Yoon Hang-ki, pioneer of Korea's first rock band, celebrates 65 years in music with 12-song 'I Am Happy' tribute concert

A living legend of Korean pop music delivers a powerful 65-year legacy

Yoon Hang-ki, 83, a veteran singer-songwriter and a living witness to the history of Korean pop music, is bringing together 65 years of his remarkable musical journey. Live Moment, the concert's production company, said on the 18th that the tribute concert 'Thanks to You, I Am Happy' will be held at 7 p.m. on the 24th of next month at Art Hall맥 at Seoul's Mapo Art Center.

Widely known as the older brother of Yoon Bok-hee, the godmother of musical theater, he made his debut in the Korean pop music scene in 1959 through the A-One Show, led by composer Kim Hee-kap. In 1964, he formed 'Key Boys', promoting the group as 'the Korean Beatles,' and released 'Her Lips Are Sweet,' the first solo album by a Korean group band. The album marked a new milestone in a country then considered barren ground for rock music.

After forming 'Yoon Hang-ki and the Key Brothers' in 1971, he also achieved spectacular success as a solo artist. He won enduring public adoration with timeless hits including 'Rose-Colored Scarf,' 'On a Starry Night,' 'What Am I Supposed to Do,' and 'Let's Go to the Beach.'

At the height of his glittering career, he abruptly stepped away from the microphone after 'Welcome to Korea' in 1986. He then devoted himself to theology and spent about 30 years as a pastor, keeping his distance from the public. After retiring from the ministry in 2014, however, he returned to the stage with 'Don't Worry,' a new song from his 55th-anniversary golden album, reaffirming his vitality as a singer.

The tribute show is a musical salute from younger members of the industry to a master. Leading stars from across generations and genres will take part, including 'Choi Baek-ho,' 'Seo Yoo-seok,' 'Jang Mi-hwa,' 'Kim Soo-hee,' 'Jo Hang-jo,' 'Yoo Hyun-sang,' 'Jeon Young-rok,' 'Insooni,' 'Choi Hee-sun' and 'So Chan-whee.' Organizers said the concert will feature 12 tribute performances in which younger singers reinterpret Yoon Hang-ki's classic songs in their own styles, along with dazzling collaborations that cross generational lines.

Audiences will be able to hear live performances of his immortal hits, including 'I Am Happy' and 'Everyone,' songs that offered comfort through Korea's turbulent modern history. In addition, part of the concert proceeds will be donated to Korea Food for the Hungry International's support for war orphans, Sunlight School, a school for children from multicultural families, and Go Ahead of the World Orphans Sponsorship Association. The donations will add significance to the legendary artist's dignified commitment to giving back.