Cho Yong-pil makes comeback on KBS stage after nearly three decades, vows to continue singing
Celebrated as Korea’s iconic “King of Pop,” Cho Yong-pil wowed the audience at the KBS Liberation Day 80th-anniversary concert on September 6, in what marked his long-awaited return to the KBS stage after 28 years. Addressing the crowd of approximately 18,000 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro District, Seoul, Cho expressed his commitment to his craft by stating, “I will keep singing. If I can’t, maybe I’ll take a couple of years off. And if that doesn’t work, maybe four or five years. How old will I be by then?” Despite nerves about the televised performance, Cho hoped that this unforgettable moment would be etched in the audience’s memories for years to come.
The concert kicked off slightly delayed with the track “Unknown World” before Cho launched into his classic hits such as “Can’t Find the Oriole,” “Darling,” and “Reunion,” with minimal interludes. While the general theme of the show resembled his previous concerts, around 30 percent of the setlist was revamped. Backed by his long-standing band The Great Birth, Cho explored hard rock elements, delivering heavy renditions of his beloved songs. Songs like “Eyes of the Sun” took on a heavy metal persona, leading some spectators to liken the atmosphere more to a rock festival than a tribute concert.
The diverse audience, spanning across different age groups, enthusiastically sang along, brandishing KBS-provided light sticks and echoing cheers as Cho oscillated between strumming the guitar and encouraging sing-alongs. His undiminished, powerful voice, drawing admiration from all corners of the venue, left a profound impact. “Just like the title of today’s concert, I desire for this moment to linger eternally,” he expressed.
In a spectacular two-and-a-half-hour performance, Cho delivered nearly 30 songs solo, culminating in a vibrant encore featuring “Leopard of Kilimanjaro,” “Bounce,” and “Let’s Go on a Trip.” With the ecstatic crowd dancing to the infectious beats, Cho bid them farewell with gratitude before exiting the stage. A true embodiment of a “living legend,” Cho’s extensive setlist reflected his unparalleled legacy – the artist behind Korea’s inaugural album to sell a million copies, the first to exceed 10 million cumulative sales, the initial Korean recipient of Japan’s Golden Disc Award, and the pioneer to sell out Seoul Olympic Stadium.
The overwhelming demand for his concert was highlighted by all tickets being claimed within three minutes of release, underscoring the unwavering fervor for his unmatched performances. The event is scheduled to air on KBS on October 6, allowing a wider audience to witness Cho Yong-pil’s exceptional artistry on display.