Jannabi at New York Lincoln Center: "K-pop's Status Grows... We Want to Offer Rest Amid Harsh Lives"

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Jo Seulgina] "I was surprised to find more local fans than I expected. I thought I could confidently perform overseas. I hope those attending tomorrow's concert can find a brief respite from their harsh lives."

Choi Jung-hoon of the group sound Jannabi expressed in an interview with Asia Economy and others on the 26th (local time) at the New York Korean Cultural Center in Manhattan, New York City, "I am deeply moved and honored to perform in New York, a city I love." Jannabi will take the stage alongside Annyeong Bada at the 'K-Indie Music Night' concert held at Damrosch Park, Lincoln Center, New York, on the evening of the 27th. This is the first time a Korean indie band has performed at Lincoln Center.

Choi Jung-hoon said, "This is our first time performing in the U.S. It's been a long time since we performed overseas. Every time we came to New York, Korean residents asked us to perform, so I'm happy to perform in front of them," expressing his anticipation for their first U.S. performance.

After the concert news was announced, he confirmed the enthusiastic reactions of overseas fans through Instagram, YouTube channels, and more. "I was surprised to find more local fans than I expected. I smiled thinking we can confidently perform overseas." Ahead of this concert, the New York Cultural Center received inquiries from fans not only across the U.S. but also from places like the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Regarding this, Choi Jung-hoon humbly evaluated, "As the status of K-pop grows, it seems like our music is also gaining a lot of interest in fragments. What we pursue is to show Korean lyricism, and it seems to appeal in that aspect." He described Jannabi's music as "music that represents Korean sentiment" and said they will convey Korean sentiment in this performance as well.

Known for poetic lyrics and melodies from hit songs like "For Hesitant Lovers," "The Hot Summer Night Passes and What Remains is Unsightly," to this year's release "We Who Grasped the Green," Jannabi is also praised by overseas fans as a "band that sings romance" and "a singer who takes you on a time travel with beautiful songs."

Choi Jung-hoon said, "Being called romantic is the best compliment. As time goes by, romance seems to disappear more and more but also becomes more important. Our strength is that we have the power to make people feel that emotion," emphasizing.

He writes Jannabi's lyrics himself, usually carrying a small notebook to diligently jot down feelings of the moment. Occasionally, writings made with the thought that "Jannabi should be more romantic" feel artificial after just 2-3 days. He said that sentences that come out casually, as if nothing special, are cooler. Even after coming to New York to prepare for the concert, he continues to write down his thoughts and feelings daily.

As an element that creates Jannabi's unique color and sensibility, he brought up "sincerity." Choi Jung-hoon began, "Whatever we do, even if it looks cheesy, we try to do it sincerely. Writing lyrics, composing songs, and performing." He explained, "Sometimes being 'hip' and 'cool' without sincerity looks good. I also sometimes wanted to do that. But our music tends to explain a lot and delve into emotions to the point of discomfort. On the other hand, I think this aspect has helped preserve our music."

From the Hongdae club days to now topping music charts, Jannabi's encore song at every concert is the same. When only a few audience members called for an encore at early club performances, the members prepared the cover song "What's Up (4 Non Blondes)," which still closes every concert. Choi Jung-hoon said, "It's like a song of our original intention for Jannabi. Since it's a cover, I've long thought we should replace it with our own song, but we keep doing it. I think we'll do it for life," laughing.

Choi Jung-hoon told all New York fans attending the Lincoln Center concert, "I hope you find a brief rest from your harsh lives," and added, "I want to give you as much energy as possible from Korea." He said, "Many Korean students and residents here come to see us. That's also why we came here. I think we'll come overseas a lot as a way to repay them." Jannabi is also planning a nationwide tour concert in Korea at the end of this year.