[Dispatch=Yuha Neulgi Reporter] Thirteen years of waiting. In that time, Lee Seung-gi and Irene (fandom name) have both passed through many hours. But on this day, everyone returned to that time.
A cheer erupted at the familiar opening. Some fans sang along and their eyes grew wet. Lee Seung-gi responded to their hearts, singing with all his might.
Actor, singer, MC. Lee Seung-gi comes with many titles. But on this day, the name that shone brightest was "singer Lee Seung-gi." He looked happier than anyone on stage.
The concert title is "Ki Seung Jeon Nak." To "Ki Seung Jeon," which refers to the flow of a narrative, was added "Nak," meaning joy. It signifies Lee Seung-gi, who has passed through many moments of life, meeting fans again through music.
Lee Seung-gi held "Ki Seung Jeon: Nak" from October 23-25 at Blue Square Woori Won Banking Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. It was his first solo concert in 13 years. Dispatch was present for the final performance.
◆ Ki | The Song of Youth
The sound of intense drums broke the silence. Fans responded with applause and cheers. Lee Seung-gi appeared singing "Don't Forget, Remember, Don't Be Late." From the start, confetti and flower petals burst forth.
"It's been 13 years since my last concert in 2013. I prepared with tension to greet you again as singer Lee Seung-gi. I will show you a fulfilling stage with no regrets."
He returned to his debut days. Lee Seung-gi brought out his first full-length album "The Moth's Dream." He presented the title track and "On the Way to Travel" one after another. The voice from 20 years ago echoed once more.
As time has passed, his emotions toward the songs have deepened. Lee Seung-gi said, "I recall the heart of my childhood when I wanted to become a butterfly. It touches me anew," conveying tenderness.
"A Kind Lie," "Words Hard to Say," "Delete," and others followed. Lee Seung-gi's characteristic sorrowful ballad sensibility came alive. Solid high notes and delicate emotional expression harmonized.
Though the same song, the resonance was different. The parting song sung by a boy gained the depth of time. Fans felt that change together and retraced their memories.
◆ Seung | The Footprints of Music
The concert continued following the footprints of singer Lee Seung-gi. He presented "Boy, Walking a Road," "Undoing," and "Love" in turn. Familiar songs awakened the audience's memories.
Between serious stages, he added his characteristic entertainment sense. Each time Lee Seung-gi cracked a joke, laughter burst from the audience. Fans smiled warmly at his every small gesture.
During the "Love" stage, an unexpected incident occurred. Flower petals entered his throat during the song. After finishing the song, Lee Seung-gi joked, "It became a love blocked in my throat."
In "Father," he showcased a rap. At his clumsy but passionate performance, laughter and applause poured out. Fans cheered, saying "He's improved a lot."
Lee Seung-gi lifted the mood with "Will You Marry Me?" With relaxed stage manner, he connected with fans. On the display screen, intimate couples appeared.
Then with "Forbidden Love," he displayed overwhelming vocal power. It was a cover song shown in the past variety program "Butlers Without Masters." At his effortless high notes, admiration erupted throughout the audience.
◆ Jeon | Depth Added by Time
The concert was nearing its latter half. Lee Seung-gi changed the mood with "Goodbye." Instead of hot energy, he brought out calm sensibility.
He did not forget his gratitude toward fans. Lee Seung-gi said, "I ran toward this concert all this year. I'm grateful to be able to share the music I've prepared generously."
The main performance closed with "I Am Beside You." Lee Seung-gi unfolded the song with deepened sensibility. Even within explosive vocal power, he did not lose delicate expression.
"You know, life can be exhausting sometimes. Like this song, I hope your days are filled with joy. Today, all of you have been a tremendous strength to me."
Fans listened until the final note. As the song ended, long applause followed. Lee Seung-gi slowly looked out at the audience and bowed.
◆ Nak | The Festival That Doesn't End
As soon as he left the stage, encore requests poured in. Fans did not leave their seats. Lee Seung-gi took the stage again amid heated cheers.
"Everyone, are you ready to enjoy? Everyone stand up!"
It was the full time of Nak (joy). Rock energy was added to this. The concert venue instantly transformed into a massive festival.
In "It Seemed I Lost My Mind," the band sound shook the venue. The audience jumped to the rhythm. As "Let's Go on a Trip" began, the cheers grew louder.
Spectacular fireworks effects added heat. Fans sang along at the top of their voices. Lee Seung-gi also ran across the stage ceaselessly, pouring out energy.
The finale was "Since You're My Woman." On stage, the image of the youthful younger man overlapped once again. A wistful yet powerful voice filled the venue.
◆ Always in the Same Place
At this concert, Irenes from around the world gathered, including from Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, France, and domestically. Their wish was one: for Lee Seung-gi to sing for a long time.
"We also went to a fan meeting in Jakarta three years ago. Indonesian Irenes really want to see oppa often. Please remain as 'singer Lee Seung-gi' unchanged. We love you (Aku Cinta Kamu)." (Rini·Yessy / Indonesia)
Even after the concert ended, the afterglow did not fade easily. A domestic fan was moved, saying, "It was worth the wait of 13 years. Literally, I put my vocal cords into it."
As those words suggest, Lee Seung-gi did not spare his voice until the end. From sorrowful ballads to explosive rock stages, he poured everything of himself into it.
Irene always waited for him in the same place. Lee Seung-gi responded with 150 minutes of song. That way, he filled the waiting with joy (Nak).
<Photo source=DCI, Dispatch DB>