K-pop legend Jo Yong-pil once again proved his unmatched presence, turning the Chuseok holiday into a nationwide sing-along celebration.
KBS-2TV's special program "Jo Yong-pil, This Moment Forever", aired on October 6 at 7 p.m. to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, achieved a nationwide rating of 15.7% (Nielsen Korea). It ranked No.1 across all time slots and became the most-watched show of the Chuseok holiday period — reaffirming the enduring power of the "King of Singers."
A Historic Comeback After 28 Years
This broadcast marked Jo Yong-pil's first solo performance on KBS in 28 years since "Big Show" in 1997. Originally planned for a shorter runtime, the program was extended by 20 minutes due to overwhelming anticipation, totaling three hours of music and memories.
Opening with "Unknown World", Jo set the tone for a night of powerful nostalgia. His performance of "I Can't Find the Nightingale" kicked off an energetic sing-along from fans of all ages, filling the venue with his still-strong vocals and unmistakable stage charisma.
A Setlist of Pure Legends
Rejecting guest appearances, Jo filled his setlist exclusively with his own classics — a reminder of his unrivaled repertoire. From "Pride," "My Dear," "Reunion in Memories," "The Girl Outside the Window," "Candlelight," "Short Hair," to "Dragonfly", each song transcended generations, keeping the audience on their feet.
The emotional highlights deepened with timeless hits like "Return to Busan Port," "Forgotten Love," "It's Okay," "Dream," and "The Song of the Wind." His collaboration with the KBS Symphony Orchestra for "Sad Beatrice" created a breathtaking fusion of orchestral grandeur and raw vocal power.
The King's Encore
As the concert neared its finale, Jo's rock spirit took center stage with "Flame of Asia," "I Like You," "Moment," "Youth Era," and the iconic "Monalisa." The roaring crowd called for more, and Jo returned with "Leopard of Kilimanjaro," "Bounce," and "Let's Go on a Trip" as encore gifts.
"Everything I've done so far was possible because of you," he said, addressing his fans. "I'll keep singing for as long as I can — and if I can't, I'll rest for a few years and come back. I hope this moment stays with you for a long time."
In a follow-up interview, he added, "If not now, I might not get many more chances to meet you. I wanted to do this while I still could. Dying on stage while singing — that would be my dream."
A behind-the-scenes documentary, "Jo Yong-pil, This Moment Forever — The Record of That Day," will air on October 8 at 8 p.m. on KBS.
