Legendary Singer Cho Yong-pil Returns to KBS Stage After 28 Years, Promises to Keep Singing

Legendary South Korean singer Cho Yong-pil, despite being over 70, showcased his remarkable vocal prowess and declared his intention to continue engaging with fans.

On the evening of the 6th, KBS2TV aired 'Cho Yong-pil, Forever This Moment - Prequel,' where the iconic singer expressed his commitment to cherish his connection with fans and continue performing.

During the broadcast, Cho Yong-pil returned to the KBS stage after 28 years, reuniting with the nation. In front of a packed audience of 18,000 at Gocheok Sky Dome, he opened the concert with a warm smile, saying, "Thank you for welcoming me so warmly."

The concert, titled 'Cho Yong-pil, Forever This Moment,' marked his first solo broadcast performance since the 1997 KBS 'Big Show.' It made headlines even before it began, with all tickets selling out in just three minutes. The performance was broadcast in 4K UHD, capturing his legendary stage presence in vivid detail.

Cho Yong-pil made a grand entrance with a burst of light, opening with 'Unknown World.' He continued with a series of beloved hits, including 'Can't Find the Cuckoo,' 'Pride,' 'Dear You,' 'Reunion in Memories,' 'Woman Outside the Window,' 'Candlelight,' 'Yesterday, Today, and,' and 'Short Hair.' As the performance progressed, the audience was swept away by nostalgia. Cho Yong-pil thanked his fans, saying, "Haven't you waited long enough? Thank you for welcoming me so warmly."

Cho Yong-pil remarked, "It's been 28 years since I last appeared on KBS," adding, "1997 was around the time many of you were born." He admitted, "I'm not used to being on TV. Knowing it's being recorded and the cameras are rolling makes me nervous." He expressed gratitude to his fans, saying, "I've been able to sing until now because of you, and I will continue to sing."

He humorously added, "If it doesn't work out, I might take a 2-3 year break, and if that doesn't work, maybe 4-5 years. Imagine how old I'll be then," eliciting laughter from the audience. Cho Yong-pil shared his motivation for the concert, saying, "I felt that if not now, there wouldn't be many opportunities to see you. Also, my voice won't get any better, so I thought I should do it soon."

He conveyed his gratitude to fans, saying, "The moments of singing and dancing with your family while listening to each song are the most rewarding for me." Reflecting the concert's title, he added, "The concert is called 'Forever This Moment,' and I hope this moment with you remains a long-lasting memory. Thank you." Cho Yong-pil's return to the broadcast stage after 28 years was filled with his unchanged charisma and ease.

Reporter: Im Chae-ryeong, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr