The 'essence of K-ballad', 'Emperor of Ballad', singer Shin Seung-hun has returned with a regular album after 10 years. A strong ballad wind is expected to blow in the music industry filled with idol music.
On the 22nd, a press conference was held to commemorate the release of Shin Seung-hun's regular 12th album 'SINCERELY MELODIES' at Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam located in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Before the event began, a video congratulating Shin Seung-hun's comeback was shown featuring fellow celebrities. Actor Lee Byung-hun praised him, saying, “We have supported each other since our rookie days. I believe there is no one in our country who doesn't know Shin Seung-hun's songs.” Actor Ma Dong-seok expressed his affection, saying, “I have received a lot of comfort from your songs since I was young. I think it’s wonderful that you are a role model for many juniors. Let’s have a drink, brother.”
Actress Moon So-ri, who appeared in the new music video, also supported Shin Seung-hun's future, saying, “Please take care of us even 40-50 years from now.” Shin Dong-yeop remarked, “I felt Shin Seung-hun's warmth and greatness through his music once again. I would like to invite the best singer among the fun and funny people, Mr. Shin Seung-hun,” calling him from backstage.
Shin Seung-hun, who revealed himself, said, “It feels new to release a regular album after 10 years. I wanted to show that I am a currently active singer by filling all 11 tracks with new songs,” and shared his feelings about his comeback, saying, “I feel excited and happy in many ways.”
He then recalled a recent filming of KBS2's 'Immortal Songs', saying, “I felt very sorry to many people. Their expressions were so welcoming that I felt sorry for making them wait like this.”
This album contains a total of 11 tracks that fully embody the essence of 'Shin Seung-hun's music'. It is a regular album presented after about 10 years to commemorate his 35th debut anniversary, boasting high completeness. As the album title means 'melodies completed from the heart', Shin Seung-hun participated in producing and composing all tracks, adding authenticity.
Rather than resting on his musical achievements so far, Shin Seung-hun chose another musical challenge. He plans to showcase a wide spectrum by including various genres.
The album includes double title tracks 'Gravity of You' and 'TRULY', as well as 'She Was', 'Luv Playlist', 'Moment of Stars', 'Learning to Say Goodbye', 'At the End, to Each Other', 'Us on That Day', 'With Me', 'About Time', 'Like a Flower Blooming Alone at the Edge of a Cliff', among others.
Shin Seung-hun is expected to deliver an emotional experience akin to watching a well-made film, condensing his capabilities as a singer-songwriter. Each track, completed after a long period of contemplation, breathes with its own musical narrative.
Shin Seung-hun hopes to be a messenger of love through his songs. “Through my music, the emotions of love, sadness, and joy evoke great feelings in me. If I were to compare my musical life to the seasons, I feel like I have arrived in autumn. I think there are themes I can talk about at my age. I want to convey emotions by singing about the beautiful and intense moments,” he added.
He expressed that this album is a work he has been preparing since his debut 33 years ago, emphasizing that it is a condensed result of the music he has created so far.
The double title tracks 'Gravity of You' and 'TRULY' are expected to amplify the emotion with lyrical lyrics that reflect deep introspection about Shin Seung-hun's life. One can encounter his deepened attitude towards love and separation itself.
Regarding the reduced share of ballads in the huge idol market, Shin Seung-hun stated, “Ballads will remain as a standard for a long time. They may not stand out particularly, but I believe there will come a time when they shine again,” and added, “If they remain in that position, I think there will be a moment when other genres, including idols, gradually come down from a high place.”
He continued, “It’s a pity that there aren’t many true ballad singers. I find the juniors who compose and write their own ballads very lovely.”
Along with Shin Seung-hun's comeback, singer Kim Gun-mo is also set to hold a concert for the first time in about 6 years.
In this regard, Shin Seung-hun said, “It’s a coincidence that we are both appearing together. I think it’s great to be doing this together. I believe it’s an encouraging situation,” and added, “I hope there will always be such a rivalry. I think having competition with someone can lead to development and give meaning.”
Questions also arose about his success on the American Billboard charts with the 'Kedahan' OST, which has maintained high rankings. He responded, “I feel very good. In the past, while traveling around the world markets like Japan and the US, the actors were famous, but K-pop was not. However, I am proud of the significant changes now.”
However, he also expressed, “It’s a pity that the global market has become too idol-centric. There are some genres that are not well represented. It’s disappointing that various genres, including ballads, need to confront the global market but are not able to.”
Following the release of his new album, Shin Seung-hun will hold a solo concert 'The Shin Seung-hun Show' at Olympic Hall, Olympic Park in Seoul on November 1-2 to celebrate his 35th debut anniversary. 'The Shin Seung-hun Show' has been connecting with fans through nearly 1000 tours since its launch in 2003.
Shin Seung-hun stated, “I watched all the past concert videos and checked them. It will be a concert that encompasses all the good parts. It will be a moment where even those who are attending my concert for the first time can see everything through this performance.”
Finally, Shin Seung-hun said, “I will be Shin Seung-hun who does not rust, wear out, or disappear. I dream of a beautiful descent,” steering clear of discussions about retirement.
“I will continue making music.”
