A 40-year flash of memories stirs emotions… Lee Seung-chul shares heartfelt reflections on his milestone: "My music is the sound of breath" [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Seung-chul poured out a range of emotions as he marked his 40th debut anniversary.

Lee Seung-chul held a listening session to celebrate his 40th debut anniversary at 5 p.m. on the 29th at Hyundai Card Understage in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Lee Seung-chul and Wooz attended the event, engaging in various conversations with host Park Kyung-rim.

The official audio track and full music video for "Our Own Story," a pre-released song from Lee Seung-chul's 40th debut anniversary commemorative album, will be released at 6 p.m. on the 30th through major online music platforms.

"Our Own Story" is an original composition dedicated by Wooz, who possesses a unique musical spectrum, to celebrate his senior colleague Lee Seung-chul's 40th debut anniversary and express his respect.

First, Lee Seung-chul said on the day, "I didn't feel much emotion even at my 30th anniversary. But while preparing for this year's 40th anniversary, I recalled past events and realized that things I never imagined were happening." He added, "I've received many requests to perform at university festivals, which is exciting and wonderful. My nationwide tour has already begun, and we have prepared 50 performances, including a world tour next year."

He continued, "Many good connections have found me, and of course, there is naturally support from fans. I am who I am today because of the many staff members." He noted, "Kim Jae-joong, Wendy, Jannabi, Lee Mu-jin, and others participated in this project."

Regarding Wooz, who collaborated on this project, Lee Seung-chul said, "I cried when I heard the song Wooz gave me. I had been keeping an eye on him even before we met, but after a chance encounter at a drinking party, he started calling me 'abooji' (father). Wooz's father is the same age as me, and his father has been a long-time fan of mine." He replied, "It is incredibly thrilling; it is a historic day in my life."

In response, Wooz said, "My father would also be envious that I get to call you 'abooji,' and he would envy this moment as well." He added, "I wrote the song with many thoughts in mind, aiming for the 40th anniversary. I wrote it thinking that if our voices can offer comfort, then 'Our Own Story' will never end."

Lee Seung-chul said, "I debuted at age 19, and even thinking about turning 30, I considered retiring or stepping back, having seen the examples of senior artists. I thought the same way." He appeared somewhat emotional while speaking. He continued, "It makes me think that I need to sing even harder. I cry every time I listen to my songs."

Lee Seung-chul stated, "I developed vocal nodules and underwent a vocal fold flap surgery, and I also observed a month of silence." He explained, "Not stopping singing is how I manage my voice, and I try to consistently maintain the sensation in my throat. While singing on stage, I always think, 'May today be like this forever. Let's become an active artist by your side, not just a legend.'"

Lee Seung-chul also said, "After debuting with Bukbal, I started my solo career, 'Never Ending Story' came out again, and I have come this far. Today seems to be another turning point." He mentioned, "There are moments I would like to turn back, but I have also had grandchildren." He continued, "If I were to describe Lee Seung-chul's 40th anniversary in one word, I would say it is the sound of breath." He added, "I want to become a singer whose songs people sing unconsciously. My favorite song is 'Hee-ya.' It made me who I am."

Wooz also watched his senior colleague closely on the day and said, "It holds great significance for me. My late father loved you the most, and even after your debut, there were many aspects of you as a person that I wanted to emulate. I have always wanted to sing for a long time, and seeing a senior who always shines made me feel full of respect. When the duet proposal came, I said I would do it no matter what my schedule was. I also believe that if people don't listen to my songs, they hold no meaning, so this song contains more than four times the love for fans compared to before."

Meanwhile, Lee Seung-chul recently reaffirmed his unique presence that transcends generations through "Your Life is a Never Ending Story - Lee Seung-chul," a special 2026 Chuseok program aired on KBS 2TV. Following this, Lee Seung-chul's nationwide tour concert commemorating his 40th debut anniversary, "THE VOICE : LEE SEUNG CHUL," demonstrated public interest by recording consecutive top rankings for each regional performance on the YES24 ticket chart. Lee Seung-chul is set to continue the momentum of his 40th anniversary with a nationwide tour concert visiting major cities across the country, starting in Gwangju in November and continuing to Daejeon, Daegu, Seoul, Incheon, and Busan.

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*This content was translated by AI.