 Lee Seung-gi has returned as a singer with his new album “Shadow.” The title track “Let’s Break Up” has topped the online and offline music charts after its release in Sept. 17. / Korea Times File |
Staff Reporter
Riding on autumn winds, male singers are returning to a K-pop stage dominated by girl power.
Among them, the singer enjoying the most popularity right now is Lee Seung-gi, who has topped music charts both online and offline with his new album ``Shadow.''
The first single ``Let's Break Up,'' a soft ballad perfect for the season, has captivated fans. According to his agency, Hook Entertainment, more than 8,800 albums have been sold after it's release on Sept. 17 and more than 40,000 orders have been received.
After making his debut as a singer, Lee has successfully crossed boundaries by appearing in the entertainment program ``One Day Two Nights'' and starring in the SBS drama ``Brilliant Legacy.'' His latest digital single, ``Will You Marry Me,'' which was released in June, was also a big hit.
Ballad singers Kim Tae-woo, Park Hyo-shin and Tei have also returned to fans with new albums. Kim, 28, who was a member of boy group g.o.d, was absent for two years for military service, but has returned with his first solo album ``T-Virus.'' The single ``Love Rain'' is a cheerful, catchy pop number in which Kim proves his wide vocal range and charisma can still captivate fans.
Meanwhile, Park made his return with a more fashionable look, donning a fur stole at the showcase for his new album, ``Gift,'' last week in southern Seoul. The album is his first in more than two years
``Gift'' was made to celebrate Park's 10th anniversary since his debut, and is divided into two separate albums. Part 1 of the album carries six new songs and two bonus tracks, including the number ``After Love.'' The album features more cross genres and also carries brighter songs, a departure from the sad and dramatic tunes the 27-year-old singer is famous for.
``K-pop these days is the repetition of trends.Old songs lingered more in your heart, but now that lingering has become shorter,'' he said.Park's music video, which features actors Park Si-yeon and Park Yong-ha in special appearances, has also attracted fans. The video, which was filmed in Switzerland, will enter the Short Shorts Film Festival in Japan. The singer will hold concerts at the Fencing Stadium in the Olympic Park Oct. 17 and 18.
Tei, the big-eyed singer with the husky voice, has returned with a mini-album, ``The Shine 2009,'' a second edition of his fifth album. The release marks the singer's first appearance as a singer in 10 months. The track ``Dokseol'' is an R&B number that showcases his strong vocals. He will soon release his sixth album.
With an array of male singers dominating the small screen, a few more will jump into the competition as well, including Rain and Wheesung, near the end of the year.
sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr
