (original by Byun Jin-sub). She has been dubbed the "Queen of OSTs" and "Queen of Remakes" for her numerous popular drama soundtracks and cover songs.
Her signature song "Not Alone" has been a beloved karaoke favorite for over 20 years, providing comfort with its hopeful lyrics and warm melody. "Many people have told me they listened to 'Not Alone' during tough times. I think the title itself offers solace, even though the character in the song is actually alone," she remarked.
"Not Alone" and "You in My Heart" are Suh's personal bests, although she initially felt they didn't match her style. "At first, I thought these songs weren't really me, especially 'Not Alone,' which felt almost too bright and cheery, like something from an animation. But these songs helped people recognize my name, and I realized their significance in my career," she said.
Suh began her musical journey in college as a member of a student band, inspired by her love for Ella Fitzgerald. Though she initially struggled with finding her own voice in jazz, she found her place in pop music. "I admired Ella Fitzgerald's warm voice and tried to emulate her, but it was through pop music that I truly found my color," she explained.
Married to fountain engineer Kim Jin-oh since 2006, Suh has lived in Dubai for 18 years, balancing her music career with motherhood. "The first five years after having my child were tough as I focused solely on being a mom. Now, with my child in school in Dubai, things are easier," she shared.
Her 25th-anniversary concert, delayed by the pandemic, is a significant milestone. "The concert is prepared as a gift to my fans. I want to celebrate this journey with them, as it’s not just my achievement but ours together," she said.
Recalling a recent marathon event where a participant told her, "Even if we can't always see it, we all love you," Suh was moved to tears. "I've come this far not just on my own. Just like my song title, I'm 'not alone.' Haha," she concluded with a smile.
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]