Cho Yong-pil performs at the KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of YPC

Cho Yong-pil's time seems to flow backward. The legendary singer showcased a remarkable performance at the KSPO Dome in Seoul on Saturday, kicking off his nationwide tour to celebrate the release of his 20th studio album.

Despite being 74 years old, his energy and vocals left the audience in awe. "Can anyone at my age sing like this?" Cho joked during the concert, drawing cheers and shouts of "oppa" (literally elder brother, but an honorific for stars used by women fans).

Smiling, he replied, "If anyone my age is still called 'oppa,' let them come forward." His powerful voice seemed to transport the middle-aged audience back to their youth.

Opening with "Flame of Asia" from his seventh album, Cho appeared on stage in a maroon jacket and sunglasses, backed by his longtime band, Great Birth.

He delivered electrifying performances of hits like "Pride," "Forget-Me-Not," "I Like You" and "I Love You," immersing the audience in intense rock sounds.

Determined to make up for last year's Seoul concert, where a cold affected his performance, Cho poured every ounce of energy into the show, complemented by dazzling laser lights, vibrant visuals and bursts of pyrotechnics.

After halting live performances for four years due to the pandemic, Cho resumed annual concerts in 2022. Reflecting on his return, he said, "It's nice to see you all more often these days. I usually perform in December, but this year, I moved it to November — maybe I'm aging, and the cold feels harsher."

Cho Yong-pil kicks off his nationwide tour to celebrate the release of his 20th studio album at the KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of YPC

Focus on connection with fans

Cho went the extra mile to engage with the audience. He performed medleys of "It's Not Me" and "When I Was Young," which weren't initially part of the setlist.

"I received so many requests to sing these again after performing them last year, so I rehearsed them just a couple of days ago," he said. Encouraging fans to sing along, he added, "Singing together gives us strength, so consider it exercise and sing louder."

Before performing "Woman Outside the Window," Cho shared the story behind the song. "In 1979, a director at Dong-A Broadcasting called and asked me to create and sing the theme song for a drama starting Jan. 1, 1980. I listened to the melody over the phone and wrote 'Woman Outside the Window.' As for 'Candlelight,' I composed it in 1981 after meeting a producer in a parking lot who asked me to write a theme song for the drama 'Blessing.'"

From his latest album, he performed "It's Okay" and "Moment." Reiterating that this album would likely be his last, he said, "Though it's bittersweet to end with my 20th album, I've given it my all."

Cho Yong-pil gives a thumbs-up to fans during his performance at the KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, Songpa District, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of YPC

Hit parade and encore

The concert's highlight was a parade of hits, including "Short Hair," "Come Back to Busan Port," "Dear Friend," "Leopard of Kilimanjaro" and "Mona Lisa," reaching its peak with "Let's Go on a Trip."

After a brief blackout, the encore featured "Reunion in Memories," "Dream" and concluded with "Bounce." Even after Cho left the stage, the audience's cheers continued to echo throughout the venue.

Following his Seoul concerts, which run until Dec. 1, Cho will take his tour to Daegu on Dec. 21 and Busan on Dec. 28.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.