"Hong Kong Soaked in Rain"... Singer Rain Cheers from Fans at Racecourse Performance

International Horse Racing Event Opening Ceremony Performance Sparks Frenzy
Full House in 2004, Gaining Fame in China

Singer Rain (real name Jung Ji-hoon, 42) attracted attention by performing at an international horse racing event in Hong Kong.

On the 9th (local time), Hong Kong media outlet South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Rain appeared at the opening ceremony of the Longines International Horse Racing Festival held at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong. Rain led the opening ceremony stage event and performed his representative songs such as "It's Raining," "La Song," and "Hip Song" consecutively.

Singer Rain (real name Jung Ji-hoon). Screenshot from SCMP website

Rain's performance reportedly received an enthusiastic response locally. Cindy Leung, a local resident who identified herself as a fan of Rain, said, "(Rain is) a shining star on stage," adding, "Every part of the performance was powerful, and as a longtime fan of Rain, I am delighted."

SCMP explained that Rain's real name is Jung Ji-hoon and that he is also an actor who appeared in the KBS2 drama Full House and others. Full House is a drama aired in 2004, famous for starring Rain and actress Song Hye-kyo together. It is also known as a drama that gained considerable popularity in the Chinese-speaking world, especially mainland China. It was imported and broadcast on Hunan Economic TV in China, with an average viewership rating approaching 9% during its airing.

The KBS2 drama "Full House," starring Rain and actress Song Hye-kyo in 2004, gained considerable popularity in the Chinese-speaking regions as well. It is known that Rain's popularity in China began at this time. Provided by KBS

It is reported that many fans in China still remember Full House. In 2022, local reports emerged that a Chinese film remake of Full House titled Romantic Mansion had begun its initial filming (crank-in).

A fan who shared their thoughts with SCMP on the day said they fell for Rain after watching Full House and stated, "I came (to the racecourse) to see Rain," adding, "It was a trip well worth it just to see him. It was not a waste of time." The fan also mentioned, "I wanted to hear 'It's Raining' before coming, and the performance was as good as I expected."

Meanwhile, Rain debuted in the music industry in 1998 as a member of the group 'Fan Club.' In 2002, he transitioned to a solo career and began activities, rising to stardom with several hit songs such as "Ways to Avoid the Sun" and "Rainism." He has also worked as a film and drama actor in works like Sangdoo, Let's Go to School and Full House.