Lee Seung-chul Open to Novelties, Refrains from Indulging in Old Glory

SEOUL, June 17 (Yonhap) -- "Reliving old memories isn’t my style. To avoid that, I need to consistently release new songs, so I always stay open to new voices and genres."

In an interview with Yonhap News on the 13th at his studio in Gangnam, Seoul, 'God of Vocals' Lee Seung-chul shared his musical philosophy, saying, "Even after 20 years in the music industry, the thirst for new songs grows. To do something new, you need to be receptive to others' work."

He explained his obsession with newness, saying, "When recording, I sing as if following a guide vocal in one ear. This way, even though the voice is mine, the singing style becomes fresh. I avoid making my singing 'too Lee Seung-chul,' so even if I listen to a new song a thousand times, I practice it only once or twice."

Debuting in 1986 with the band Boohwal’s first album, Lee Seung-chul celebrates 38 years in the music industry this year. Recently, he released a new song, 'It’s Raining,' marking a warm-up to his significant 40th anniversary in two years.

'It’s Raining' is a Britpop-style song, a first for Lee Seung-chul, depicting the regret of parting with a loved one. The piano in the intro mimics the sound of rain, creating a romantic atmosphere. Lee described it as "a song that longs for love, but from the chorus onwards, it feels fresh like spring rain, expressing a pleasant wait for the departed without heaviness."

He shared the challenges of releasing new music, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting, "It’s become increasingly difficult to balance popularity and musicality unless the song is exceptionally good."

Despite his numerous hit songs and the title 'Emperor of Live,' Lee Seung-chul admitted that catering to the public's taste remains challenging. He emphasized the importance of mainstream appeal, advising younger artists to sing songs that the public wants to hear.

'It’s Raining' was originally a typical ballad, but he re-arranged it to enhance its commercial appeal, adding a new second verse and focusing on a Coldplay-like Britpop guitar riff.

Lee Seung-chul's musical journey began in high school when he was introduced to a famous instrument shop in Seoul by the son of the reading room owner where he studied. The high school band needed a vocalist, and recognizing Lee's exceptional talent, they recruited him. This eventually led to his joining Boohwal.

Over his 38-year career, Lee Seung-chul has released numerous hits such as 'Hieya,' 'The Story of Rain and You' with Boohwal, and solo hits like 'Don’t Say Goodbye,' 'The More I Love,' 'Malli Flower,' and 'Fate.' He has also rejoined Boohwal to release 'Never Ending Story.'

Reflecting on his career, Lee Seung-chul shared that even though he knew he could sing well, no one around him initially encouraged him to pursue music. He noted that his parents didn’t approve of his music career until 'Don’t Say Goodbye' became a hit.

He acknowledged the significant influence of his time with Boohwal, saying that it provided him with a solid musical foundation and skills that have greatly aided his arranging capabilities.

Among his numerous hit songs, he cherishes each one, expressing gratitude for 'Hieya,' 'Don’t Say Goodbye,' 'Never Ending Story,' and 'There’s No One Like You.'

Lee Seung-chul continues to engage with the public through TV shows, having gained fame as a sharp judge on Mnet's 'Superstar K' series and more recently showcasing his wit on Channel A's 'The Groom’s Class.' He has also embraced online platforms, appearing on YouTube content like Kim Dae-hee’s 'Kkondaehee.'

He prefers the more approachable titles of 'Uncle' or 'Seung-chul Hyung' over grandiose labels, emphasizing his dislike for mystique and his preference for being easily approachable.

Lee Seung-chul also made headlines recently for stating on a variety show that he doesn’t plan to leave an inheritance for his children, preferring to support them through education and opportunities.

As he approaches his 40th debut anniversary in 2026, Lee Seung-chul is planning various projects through his personal entertainment company, LSC. These plans include a nationwide tour, a world tour covering Asia, the Americas, and Europe, the release of his 13th studio album, a musical based on his hit songs, and the launch of a personal YouTube channel.

He dreams of making LSC akin to Motown Records, aiming to support and produce musically talented artists who might one day reach the Billboard or Grammy stages. For Lee Seung-chul, music is inseparable from his life, stating, "I still love the music I met at 17. Now, nearly 40 years later, the music seems to have matured."