A Voice of Dignity Overcoming Betrayal
Memories Revived Through "On the Street" and "Heejae"
"Like Na Hoon-a and Cho Yong-pil..." A Promise of Relentless Self-Management
On the evening of December 26, when the harshest cold wave of this winter (minus 12 degrees Celsius) hit, singer Sung Si Kyung appeared at the very center of a 360-degree open stage at KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, Bangi-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. Although it was a concert marking the grand finale of his 25th anniversary since debut, the audience’s gaze was filled with both celebration and affection.
The audience was aware of the hardships Sung Si Kyung faced this year: the embezzlement and betrayal by his former manager of ten years. Despite the pain, he chose leniency over punishment, upholding his 'respect for people.'
Perhaps he needed time to reflect on himself. Sung Si Kyung unfolded the story of his 25 years, one by one, from 2001-when his name became widely recognized-until now. His face had grown fuller compared to back then, and his voice had changed a little. He confessed, "There were nights when I was afraid my voice wouldn't come out, or that I wouldn't have the courage to face you."
As the accompaniment began, it seemed his fears disappeared. With his signature sweet voice and restrained emotion, he performed a series of hit songs: "Like the First Time," "Longing," "We Go Well Together," "It Would Be Nice," "Chama," "On the Street," "To You," and "Heejae." Each time, the audience revisited their own memories. It was a moment that proved why he is the balladeer of this era.
The highlight was the stage for "On the Street" and "Heejae." As the prelude played, short sighs of excitement erupted throughout the audience. For some, these songs recalled breakups on cold winter days; for others, they were comfort after a hard day at work. Through Sung Si Kyung’s voice, the audience reflected on their own youth. In that moment, the concert hall became a space where different memories intersected, and individual recollections were threaded together through music.
Sung Si Kyung expressed his wish to continue serving as this kind of bridge for a long time. He promised, "Like senior artists Cho Yong Pil and Na Hoon A, I want to maintain dignity on stage even as I age," and added, "I will work hard to preserve my current voice and emotion even in my fifties."
This was not merely a declaration of self-improvement. It was a message of comfort, promising to extend the 'expiration date of memories.' For fans to witness an artist grow older and to be assured that his voice will not disappear is meaningful in itself.
Near the end of the concert, he sang his debut song "The Road to Me" as he walked down to the audience, making eye contact with fans and promising another 25 years together. He confessed, "In the end, the place I return to is the stage, and what keeps me alive is your applause and support." The concert hall was filled with a warmth that blended tears and cheers.
The young man who debuted shyly 25 years ago had become a master who grew older alongside the public. The 'voice in his fifties' that he promised will become a source of strength for everyone gathered there to face tomorrow, and a milestone of memories that will not fade. Even in the face of betrayal, Sung Si Kyung chose to sing rather than remain silent, showing how music can comfort people as he stepped down from the stage.
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