Music critic Im Jin-mo reflects on lifelong passion and influences

In the Star Documentary My Way, music critic Im Jin-mo discusses his lifelong connection to music, tracing his passion back to middle school and his childhood admiration for singer-actor On Ban.

Music critic Im Jin-mo has opened up about his unceasing passion for music and the childhood memories that served as its roots. The Star Documentary My Way, reported by TV CHOSUN STAR, captures the musical life of Im Jin-mo, who has spent his entire life alongside music.

Regarding his attitude toward music, Im recalled, "Music has never once failed to deliver moments of wonder." He became immersed in music through the radio during his winter break in the third year of middle school, just before entering high school. He was so absorbed in it at the time that he remarked, "I liked music more than eating meals."

Urban longing and glasses inspired by singer-actor On Ban

His interest in music expanded naturally through the turntable and LPs his parents played. Growing up in a musical environment where his parents danced together, he encountered the music of singer-actor On Ban, which led him to discover various artists such as Nam In-su and Bok Su-song. In particular, he expressed a special admiration for singer-actor On Ban, naming him his first love.

Im revealed that he was strongly impressed by On Ban's appearance in album photos, wearing a suit and glasses. "He looked completely like an urban intelligentsia," he said, adding that he used to look in the mirror as a child to imitate On Ban's style. Interestingly, his use of glasses—one of his physical changes—also stemmed from a desire to resemble the actor. He confessed that the reason he began wearing glasses in the fifth grade of elementary school was to imitate On Ban.

Bae Chul-soo testifies: "The only critic with a unique interpretation"

Im Jin-mo's musical journey is further highlighted by his long-standing relationship with broadcaster Bae Chul-soo. Referring to Im's weekly visits, Bae mentioned their long companionship, saying, "It has been a weekly commute for about 20 years." While Bae praised Im as a "giant critic in South Korea," Im showed humility, stating, "Giants eventually step aside."

Bae Chul-soo cited Im's unrivaled perspective as the reason he has maintained trust on broadcasts for a long time. "The reason Im Jin-mo can be revered today is that he is a person capable of providing unique interpretations that differentiate him from other critics," Bae evaluated. "A critic who maintains their own perspective while not missing the spirit of the times is almost unique in South Korea." He added that Im is "a critic who can read humans and writes sentences that embrace humans."

Recalling the period when he was fascinated by the 1970s singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, Im reaffirmed his identity as a critic who deeply examines the phenomena music has on society and its historical background.

Source: TVCHOSUN JOY (YouTube)