Retirement Hinted After Nationwide Tour from April to July
Consistently Performing on Stage, Also Called the 'Senior Idol'
Singer Na Hoon-a has shocked the music industry and beyond by suddenly hinting at his retirement on the 27th, marking 58 years since his debut. On that day, through his agency, Na Hoon-a revealed his final concert schedule, stating, "I want to follow the simple and easy truth of leaving while the applause is still ringing." Although he did not explicitly say he was retiring, he used the expression "putting down the microphone," clearly indicating that this year's concert will be his last stage. Having rarely appeared publicly before, Na Hoon-a did not issue any separate statements other than a letter on this day, leading to speculation about the significance of his final concert and expressions of regret.
Na Hoon-a Concert Poster Photo by Asia Economy DB
Fellow singers and composers who have had decades-long ties with Na Hoon-a learned of his retirement hint through media reports and speculated that he seems to have put into practice his usual belief that "one should leave while the applause lasts." A senior singer close to Na Hoon-a told Yonhap News, "His performances always sell out," adding, "He personally directs his shows and researches music, and he used to talk sporadically about the nervousness and fear of creating new stages and not knowing how long he would continue." He continued, "(Na Hoon-a) also had a strong sense of responsibility toward his staff. Whenever he mentioned such things, we told him not to say that, but it seems he has literally acted on his usual thoughts of leaving while receiving applause. He is a person with a definite style and strong will," he said.
Debuted with 'Cheonrigil' and loved for numerous hit songs
A promotional banner for singer Na Hoon-a's concert at BEXCO in Haeundae-gu, Busan in 2021 Photo by Yonhap News
Na Hoon-a, who debuted in 1966 with "Cheonrigil," has been loved for numerous hit songs such as "Musiro," "Jabcho," "Galmuri," "Ulgin Wae Ureo," "Im Geuriwo," "Gangchone Salgo Sipne," and "Mullebanga Doneunde." Born in Busan, he showed musical talent from a young age, winning first place in a contest held by the Poetry Education Committee during elementary school. After moving to Seoul with dreams of becoming a singer, he wandered through various composers' offices, waiting for a debut opportunity, and seized a chance by singing in place of a scheduled singer during a recording session.
He and Nam Jin, from Mokpo, represented Gyeongsang-do and Jeolla-do respectively, forming a strong rivalry in the 1970s music scene with their distinct appearances and musical styles. After his 40th anniversary concert in 2006, he canceled a performance at Sejong Center in 2007, enduring various rumors including health issues, and even held a press conference to address them. Several comeback rumors surfaced afterward, and in 2017, he announced his return after 11 years, showcasing his vitality with a new album titled "Dream again."
Since his comeback concert in November of the same year, he consistently released new albums or held concerts every year, earning the nickname "Senior Idol." In 2020, during the Chuseok holiday, he performed "2020 Korea Again Na Hoon-a" on KBS 2TV, where his rendition of "Tess-hyung!" sparked nationwide attention. Na Hoon-a, who has sold out every concert he has held, is regarded as a singer who has received national love for over half a century with his unique musical style and vocal technique. Captivating audiences with overwhelming vocal power and showmanship, he is also famous for composing songs infused with Korean sentiment and producing spectacular concert stages.
Na Hoon-a is also known as a singer who worked to erase the disparagement of the trot genre, which carries on the tradition of Korean popular music. Having expressed a desire to be called the "Arirang singer" or "Arirang sorikkun," Na Hoon-a proposed the "Call it Arirang Movement," saying, "As one of the popular singers who have sung traditional Korean songs, let's use the pure Korean word 'Arirang' instead of the terms 'ppongjjak' or 'trot.'"
The sudden news of Na Hoon-a's retirement also elicited regret from netizens. Comments included, "Retirement is unfortunate, but I really respect how he lives according to his beliefs," "It's not easy to leave while the applause is still ringing, so applause for his decision," and "If I had known, I would have gone to a concert once; it's really a shame," among others.
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