The Legend Still Reigns
Cho Yongpil, a name that resonates across generations in Korea, is proving that true legends never fade. As of August 6, the 74-year-old music titan leads the Netizen Awards’ Grand Star category with 877 votes (30.8%), significantly ahead of second-place Kim Wansun with 682 votes (23.9%). It’s clear his fans are showing up in full force once again.
A Stage 28 Years in the Making
Fueling the renewed attention is his highly anticipated return to the KBS stage after nearly three decades. On September 6, Cho Yongpil will headline a monumental concert titled ‘This Moment Forever – Cho Yongpil‘ at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. The event commemorates the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation, promising a night of national emotion and musical nostalgia.
Free for All — and All for One
Even more heartening? The concert will be completely free. Tickets can be requested via the NOL platform on August 18 and 25. Priority invites will go to Korean war veterans, lower-income families, and individuals with disabilities in collaboration with the Seoul city government—emphasizing inclusivity and gratitude throughout the event.
Cho Yongpil: The OG K-pop Trailblazer
If you’re new to his legacy, here’s a refresher: Cho Yongpil was Korea’s first solo artist to sell over a million copies of a single album and has sold over 10 million records to date. His hits like “Short Hair,” “Mona Lisa,” and “Come Back to Busan Port” are the kind of timeless anthems that unite fans from their twenties to their seventies.
Band of Brotherhood: The Return of ‘The Great Birth’
Backing him on stage is his long-time band, The Great Birth (위대한탄생)—a supergroup of top musicians who’ve crafted Cho’s live magic for over 30 years. With members like guitar legend Choi Heeseon and bassist Lee Taeyoon, the performance promises both sonic excellence and emotional gravitas.
Coming to a TV Near You
Can’t make it in person? KBS 2TV will broadcast the concert during the Chuseok holiday, Korea’s version of Thanksgiving—a time for family and, this year, for revisiting history through music.
Past Meets Present
Between his dominant standing in the Netizen Awards and the buzz around his live return, Cho Yongpil isn’t just a nostalgic favorite—he’s a rallying point for generations of Koreans. His legacy continues to evolve, and so does his hold on the nation’s musical heartstrings.
