Lim Jin-mo’s Popular Music Webzine IZM Marks 25 Years With Concert Featuring Kim Soo-chul, Jaurim and Fifty Fifty

A 25-year archive beyond text comes alive in cheers from a live audience

IZM, a leading webzine for popular music criticism, is stepping beyond the printed word as it marks its 25th anniversary. On the 23rd of next month, IZM will hold a historic commemorative concert at Dongyang Life Hall NOL Theater in Hapjeong, Seoul, with five acts spanning generations, including Kim Soo-chul, Jaurim and Fifty Fifty.

The concert celebrates a record of “more than 30,000 reviews” built up over a quarter-century by more than 100 contributors. The culture of criticism that has served as a landmark for the music industry while remaining online will now expand into a live setting. It also reflects a strong determination by critics, readers and artists to tear down physical barriers and connect face to face.

The concert will be led by Lim Jin-mo, IZM’s founder and a popular music critic. Its lineup spans the past and present of popular music. Little Giant Kim Soo-chul, the singular band Jaurim, Pitch Truck Hijackers, top guitarist Yoo Byung-yeol and global girl group Fifty Fifty will take the stage in succession, delivering live performances that break down genre and generational boundaries.

“If IZM has been an intense space for thinking about music rationally, this concert will be a festival where people can fully share their emotions in person,” critic Lim Jin-mo said. He added, “I hope this will be a place where, at least for one day, we set aside sharp-edged texts and connect through our sincere hearts for music and passionate cheers.”