"It's All Thanks to You, Please Let Me Go in Peace"
Singer Lim Jaebeom, known as the "King of Singers" who left an indelible mark on the history of Korean popular music, is concluding his 40-year musical career and retiring from the stage.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on January 18 that it had presented a plaque of appreciation to Lim at the "I Am Lim Jaebeom" nationwide tour marking his 40th anniversary, held at KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul, on January 17.
On this day, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwiyoung praised Lim, saying, "Lim Jaebeom has devoted himself to the development of popular music with his unparalleled artistic spirit and resonant voice, delivering deep comfort to the lives of the people through numerous masterpieces." The event was a state-level recognition of a master who has dedicated his life to the stage and elevated the status of popular culture and the arts.
According to his agency, approximately 9,000 fans gathered at the Seoul concert, which was the first performance following his retirement announcement, to bid farewell to the King of Singers on his final journey.
Lim addressed his fans, saying, "I was Lim Jaebeom before, I am still Lim Jaebeom now, and the Lim Jaebeom you will remember in the future will also be me." He continued, "With this tour, I am stepping down from the stage. I have built many memories in my heart, so I hope you can let me go in peace," offering his farewell.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwiyoung (left) and singer Lim Jaebeom. Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Lim opened the concert with his first song, "The Days I Endured," and expressed his deep affection for his fans by changing the lyrics of "This Too Shall Pass" to "You were always there." Although he struggled with high notes due to the condition of his voice, he demonstrated his determination by saying, "I took all the medicine I could and went on stage." He continued to pour his heart into hit songs such as "Confession" and "Flight."
Debuting in 1986 as the lead vocalist of the legendary rock band Sinawe's first album, Lim Jaebeom received immense love for his signature rough husky voice and unrivaled vocal prowess. He went on to release numerous masterpieces across genres, including "For You," "Confession," and "A Wound Deeper Than Love." After releasing his new song "Greeting" in September last year, he began his farewell tour with a concert in Daegu in November, meeting fans nationwide.
At the end of the concert, Lim bowed his head and said, "I started out singing in front of drunken American soldiers at my very first performance-I never imagined I would come this far. It's all thanks to you."
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