“Today, my 40-year musical journey comes to an end. The fact that my songs could provide comfort and strength in your lives has been the greatest meaning of all to me.”
During the Seoul encore performance of his 40th-anniversary concert, “I am Im Jae-bum,” held at Olympic Hall in Songpa-gu, Seoul on the 17th, singer Im Jae-bum calmly shared his retirement thoughts. He stated, “This is the end of the 40th-anniversary tour we’ve run together and a meaningful day to close a chapter of my musical life. I was simply singing, but I am truly grateful that it gave energy to someone’s life.”
This performance, held over two days starting from the 16th, marks the final concert of Im Jae-bum’s musical career. He had suddenly announced his retirement in January, stating he would leave the music industry after this national tour.
Having debuted in 1986 with the first album of the band Sinawe, Im Jae-bum became a national favorite with hits like ‘Bisang’, ‘Gohae’, and ‘I Bam-i Jina-myeon’, thanks to his deep, appealing tone and explosive vocal power.
Fans of all ages gathered for the performance marking the end of his 40-year journey, despite the sudden warm weather.
Once the show began, Im Jae-bum poured his heart into every single song. Although he is now in his mid-60s, his energy and vocal capabilities remain as powerful as ever. Starting with the opening track ‘Naega Gyeondyeoon Naldeul’, he sang over 20 songs for about three hours, including his solo debut song ‘I Bam-i Jina-myeon’ and his new track ‘Life is a Drama’.
When an audience member asked him to keep singing, Im Jae-bum firmly replied, “There is no more.” He added, “I hope you enjoy today rather than being sad. I will do my absolute best today to give back as much love as I have received.”
At times, he seemed lost in emotion, gazing intently at the audience while singing. Soon, his explosive vocals filled the venue, triggering thunderous cheers. Fans responded with phone flashlight events and sing-along events during the encore.
Im Jae-bum said, “Watching you listen to my songs in your own way makes me feel that the heart I put into my music is reaching you well.” He continued, “Looking back at these 40 years, so many moments flash by. You were always with me on the path I walked. I sincerely thank you for staying by my side for so long,” which drew loud applause from the crowd.
From the middle of the concert, hits like ‘Neoreul Wihae’, ‘Gohae’, ‘Nak-in’, and ‘Sarang’ poured out. He mentioned, “‘Sarang’ and ‘Gohae’ are songs that contain my feelings for precious people,” adding, “I am always grateful that ‘Gohae’ in particular is still so loved and celebrated.”
As the concert neared its end, Im Jae-bum pushed through physical limits, including back pain, giving his all until the encore. After the stage, he shared, “My feelings are quite complex. You have always given me the strength to sing again. It is a beautiful and great power.” He expressed his hope that “the love I received will now be passed on to help those who are marginalized or struggling.”
The “singer Im Jae-bum,” who once said he wanted to be “a singer who talks about people,” is now returning to be the ordinary “person Im Jae-bum.”
Facing the second act of his life, he said, “I am walking toward another time, not an end. I am returning to an ordinary life.” He added, “Because I was publicly known, I couldn’t even walk comfortably with my daughter. Now, I will walk around freely without hiding. Although I am leaving, my music will remain kindly by your side.”
Throughout the show, Im Jae-bum repeatedly expressed his heartfelt gratitude. The audience’s reaction was intense, from fans wiping away tears of regret to others shouting, “Hyung, you worked hard!”
Im Jae-bum exited the stage after giving a 90-degree bow to the audience and staff who joined his retirement performance. Many fans remained in their seats for a while after the show, chanting “Im Jae-bum.”
A fan named Park from Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, said, “It’s sad to think this was the last performance. Im Jae-bum was a true singer’s singer. It’s a pity that such a great singer is leaving. I’ve liked him since my teens, and now that I’m in my 40s, it feels even more special. Since he has decided to retire, I hope he will be even happier in the future.”
