Singer Yim Hee-ja, often revered as the "Queen of Elegy" and emblematic of Korean traditional pop music, held a poignant press conference on March 5, 2025, where she announced her plans for her final concert. While she confirmed this would be her last performance, she emphasized, "I do not like the word retirement; I think it’s thoughtless to make such decisions."
Yim Hee-ja, marking 66 years since her debut, stated, "This concert will be the last," leaving fans and media alike reflecting on her monumental career. The final performance is scheduled for April 26 and 27, 2025, at the prestigious Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, located in Seoul's Jongno district, known for its cultural significance.
She debuted to the public's adoration back in 1959 with the song "열아홉 순정" (Alimony), and over the decades, she has delivered innumerable hits, including fan favorites like "동백아가씨" (Dongbaek Agassi) and "섬마을 선생님" (Seom Maeul Seonsaengnim). Yim has amassed several accolades for her contributions to music, including the Hwagwan Cultural Medal, the Bogwan Cultural Medal, and the Eungwan Cultural Medal, acknowledging her influential role within the industry.
The press conference unfolded at the Stanford Hotel, where Yim was surrounded by media and fans eager to hear her insights. During her heartfelt address, she voiced her desire to pass down the legacies of traditional Korean music to future generations, saying, "This is not just my farewell; it’s about passing our legacy to the next generation."
Joining her on stage for the concert will be younger artists Joo Hyun-mi and Cho Hang-jo, both handpicked by Yim for their standing within traditional music. "I think they can carry on the pulse of our heritage," she noted. This concert aims not only to serve as Yim's swan song but also as a tribute to traditional Korean music itself, lasting 150 minutes. It will feature songs filled with cultural resonance and emotional depth, relatable to many across generations.
Yim reflected on her storied career, admitting, “I feel proud about the songs we shared during difficult times.” Her music has historically reflected the ups and downs of Korean society, providing solace to many who faced hardships. She has articulated moments during Korea’s challenging past when her songs served as both comfort and celebration.
Her music career reached another zenith with her iconic track "Dongbaek Agassi," which dominated music charts, holding the number one spot for 35 consecutive weeks, and selling over 250,000 copies at the time of its release. Nevertheless, the song faced controversy and censure as it was banned for two decades due to its perceived foreign influences. Yim recalled these challenges, stating, “I felt marginalized when my songs were dismissed as low quality compared to Western varietals.”
The spirit of Yim's music embodies the struggles and hope intertwined with the experiences of ordinary people throughout Korea's tumultuous history. "Our traditional songs represent the flow of our times," she reiterated, capturing the essence of her dedication to preserving these traditions.
Despite her iconic status and wishes for continued involvement, Yim confirmed her active recording will cease. “I will not be releasing any more albums,” she biblically stated yet still left open the potential for future contributions should opportunities arise, emphasized by her statement, “If there are chances to advise or consult, I wouldn’t outright say no.”
Yim Hee-ja’s farewell concert, aptly titled "Echoing the Pulse," will not simply be her last performance but instead, it will stand as a celebration of Korean culture and tradition. “I hope this performance contributes to ensuring traditional songs are not forgotten,” she said, signaling her intent to ignite passion for cultural heritage among younger musicians.
With her departure from the stage approaching, Yim’s legacy as one of South Korea’s most beloved artists remains indelible. She has proven to be not only a performer but also an ambassador of the people’s emotions and history through her music. The final concert promises to be both a reflective moment for Yim and her fans and also a new starting point for the younger generation tasked with carrying forward her artistic and cultural legacy.