Kim Dong-ryul Concludes ‘Walk‘ Concert Series, Reflecting on Legacy & Loss Before Sold-Out Crowd
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Kim Dong-ryul concluded a record-breaking concert series, “Walk,” before a sold-out audience of 70,000, marking his 32nd debut anniversary with a performance lauded for its musical depth, emotional resonance, and poignant tribute to a fallen friend. The seven-day run cemented Kim’s reputation for “luxury performances” and underscored his enduring influence in Korean popular music,even as a new generation of artists emerges.
While acknowledging the rising popularity of younger artists-some boasting fanbases “100 million times” larger-Kim emphasized the unique value of his three decades of connection with his audience. He reframed his career trajectory, stating he “shortened the four-year cycle to two years” to reach his 60th year, a testament to his prolific output and dedication. The concert wasn’t simply a retrospective, but a dynamic exploration of his musical journey, featuring unconventional arrangements and collaborative performances.
The “Walk” concert showcased kim’s willingness to reimagine his catalog. he debuted a new arrangement of “The Person Next Door,” originally gifted to BoA, and led a rousing singalong of “Drunken Talk” with the entire audience. A special intermission featured the ”Koh Sang-ji Quartet,” led by bandoneon player Ko Sang-ji,performing tango arrangements of Kim’s songs,including “Graduation” and “Show.”
However, the emotional core of the evening lay in the encore. Kim selected “First Love” and “etudes of memory” as a tribute to his longtime musical companion,Seo Dong-wook,a member of the exhibition group who passed away late last year. “First Love” was the song that initially brought Kim and Seo together to form the group. A photograph of Seo Dong-wook accompanied a memorial message, “Sending off my beloved friend Dongwook,” displayed on the concert hall’s large screen. The performance of “Etudes of Memory,” a cornerstone of Korean popular music, was particularly moving, with Kim performing alongside a piano accompaniment evoking thier shared musical history.
Kim Dong-ryul’s “Walk” concert series concluded after over two hours and thirty minutes, leaving audiences with a sense of warmth and comfort, and reaffirming his status as a defining figure in Korean music.
