Park Jae-jung discusses 15-year musical hiatus caused by industry boycott

Singer Park Jae-jung revealed on the YouTube channel "I'll Sing It" that an industry boycott left him shunned by music professionals for 15 years. After being avoided by those in music-related fields, Park turned to learning the guitar and eventually returned to music through the support of his family.

Singer Park Jae-jung has opened up about the circumstances surrounding his return to the microphone after a period of musical absence. Appearing on the YouTube channel "I'll Sing It" hosted by SUNG SI KYUNG, Park delivered a moving testimony to viewers by candidly confessing the hardships he faced during past group activities and the moments he nearly gave up on singing.

"I thought I would never be able to sing again"... The long void left by a boycott

Through this appearance, Park Jae-jung revealed the reason he was unable to sing for a long period of 15 years. He stated that during the process of leaving his former team, he experienced a boycott within the music industry, which resulted in being shunned by many music professionals. Recalling that even when he attempted to make contact several years later, there were no responses, he said, "Everyone turned their backs on me, and those working in music-related fields avoided me." He added that he began learning the guitar while thinking, "I guess I just can't sing forever."

In that desperate situation, it was unexpectedly his family that lifted him up again. Park mentioned his niece, who was born around the time he began learning the guitar instead of singing, noting that he reaffirmed his affection for music by singing to her. He shared that he strengthened his resolve to create music when he saw his niece watching him so intently that she would hold her breath when his song ended. He worked on composing songs with his guitar and keyboard teachers, and he continued his activities by personally bearing the promotion costs to release music on Melon. "To have a place to lean on means there is at least one person you can talk to about your heart," he added, expressing his desire to convey that feeling through the song "A Place to Lean On" by senior singer SUNG SI KYUNG.

Nam Gyu-ri's transformation, finding the joy of creation in 'Gwanaksan'

Singer Nam Gyu-ri, who appeared alongside him, is showing a different side of herself recently by revealing her capabilities as a composer beyond being an actress. Nam Gyu-ri stated that she worked on her new song "Gwanaksan" based on realizations gained from recent mountain climbing. Explaining the background of the song, she said, "You cannot climb a mountain by only looking at the summit. Just as you find yourself standing at the top at some point if you walk silently, stepping one by one on the stairs at your feet, in life, if you focus on the tasks given to you each day, you meet the things you love again."

Nam Gyu-ri's creative activities are expanding from small moments in daily life. She has drawn inspiration from watching a stray cat that visited her home give birth and nurse its kittens, and she is currently immersed in transferring surrounding subjects into music, such as conceiving a song themed around 'Samgyeopsal' (pork belly). She revealed her pure desire for creation, saying, "I love Samgyeopsal so much that I want to make a song about it." In particular, regarding the song themed around Samgyeopsal, she showed a flexible musical attitude by revealing a plan that would likely require a lot of talking along with melodies like "I love Samgyeopsal so much."

Reunited SeeYa, the enduring presence of 20-year veteran singers

The conversation naturally led to the reunion and current activities of the group SeeYa. Nam Gyu-ri reported that SeeYa's activities were concluded well and that they are currently conducting a nationwide tour concert. Celebrating their 20th anniversary since debut, SeeYa continues to perform while receiving love from many fans. While stating, "I am not the most nervous when standing for a concert," Nam Gyu-ri expressed her feelings that it is a blessing that fans still know and sing many of their songs even after 20 years. She also expressed gratitude for the support of fans, mentioning SeeYa's musical status as they perform at nationwide events that provide a glamorous feel.

Source: original video (YouTube)