Mainstream K-pop stars may perform at S. Korea's Pyongyang concert

All News 10:39 March 19, 2018

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- As the two Koreas prepare to discuss a performance in North Korea by a South Korean art troupe, all eyes are on whether big name K-pop stars will be included in the cultural event celebrating the rapprochement between the countries.

On Tuesday, high-level cultural delegations of the two Koreas will discuss the tentative early-April concert at Tongilgak, a North Korean pavilion at the border village of Panmunjom. The Koreas are expected to discuss the size of the South's art troupe and its repertoire, as well as ensuring the safety of the South Korean performers during their stay in North Korea.

The South's delegation will be led by Lee Yun-sang, a popular singer and composer who has been tapped as the music director for Seoul's art troupe. His counterpart is Hyon Song-wol, the leader of the all-female Moranbong Band who earlier led a North Korean team of performers across the border during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

Lee, better known by his stage name Yun Sang, cut his teeth in the music industry as a songwriter for popular '80s pop singer Kim Hyun-shik and debuted as a solo artist in 1991. Known for his unique and sophisticated works, Lee has thrived as a prolific composer and producer for various hit artists, including '90's diva Kang Soo-ji, as well as contemporary idol musicians, such as TVXQ and most recently girl group Lovelyz. Lee currently serves as the dean of Yong In University's department of contemporary music.

Considering Lee's resume and tight connections with today's big music labels and agencies, observers predict that popular musicians of various genres and careers may be included in the yet-to-be-announced art troupe. Acts that have performed in the North in the past could be prioritized for the historic concert.

Cho Yong-pil, a contemporary Korean pop legend, threw a solo concert in Pyongyang in 2005 in front of a crowd of some 7,000. Cho plans to launch a nationwide tour in May to mark the 50th anniversary of his debut. Given how South Korea is aiming for an early April window, Cho could perform in the North if he is called upon.

Veteran singers Lee Mee-ja and Kim Yeon-ja both also have held concerts in the North in the past and reportedly have sizable followings there. Trot-genre favorites Sul Woon-do and Tae Jin-ah also have experience performing in front of North Korean crowds in the past.

Whether contemporary idol acts will be included in the South Korean art troupe is also being closely watched. Several popular boy and girl groups, including Sechskies, FIN.K.L, Shinhwa and Baby VOX, performed in the communist state in their heyday.

An idol group that is active today was said to have been approached to participate in a joint inter-Korean concert in the North's Mount Kumgang in late January, which was later canceled by the North.

"We were approached (by the government) and were planning to participate in the Mount Kumgang concert, but the show was scrapped," a senior manager at the group's management agency said. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity.

A separate talent agency was also approached on whether it could provide musicians to perform at the Pyongyang concert. "It was not possible for us due to the time constraint," a representative at the agency said, requesting anonymity.