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| ▲ South Korean veteran singer Lee Moon-sae speaks during the press conference for his 17th album, held Nov. 13, 2024, in Seoul. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Nov. 13 (Yonhap) -- "When I'm preparing for a performance or working on an album, I feel happy just strumming my guitar and singing," veteran singer Lee Moon-sae shared at the press conference for his 17th album, held Wednesday in Seoul.
"The ability to focus on something I love is my source of strength... For the next 20 years, I plan to keep making music without a hitch. As long as there’s even one person clapping in the audience, I feel I should hold onto the microphone. This is why I’ve promised myself never to have a 'farewell concert,'" he emphasized.
Lee attributes his longevity in the music industry to "sticking solely to music, without side businesses or other ventures. Living simply has helped, as I’m someone who balances relaxation and focus pretty well."
This week, Lee will pre-release tracks from his upcoming album, including “Love Even in Farewell” and “My Blues.”
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| ▲ South Korean veteran singer Lee Moon-sae speaks during the press conference for his 17th album, held Nov. 13, 2024, in Seoul. (Yonhap) |
The track “Love Even in Farewell” is a ballad reflecting on various farewells, not just between romantic partners but also with cherished individuals in life. Meanwhile, “My Blues,” written and composed by Lee, candidly captures emotions from his years as a singer. In the lyrics, he reflects, "Life just goes on / It’s a path we all walk / A flower petal falls... I've felt the applause, so I’m content if this is the end."
Reflecting on the lyrics of "My Blues," Lee remarked, "I’ve been blessed with the applause of my audience, so I have no regrets in life." For “Love Even in Farewell,” he described it as a song that feels like tossing one’s heart into the autumn sky to a gentle 3/4 waltz rhythm.
Debuting as an MC for CBS's Seventeen in 1978, Lee officially launched his singing career in 1983 with his first album, I Am a Happy Man. Since then, he has produced numerous hits like “Girl,” “I Still Don’t Know,” “When Love Passes,” “Under the Shade of the Trees Along the Street,” “Old Love,” “Gwanghwamun Sonata,” and “Red Sunset.” Lee remains actively engaged with both live performances and radio broadcasting.
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| ▲ South Korean veteran singer Lee Moon-sae speaks during the press conference for his 17th album, held Nov. 13, 2024, in Seoul. (Yonhap) |
Lee reflected on his four-decade journey, saying, "It’s been over 40 years since I first held a microphone. Along the way, there were challenges, rivers and mountains to cross, and paradises to encounter. Yet, I’ve never lost the applause of my audience, which has kept me going."
This year, Lee's seasonal concert series Theater Lee Moon-sae sold out multiple shows, featuring a medley of his hit songs and captivating performances. He plans to continue releasing songs from his 17th album gradually, while extending his ongoing tour into the next year due to fan demand.
Amusingly, Lee mentioned his "desire to dance," saying, "If I could dance well, I would have made a dance song the title track for my 17th album and danced like Rain in my mid-60s. Dancing is a genre I’d love to tackle. I may not be able to dance like Rain, but let’s see if he can stay as healthy as me when he’s my age," he quipped.
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| ▲ A photo of South Korean singer Lee Moon-sae, provided by KMOONfnd. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
In addition to his music career, Lee has enjoyed a successful run as a radio DJ, hosting popular programs like Night Stars Shine and This Morning with Lee Moon-sae. This past June, he returned to radio with Hello, This is Lee Moon-sae, ending a 13-year hiatus. "Lee Moon-sae and radio are inseparable," he said fondly. "Through radio, I grew and blossomed, and I still feel the applause of my listeners through it."
Asked about fellow singer Cho Yong-pil, who recently released his 20th album, Lee praised him, saying, "I hope Yong-pil hyung doesn’t hold a farewell concert. Seeing him on stage is both beautiful and inspiring." He added, "Pioneers like him lead the way, allowing me and others to follow along at our own pace. They inspire us to keep going with a quiet confidence."
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| ▲ A photo of South Korean singer Lee Moon-sae, provided by KMOONfnd. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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