Im Hyun-joo celebrates 20 years in Japan with a new single 'History of Love' featuring two tracks, including a collaboration with SUGIZO.
November/26/2024 14:37Related Groups & Members
Im Hyun-joo, a representative tenor singer from Korea and the pioneer who spread operatic pop tenor = popera to the world, is celebrating his 20th anniversary of his debut in Japan this year. To commemorate this, he will release the digital single 'History of Love' on December 12 (Thursday). 'History of Love' includes two songs, both related to Japan. The first song, 'Overture' (2024 Remastered), has been used in the JRA Japan Racing Association TV commercial and TBS TV's 'Birthday' program, and is one of Im Hyun-joo's representative songs that has been loved for a long time. The second song, 'Haru yo Koi feat. SUGIZO' (2024 New recording), is a well-known masterpiece by Yumi Matsutoya. Originally, Im Hyun-joo covered this song as a bonus track for his Japanese debut album 'Salley Garden' (2004). This led him to participate in Matsutoya's project 'Friends of Love The Earth,' and he sang 'Haru yo Koi' accompanied by Matsutoya's piano at the Aichi Expo (2005 World Expo). After 20 years, he has re-recorded this memorable song, expressing it with a more mature vocal ability than at his debut. The song also features SUGIZO (LUNA SEA, X JAPAN, THE LAST ROCKSTARS, SHAG) on violin, which is a significant highlight. This work is expected to bring renewed attention to Im Hyun-joo in Japan. ◆ Im Hyun-joo's Comment: 20 years ago, when I recorded 'Haru yo Koi' as a bonus track for the Japanese version, I never imagined that I would later sing with the 'Queen of J-pop' Yumi Matsutoya at the closing performance of the Aichi Expo or appear on 'NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.' This event made me realize how great and mysterious the power of song is. In 2004, when I debuted in Japan, I received wonderful compliments from the media, calling my voice 'heavenly' and 'miraculous.' My 20 years in Japan have been filled with 'miracles' and 'love,' and I have always strived to become a beautiful musician who sings of love, receiving much love from my Japanese fans. For me, as a professional musician, music and love are precious things that always coexist. Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, a significant year. I will continue to sing as a bridge between Korea and Japan. I believe that with music, Korea and Japan can understand each other's feelings even more, and I hope that will happen. ◆ SUGIZO's Comment: It is an honor to perform one of the greatest songs in J-POP history with the renowned Im Hyun-joo. I sincerely hope this wonderful collaboration reaches more people. ■ Release Information: 20th Anniversary Commemorative Single 'History of Love' will be distributed on December 12, 2024 (Thursday). Distribution Link [Tracks Included] 1. Overture (2024 Remastered) Composed by: Lee Sang Hoon 2. Haru yo Koi feat. SUGIZO (2024 New recording) Lyrics and Music by: Yumi Matsutoya ■ Related Links: Im Hyun-joo's Official Japanese Website.
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