Kim Gunmo Returns to the Stage After Six Years: "I Got Married, Got Divorced" in Tears

Resuming Activities with a Concert in Busan

Singer Kim Gunmo performing on stage at the '25-26 Kim Gunmo Live Tour (KIM GUN MO.)' held at Busan KBS Hall on the 27th. Provided by Istar Media Company

Singer Kim Gunmo (57), who had suspended his career due to controversy over his private life, has returned after six years with a nationwide tour. His comeback took place through the first performance of the "25-26 Kim Gunmo Live Tour (KIM GUN MO.)" held at Busan KBS Hall on the 27th. This is his first time on stage since he halted all activities in 2019 following allegations of sexual assault.

Kim Gunmo was accused in 2019 of sexually assaulting a woman at a bar in Gangnam, Seoul in 2016, but prosecutors concluded the case in 2021 with a "not guilty" decision. The non-prosecution was upheld in the appeal trial as well. During this period, he also went through a divorce three years after getting married.

The concert began with a video narration. He referenced his hiatus, saying, "How have you been? I missed you. Was it a blank space or a deep darkness?" After taking the stage, he shared, "I got married, got divorced, and that's how I've been." He then lightened the mood with a joke: "They say red ginseng is best after six years. I planned to rest for five years, but ended up taking one more."

The setlist included 27 of his hit songs, starting with "Excuse," followed by "Speed," "Moon of Seoul," "Sleepless Rainy Night," and more. The running time exceeded the scheduled 120 minutes, with both an encore and a second encore. Fans welcomed him with placards reading "Thank you for coming back," and Kim Gunmo responded with a deep bow.

On the 27th, singer Kim Gunmo is seen bowing deeply on stage during the "25-26 Kim Gunmo Live Tour (KIM GUN MO.)" held at Busan KBS Hall. Provided by Istar Media Company

Istar Media Company, the concert organizer, stated, "Even during his time away from the stage, the music never stopped," adding, "He continued to practice throughout his hiatus."

At the end of the concert, Kim Gunmo introduced a new song and said, "There were times I wanted to give up, but thank you for staying with me. I love you." In tears, he pledged, "This time, I will put a period, not a comma," expressing his determination to complete the tour.

The tour will continue after Busan, with stops in Daegu in October, Daejeon and Incheon in December, and Seoul in January next year.