Veteran South Korean singer Kim Gun-mo made a highly emotional return to the stage after a six-year absence, performing his first concert in Busan on Saturday. The 57-year-old artist broke down in tears during the performance as he opened up about his personal struggles, including his marriage and subsequent divorce. The concert at KBS Hall marked his first public appearance since stepping away from the entertainment industry following sexual assault allegations in 2019.
According to promoter iSTARmedia Company, Kim spared no effort in preparing for his comeback performance. He completely remodeled his personal studio to replicate the sound system of concert venues and underwent intensive rehearsals to ensure he could deliver the best possible show for his fans. His dedication was evident on the day of the concert, as he conducted multiple rehearsals before taking the stage, demonstrating his commitment to providing a memorable experience after such a long hiatus.
The concert began with a powerful video featuring Kim's own narration, in which he reflected deeply on his extended time away from the spotlight. "Was it a blank page, or was it deep darkness?" he asked in the opening video. When he finally appeared on stage, visibly mixing excitement with nervousness, Kim spoke with remarkable candor to his audience about the challenges he had faced. "I got married, I got divorced – that's how I've been living," he told the crowd, his voice filled with emotion. He explained that he had long wanted to complete the tour that had been abruptly interrupted years earlier, saying, "This time, I want to put a period, not a comma."
Despite showing clear signs of nervousness at the beginning of the performance, Kim quickly found his rhythm and reconnected with his devoted fans through his characteristic humor and relaxed conversation style. The atmosphere in the venue became increasingly lively as both the artist and audience warmed up to each other. Kim delivered an impressive setlist of 27 songs, including many of his most beloved signature hits such as "Seoul's Moon," "Sleepless Rainy Night," and "Excuses." The performance ran well beyond the scheduled time, but neither Kim nor his fans seemed to mind the extended evening.
The audience's enthusiastic and overwhelming response to Kim's return led to not just one encore, but an additional re-encore performance. By the end of the extended show, Kim was completely overcome with emotion and gratitude. He bowed deeply to his fans and remained on the floor for several minutes, expressing his heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering support during his most difficult years. The touching moment highlighted the strong bond between the artist and his loyal fanbase.
The demand for Kim's comeback tour has been extraordinary, with the nationwide series of concerts selling out immediately when tickets became available. The shows swept reservation charts across the country, clearly demonstrating fans' eagerness and excitement for his return to the music scene. Following the successful Busan performance, Kim has scheduled concerts in Daegu for October, Suwon in November, and Daejeon in December. The tour will continue with additional performances planned in Incheon on December 31 and in Seoul early next year.
Kim's extended absence from the entertainment industry began in December 2019 when he was accused of sexually assaulting a bar worker at a pub in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, in 2016. The serious allegations forced him to halt all professional activities immediately. However, after a thorough investigation, prosecutors cleared him of all charges in 2021, officially closing the case.
During this challenging period, Kim also experienced significant personal turmoil in his private life. He had registered his marriage with pianist and composer Jang Ji-yeon in October 2019, but the couple's relationship could not withstand the pressures they faced. After three years of marriage, Kim and Jang divorced in 2022, adding another layer of difficulty to an already challenging time in the singer's life. His emotional revelation about these personal struggles during Saturday's concert showed his willingness to be vulnerable and honest with his fans as he begins this new chapter of his career.
