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| ▲ A profile photo of Korean singer Kim Jang-hoon, provided by FX Solution. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Mar. 8 (Yonhap) — “I believe in the compassion and warmth of the Korean people. Through my concert, I want to help broaden the universe for people with disabilities,” said singer Kim Jang-hoon, as he prepares for another heartfelt performance ahead of Korea’s Day of Persons with Disabilities on April 20.
Kim, widely known as a “donation angel” in Korea’s music industry, has been organizing the “Concert to Watch While Lying Down” since 2023, a cultural event specially designed for people with severe disabilities. This year, he teams up with baritone Kim Dong-kyu for a joint concert titled “To the Beautiful You”, to be held at Haeoreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea on April 19–20.
Each show will invite 100 people with disabilities and their families, while all other attendees with disabilities will receive a 50 percent discount on tickets.
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| ▲ A profile photo of Korean singer Kim Jang-hoon, provided by FX Solution. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
In a recent interview in Gangnam, Seoul, Kim shared his hopes for a more inclusive world: “I dream of a world where people with disabilities can step outside naturally. Living together comes before any facilities, and perspective comes before infrastructure. That’s what a just society looks like.”
He added, “When we first encounter people of different backgrounds, it may feel unfamiliar, but with time, it becomes normal. The same applies to people with disabilities. At first, I was unsure too, but now it feels natural.”
After previous concerts at Coex and Incheon International Airport, this year’s performance will take place at the National Theater—a venue renowned for its world-class acoustics. Kim hopes the disabled audience will enjoy both classical and pop music in an optimal setting.
“My goal is to ensure that no one, including those with disabilities, feels uncomfortable during the concert,” Kim said. “Until the day comes when we live in a world where no one is excluded, I’ll keep working hard.”
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| ▲ A profile photo of Korean singer Kim Jang-hoon, provided by FX Solution. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Ticket prices for the concert have been significantly reduced, with all seats priced under 100,000 won—well below market rates. In Kim’s self-produced concerts, military personnel, university students, and those preparing for college entrance exams receive 50 percent discounts, while teens pay just 20,000 won.
“I set the audience as the number one beneficiary of ‘sharing’ through affordable ticket pricing,” he said. “While I prepare my shows professionally, I remain amateur in terms of profit—pure and simple.”
Asked why he chooses to perform even at a financial loss, Kim reflected, “It was performing that drove me into illness, but it was also performing that saved me.”
“After singing for over 30 years, I’ve been called a donation angel, battled panic disorder, and hit many bumps along the way. At one point, I just didn’t want to perform anymore. But then, when I stopped, I fell ill. That’s when I decided to treat performing as a joyful hobby, not a job. And just like that, the excitement returned.”
Kim's virtual YouTuber persona, Sooptunehoon—a quirky character based on a fictional 2006-born dog zodiac sign—has recently become popular among teens, who now make up about 25 percent of his audience. Despite financial losses from low-priced youth tickets, Kim said, “Even when I’m in the red, I feel good.”
With Sooptunehoon turning “20” this year, Kim plans to relaunch the character with a more mature concept later in 2025.
“To the Beautiful You” will feature three parts: baritone Kim Dong-kyu performs with a 15-piece orchestra in Part 1; Kim Jang-hoon collaborates with a band and traditional Korean music ensemble in Part 2; and both artists share the stage in Part 3.
“While the first part showcases Western classical music, the second part delivers a Korean classical vibe,” Kim explained. “The explosive energy of samulnori is unbeatable. What I love about both traditional Korean music and rock is that they tug at your soul and overwhelm you with emotion.”
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| ▲ This poster, provided by FX Solution, features South Korean singers Kim Jang-hoon and Kim Dong-kyu. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Debuting in 1991, Kim Jang-hoon has earned the nickname “performance master” for his extravagant, heartfelt shows. While he’s quit drinking, smoking, and coffee, he often jokes he’ll never be able to quit performing. Even so, he recently faced a setback when his concert in Suncheon was canceled due to low ticket sales amid economic uncertainty.
“If I were more popular, the concert would have gone on despite the tough times,” he said. “That’s on me. I felt incredibly sorry toward the audience and staff. My new goal is to become an artist who can fill an arena.”
As for the upcoming performance, he expressed confidence: “We’ll make sure people say, ‘Kim Jang-hoon and Kim Dong-kyu were the best.’”
“Inviting people with disabilities to my shows is a learning experience. When I see them enjoying the stage, I feel a deep sense of humanity. In those moments, I think, ‘This is what life is all about,’ and I feel truly happy.”
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