Singer Jung Joon-il held his first orchestral concert in eight years, '2025 Jung Joon-il Orchestra Concert THE LIGHT,' at the Signature Hall of LG Arts Center in Magok-dong, Seoul, from the 18th to the 20th.
This performance was produced by NHN Link, which provides the ticket booking platform 'Ticket Link,' and it showcased both Jung Joon-il's sensibility and the depth of the orchestra. A string and brass ensemble consisting of over 20 musicians enveloped his captivating voice, leaving lyrical echoes at each performance.
The concert opened with 'To You,' echoing over a gentle string intro. Jung Joon-il subsequently sang 'Are You in Love?', 'Twenty,' 'Autumn Flower,' and 'First Snow' without a pause, bringing laughter to the audience by saying, 'Singing five or six songs in a row is not something a person should do.'
Despite the absence of flashy lighting or guests, the hall was so focused that even a breath could be heard clearly. He took a moment to catch his breath and shared, 'My daily routine includes throwing away recycling and walking my dog.'
He then introduced 'As I Walk to Meet You,' which was a song that unconsciously seeped into him, sung by the late Seo Dong-wook from Exhibition, and expressed his heartfelt tribute. In 'Beauty,' he shared a calm interpretation that 'if life is beautiful, then the path to death can also be beautiful,' and in 'Tail,' which he had newly arranged for the concert, he captured the restrained space of strings and piano.
In the latter half, he arranged relatively upbeat songs like 'Hug Me,' 'PLASTIC,' 'Annie,' 'Our Night,' and 'Girls,' alternating between tension and relaxation. While not demanding active responses from the audience, Jung Joon-il's unique low vocal pressure and the deep resonance of the strings gradually spread under the dim lighting.
He also showcased his self-composed song 'When I Close My Eyes' in an orchestral arrangement, delivering a different emotional impact with a calm and delicate vocal performance. This song was officially released on the 20th through the 'Adding Memory Project.'
After finishing the last song 'Confession,' he humbly remarked, 'It's most comfortable for me to play the piano in my pajamas at home, but it seems that becoming 40 makes a person change as I hear praises from you all,' to which the audience responded with prolonged applause and cheers.
Though the last song had ended, the applause from the audience did not easily subside. In response to the extended applause, the encore stage began. As 'I Missed You,' composed of just instrumental play without lyrics, flowed, the entire hall fell into a peaceful appreciation. Jung Joon-il then followed with 'New Winter' and 'Blue Edge,' leaving a deep afterglow of the performance.