2006-07-18
The U.S. media has recently published stories about Korean rock legend Shin
Jung-hyun, 66, who has launched his last concert tour before his retirement.
The influential U.S. daily The Wall Street Journal introduced Shin on July 13 in an
article entitled, “The Godfather of Korean Rock.”
Correspondent Mark Russel, who writes about South Korean pop culture for Billboard
and Newsweek, wrote that Shin, who is building a new house in the Seoul suburbs,
will retire soon and that he introduced rock-n-roll to South Korea in the 1960s and
70s.
Russel also added that Shin’s music was largely influenced by globally renowned rock
stars Jimi Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane, thus promoting their contributions to
music. The reporter also hailed Shin for writing numerous hit songs for Korean
singers and becoming the godfather of Korean rock by fighting with the government
for his favorite music genre.
It is the first time a veteran South Korean guitarist and rock singer was introduced in
foreign media. So far, South Korean artists who have received the global media
spotlight include young singers Rain and BoA, who were covered by top media
outlets such as The New York Times, the New York Daily News, British broadcaster
BBC, The Financial Times and Reuters.
Shin launched his last concert tour on July 15 in Incheon. Despite heavy rain, some
4,500 people came to hear the songs of the legendary singer, who debuted half a
century ago. Beginning the concert with the song, “Woman in the Rain,” Shin also
sang his hit songs “A Cup of Coffee,” “Spring Rain” and “Flower Petals,” showing off
his impressive guitar playing skills.
Shin will tour large cities in September, with the final concert slated for October in
Seoul.
c: KBS Global
