Damien Rice to Play Korea Next February for 25th Anniversary of Legendary Album 'O'

'O' at 25: A return to philosophical reflection and acoustic sounds

Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice, a global folk-rock star, will perform solo in Seoul on Feb. 27 and 28 next year at GS Arts Center. Concert promoter Private Curve announced the news on the 16th, drawing keen interest from music fans in Korea.

The Korea dates are part of a global tour marking the 25th anniversary of 'O' (2002), his debut studio album, which laid the foundation for his music and brought him international success. Rice last performed in Korea about two years ago, in January last year.

Rice first caught the attention of audiences and critics with his 2001 debut single 'The Blower's Daughter', which reached No. 27 on the Official Singles Chart Top 100 in the U.K. The song became a worldwide sensation after being featured on the soundtrack of the 2004 film 'Closer'. His 2002 debut album, 'O', reached No. 8 on the Official Albums Chart in the U.K. and spawned numerous classics, including 'Cannonball' and 'Volcano'.

The album 'O', at the heart of this tour, also holds a particular philosophical significance for the artist. Private Curve said, "After farming in Italy and busking across Europe, he returned to his native Ireland in 1999 and completed the album at home," adding, "The album's title captures his deep reflection on how relationships and life keep circling back, like a circle, as we repeat the same mistakes." These reflections are fully realized through his candid lyrics and lyrical acoustic sound.

Since making his Korean debut in 2012, Damien Rice has returned to the country regularly. He has previously expressed a special affection for Korea, saying, "When I come to Korea, I feel as comfortable as if I were home." The 25th-anniversary shows are also expected to move Korean fans with his signature, deeply expressive voice and romantic melodies.