“Now, as I completed the painting, unlike my hands that are stained with paint, my heart is as white and pure as it was back then. Perhaps this is what a new beginning feels like, filled with this complex excitement.” – Jung Ill Hoon
[241111] Translated by hyunsikdaily. Please take out with full credit. Scroll down to read full article.
< Lim Jihoon brought up, “Not long ago, I found a letter from Hyunsik when he was in elementary school. It said, ‘Please play janggi with me.’ But now, it’s me who’s asking Hyunsik for help. ‘Teach me how to work on music using a computer, show me how to write on social media,’ I’m learning a lot from him. I wrote this song with the thought that life is a continuous process of learning, even as we grow older.” >
Folk singer Lim Jihoon (65), who is celebrating his 40th debut anniversary, released a commemorative album and will hold a concert at the end of November. Late last month, we met him with his youngest son, Lim Hyunsik (32), a member of BTOB, at the JoongAng Ilbo headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul. With a bright smile, he said, “People can tell we’re father and son right away because of our similar eye smiles. Even our toes look the same.” Lim Hyunsik added, “Whenever I meet people in the industry who know my father, they often mention him as ‘the senior who loves treating others to food and drinks.’ I think I’ve inherited that from my father, as I also enjoy being generous with people around me.”
Lim Jihoon debuted in 1984 as part of the folk group ‘Kim Changwan and the Rascals’. Rather than appearing on TV, he connected with people through live performances. He is recognized as a pioneer in the small-theater concerts in Daehangno. In 2000, he achieved a milestone by completing 2,000 live performances, setting a domestic record for the most live concerts after conducting a continuous 100-day non-stop live concert series. He shared, “The loneliness in an empty theater after a performance is indescribable. The solitude is so deep and painful that I would often comfort myself by drinking with friends.” Some of those friends included the late Kim Kwangseok, who performed long-running shows at the nearby Hakchon Theater, and Zoo’s Kim Changgi, who wrote Lim’s solo debut song, < Low Tide of Love > (1987).
These days, Lim Jihoon’s favorite drinking buddy is his sons. He has two sons: the eldest, Yoonsik, is a cartoonist, and the youngest, who is two years younger, Hyunsik, is a singer.“The most exciting time for me is on the weekend evenings, when my wife and sons, who now live on their own, gather together. It’s a chance to enjoy a drink and talk about music and art,”he shared. Lim Hyunsik recalled, “One unforgettable drinking moment with my father was when we were invited to senior Kim Changwan’s home. It was the first time I blacked out from day drinking. We had a great time singing together and chatting about all kinds of music.”
Lim Hyunsik, who inherited his musical talent from his father, debuted in 2012 as a member of BTOB and has established himself as a solo artist. Known for his exceptional vocals and music production skills, he’s affectionately called as the ‘Father of BTOB’s Music’ by fans. He just released his second mini-album, ‘The Young Man and the Deep Sea‘, in February as a solo artist. To add, the underwater music video for the title track < La Mar > gained significant attention. He shared, “I feel a great responsibility not to tarnish my father’s name. I understand that even a small mistake I make could affect him as well. That’s why I constantly strive to grow, both as a person and as a musician.”
Lim Jihoon admitted, “At first, I was totally against my son becoming a singer. It’s a career that can be emotionally challenging. But seeing him overcome that and stay true to his commitments to fans as a member of BTOB makes me realize how well he’s doing. He’s an admirable artist performing on the global stage.” As a senior, Lim Jihoon didn’t hold back on pouring words of encouragement to Lim Hyunsik.
On 3rd November, they performed the title track < Today I Might Be a Flower > from Lim Jihoon’s 40th-anniversary album Crayon, which was released that day. The song, which talks about the importance of family, also featured the voice of his eldest son, Lim Yoonsik, who designed the album cover. It’s a happy song sung by the three of them. Known in the 1980s for his nickname ‘the voice of sadness‘, Lim Jihoon reminisced, “After my father passed away and my older sister, who was eight years older than me, went to West Germany to work as a nurse, I played the acoustic guitar she left behind to soothe my loneliness. That’s why sadness naturally came out in my music. But now not anymore. My children are all grown, fulfilling their own roles. I’m also feeling grateful that I can still sing. From now on, I want to sing warm and bright songs.”
“After undergoing surgery and taking about five years off, I’ve come to truly appreciate the happiness of seeing the world through my eyes. This album was created to share that happiness,” he explained. The album’s title, Crayon, symbolizes the diverse musical styles showcased by his sons, as well as by junior artists who contributed to the album, like Joo Hyunmi, Min Haekyung, Park Seunghwa, Son Junho, Indian Sunny, and Oh Seunghee. The last track, < My Longed-For Country >, is a special reimagining of a song from his first album, with violin played by Iruda.
Another title track of the album, < Well, I’ve Grown Older >, is a song dedicated to fathers who have lived their lives diligently. The reflective lyrics, ‘Grandfather, you say? Well, I’ve grown older, I can’t deny it… Smiling and shedding tears through countless people and experiences / Life has more losses than victories / Today passes just like yesterday,’ leave a strong impression. The song also carries a message of ‘love today’.
Lim Jihoon brought up, “Not long ago, I found a letter from Hyunsik when he was in elementary school. It said, ‘Please play janggi with me.’ But now, it’s me who’s asking Hyunsik for help. ‘Teach me how to work on music using a computer, show me how to write on social media,’ I’m learning a lot from him. I wrote this song with the thought that life is a continuous process of learning, even as we grow older.”
Lim Jihoon will be performing many songs, including his new track, as a gift to the audience at the ‘Lim Jihoon 40th Anniversary Concert with Lim Hyunsik’ which will be held on the 22nd at Yonsei University’s Main Auditorium. Lim Hyunsik recalled, “Last year, my father came as a guest at my solo concert and contributed significantly there. Many people said that the father-son stage felt so special. That’s why I’m so excited that I can repay that favor this time.” Lim Jihoon, who sees this 40th anniversary as the beginning of his second musical life, said, “I prepared this concert with a desire to reconnect with young people. I hope this stage will be a gift to both my fans and myself.”
[240918 Translated by hyunsikdaily. Please take out with full credit Scroll down to read full article
Among all of the songs, the song < IM’s > holds a special meaning. It features a contribution from his eldest son, Yoonsik, a cartoonist who illustrated the album cover, and his second son, Hyunsik, a member of the idol group BTOB for 13 years, both contributed their voices to the track.
“Again?” That’s what people around singer Lim Ji-hoon asked when he started his ‘100-day concert’ at the Daehangno 2 Live Hall in Seoul on February 12, 1993. This question arose because Lim Jihoon had performed over 2,000 concerts in small theaters since the mid-1980s. “Again?” has became Lim Jihoon’s nickname.
Lim Jihoon, who led the small theater culture in the 1990s, is celebrating his 40th debut anniversary. Lim Jihoon (65) will hold a 40th-anniversary concert at the Grand Auditorium of Yonsei University in Seoul on November 22nd. He will also release a commemorative album, “Crayon” at the end of this month. When we met him recently in Gwanghwamun, he said, “I want to convey the gratitude I felt for being able to consistently sing songs with my name engraved on them for 40 years, much like the joy I experienced when I received crayons as a gift in my childhood.” Although he wrote all the songs himself, he also borrowed various voices from Joo Hyunmi, Min Hyekyung, and Park Seunghwa, just like the colorful crayons. Among all of the songs, the song < IM’s > holds a special meaning. It features a contribution from his eldest son, Yoonsik, a cartoonist who illustrated the album cover, and his second son, Hyunsik, a member of the idol group BTOB for 13 years, both contributed their voices to the track. Lim Jihoon said, “If you translate the title directly, it becomes< The Song of the Three Im’s >. He added, “Hyunsik will also join me on stage.”
Lim Jihoon’s journey as a singer did not come as a gift from the beginning. He stated, “The source of my music was loneliness.” When he was in the first year of middle school, his father passed away from stomach cancer, leaving his mother, who struggled with health issues, to take care of the household. His older sister, who is eight years older than him, chose the path of a nurse abroad. “She sang Yang Heeeun’s < Senoya Senoya > beautifully. My sister, who originally wanted to be a singer, left behind an acoustic guitar which then became my only friend and my musical lifeline.”
Starting to dream of becoming a singer in his twenties, Lim Jihoon gained recognition as ‘the kid who sang Song Changsik’s < Song of Ivory > well’ at the MUA Room in Jongno, Seoul. In 1984, he debuted with the group ‘Kim Changwan and the Rascals’ through Daesung Records, where the elder Kim Changwan served as the head of the literary department. Lim Jihoon remarked, “The president of Daesung Records and Changwan hyung were the benefactors in my singing career.”
The six members of the group ‘The Rascals’, along with Lim Jihoon, were renowned talents among the youth known for their singing skills at the time. Their first album, featuring the hit song < Reminiscence > was a tremendous success. They also held the first 100-day concert at the small theater in front of Ewha Womans University. Lim Jihoon recalled, “At every performance, Zoo and Kim Kwangseok always followed us as fans. And at some point, they turned into our younger brothers who shared drinks with us. This butterfly effect led to their debut as well.” In 1987, Kim Changki from Zoo wrote Lim Jihoon’s solo debut song < Low Tide of Love > which prompted Kim Changwan to plan Zoo’s first album after listening to the song.
“For me, this 40th anniversary feels like the beginning of a second musical career,” said Lim Jihoon, who wore dark sunglasses on the day of the interview. He shared, “I underwent eye surgery last year for retinal detachment.” He added, “At the end of December, I will release an album titled ‘The Time of Memories’ filled with ten songs written entirely in Japanese. It feels like going back to being a rookie. When I entered the operating room, I was afraid I might never see light again. But now that I can see again, what’s stopping me from taking on new challenges? This is just the beginning for me.”
< BTOB Lim Hyunsik is known for his professional guitar and keyboard skills which he had shown during concerts or various promotions. For this album, his two self-composed songs, ‘Star’ and ‘Why’ will be released for the very first time. Along with senior group BEAST Lee Kikwang’s participation and warm support for the group, anticipation flies high for composer Lim Hyunsik and BTOB’s album. >
[130901] Translated by loveindacube. Scroll down to access full interview.
< Senior of the same company, Lee Kikwang, who is his first, has come together with BTOB’s Lim Hyunsik in composing the new song ‘Why’, which garnered strong attention when a snippet was released yesterday. Lim Hyunsik will be showing not only his guitar and keyboard skills but also his first composing skills in the upcoming album, which has led to high anticipation. >
[130830] Translated by loveindacube. Scroll down to access full interview.
< BTOB Seo Eunkwang will be performing his first musical stage today (July 10th) for ‘Monte Cristo’. Seo Eunkwang plays the role of Albert in the musical. “I trembled as like how I felt during BTOB’s debut. Somehow, I had the responsibility to eliminate those idol prejudices, so I feel burdensome too.” >
[130710] Translated by loveindacube. Scroll down to access full interview.
< BTOB’s first Cambodia fan meeting was titled ‘BTOB Press Play in Cambodia’, where 50 local media outlets attended. That night, the boys had put on a string of performance stages for 1000 fans. BTOB’s cute aegyo and wittiness have brought great memories to fans in Cambodia. > < Also, BTOB left unforgettable memories as they visited a welfare institution nearby Phnom Penh. BTOB serenaded with their songs to over 100 young children living in the institution, as well as sharing out snacks, spending a warm time with them. >
[130522] Translated by loveindacube. Scroll down to access full interview.
< On the 18th May, BTOB had held a fan meeting in Scala Theater, Bangkok that titles ‘BTOB Press Play in Thailand’, meeting up with over 1000 fans for two hours. 5 minutes after the ticketing for this fan meeting starts, all seats were sold out. >
[130519] Translated by loveindacube. Scroll down to access full interview.
< “The previous manly concept was good but we are satisfied with our cute and bright look, because I think that’s BTOB’s original colors too. There are a lot of singers that have the same concept. But the difference with BTOB isn’t because, ‘we are BTOB, so we’re different’, but rather to show an image we can show on stage,” said Changsub. >
[130413] Translated by loveindacube. Scroll down to access full interview.
< Jung Ilhoon said, “I have yet to feel the reality of me graduating yet. Rather than happy or sad, as there won’t be someone always protecting me, I’m anticipating yet worried about the responsibilities that I have to bear by myself in the future,” revealing his graduation thoughts. >
[130207] Translated by loveindacube. Scroll down to access full interview.
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