Im Jae-bum has officially announced his retirement from the music industry.

On January 4, Im Jae-bum shared his decision through his official YouTube channel and JTBC's Newsroom. His ongoing 40th-anniversary nationwide tour, I Am Im Jae-bum, will mark the final chapter of his career as a singer.

Explaining the reason behind his decision, he said it was something he had contemplated for a long time. He added that stepping down while he can still give everything he has to singing felt like the right responsibility toward his fans.

Quoting the saying about leaving "while the applause is still loud," he shared that now felt like the right moment. He also expressed concern that fans might be surprised, noting that he would speak in more detail during the Seoul concerts.

In a handwritten video message, Im Jae-bum reflected that choosing to walk away at the most beautiful point of his journey was his way of preserving pride and expressing gratitude. He promised to give all his remaining strength and heart to the final stages of the 40th-anniversary performances, hoping to conclude the journey quietly but sincerely, in his own way.

The tour began in Daegu on November 29 and has continued through cities including Incheon and Busan. The Seoul shows are scheduled for January 17 and 18 at the KSPO Dome in Olympic Park.

Im Jae-bum debuted in 1986 with the band Sinawe's first album and became known for his unmistakable, raw vocal style. Over the decades, he delivered numerous iconic songs such as For You, Emergency, Confession, and A Deeper Scar Than Love. In September last year, he released the single Greeting, expressing gratitude to fans who stood by him for four decades. He is also currently active as a judge on JTBC's Sing Again 4.