Kim Chang-wan Band Returns After a Decade with New Single 'Seventy'

"As time passes, I've developed a sense of time. Whether it's the time when I was a child or the time when I'm on my deathbed, it's the same time. Nearly 50 years have passed, but my perception of time feels younger. It's absurd to think 'youth will pass someday' (laughs)."

Kim Chang-wan Band has returned after 10 years, and Kim Chang-wan reflected on his 50-year music career with these words.

On the 27th at 2 PM, Kim Chang-wan Band held a press conference at a cultural complex in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the release of their single 'Seventy'.

Kim Chang-wan took the stage alone with a classical guitar. He said, "I thought it would be nice to sing a few lines, so I brought my guitar," and explained, "I was debating whether to name the song 'Seventy' or 'Seventy Years Old', but I thought it might sound too much like an old man's story, so I chose 'Seventy'."

Kim emphasized that he chose the title 'Seventy' to avoid it being perceived as an old man's regret. He explained, "I wanted to emphasize how beautiful and precious the time of youth is. I wanted to create a song that makes people realize the value of their own time."

He then began singing Sanulrim's iconic song 'Youth', saying, "Since it's a song about time, 'Youth' came to mind." After finishing the song, he said, "I found and saved the sheet music on February 22, 2022. From that day until this morning, I've played 'Moonlight' countless times, and I'll play it for you now."

Kim Chang-wan remarked, "There's a story of love and pain surrounding the piece, but I think more about how beautiful the music is. This piece, no matter how much time passes, never rusts and always inspires artistic spirit," and began playing Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata' on the classical guitar. He then sang Sanulrim's 'Baeckilhong' and played Erik Satie's 'Gymnopédies'. The performance continued with recent works like 'Time', 'Old Man's Bench', 'A Day', and 'Seventy'.

All performances were delivered with just a classical guitar and Kim Chang-wan's sincere voice, evoking emotions. His seasoned voice was particularly highlighted during the live performance of 'Time', which began with a narration.

Approaching his 50th debut anniversary next year, Kim Chang-wan said, "I don't personally attach much significance to it. It's a rather tragic history," referring to the untimely death of the youngest member, drummer Kim Chang-ik, in an accident in 2008. He stated, "When the youngest passed away, I declared that Sanulrim no longer existed, so I don't attach significance to Sanulrim's 50th anniversary. Instead, I hope Kim Chang-wan Band carries on the spirit of Sanulrim's music."

Kim continued, "At times like this, I talk about nomads. They say they never stay in the same place twice. I try not to settle for yesterday's self. Of course, Sanulrim is my motto, but I don't stay there."

He also added, "As time passes, I've developed a sense of time. Whether it's the time when I was a child or the time when I'm on my deathbed, it's the same time. Nearly 50 years have passed, but my perception of time feels younger."

Kim humorously described Sanulrim's iconic song 'Youth' as "naive and cute," drawing laughter. He said, "When I wrote 'Youth', I was just jotting down time I had heard somewhere. Looking back, it's quite cute. Back then, I thought 'someday it will pass'." Kim explained, "Looking back now, it's absurd. The idea of 'regretting the passing youth' was naive but cute. I don't think that way now."

Kim shared a recent touching moment, saying, "I heard a really beautiful thing recently. My youngest daughter and her sister have a 9-year age gap. One day, the youngest said to her mom, 'I'm so jealous of my sister.' When asked why, she said, 'Because she got to meet such a wonderful mom 9 years earlier.'"

He continued, "I've never heard such a beautiful thing. I wondered if I would have envied an older brother if I had one. 'Seventy' is much younger than 'Youth', but I wondered if 'Seventy' would envy 'Youth'." Kim confessed, "Then I felt very grateful for the song 'Youth'. I was thankful it came to me 45 years ago." He concluded, "Whether it's the day 'Youth' was born or the day 'Seventy' was born, each day is precious. Even now, the moment a song is born is as glorious and precious as ever."

Regarding the song 'I Love You', Kim said, "I once performed on the same stage as G-Dragon. These days, even the younger bands have so many sing-alongs. I wanted to create a 'sing-along song'." He added, "I thought it would be wonderful if everyone sang 'I love you' together, so I insisted on making the song. The lyrics aren't much, but I don't know. Can a grandfather on stage lead a sing-along?" he joked.

'Seventy' is Kim Chang-wan Band's first new single in 10 years since 'Time' in 2016. The album includes the title track 'Seventy' and 'I Love You'. 'Seventy' captures Kim Chang-wan's insights and reflections as he surpasses seventy, with a dark rock vibe and a gentle voice. 'I Love You' carries the familiar warmth of Sanulrim, expressing pure and joyful emotions with children.

Meanwhile, Kim Chang-wan Band's single 'Seventy' will be released on various music platforms at 6 PM on the 27th.

Min-kyung Lee, Ten Asia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr