The popular singer and songwriter whose romantic ballads have become the theme songs for films, television series and couples has finally celebrated the 20th anniversary since his debut in 1990! Embarking on a long and tedious journey from the beginning, you would think that he would rest and take a look back from where he started but Shin is only thriving for more in the future.

Upon celebrating his 20th anniversary, he released a new album featuring his greatest hits and covers made by some of the most popular names in the Korean music industry. Shin also plans on a follow-up tour of 11 cities in Korea and world tour of six major cities around the globe.

Shin expresses, “At first, I had no intention of my twentieth anniversary being something big,” and followed up with “But with an album like this, I wished to look back on the path I’ve taken up until now.”

His album called “20th Anniversary: Best Collection & Tribute” dropped in stores on November 1st – the same date his first album was released 20 years ago. The first CD features one new song, “You Are So Beautiful” and twelve other songs that were hits in the past. On his second disc, some of his songs are covered by 2AM, Jung Yup of Brown Eyed Soul, Clazziquai, Davichi, Navi, Psy and Supreme Team.

Shin has taken credit of writing most of his songs himself and had no wish to grant the rights to any other artists until the idea of his anniversary came around. He also explains that the production of the album has given his career a sort of rebirth. Shin expresses how the newer, more known artists give a new sort of vibe and feeling on his music and helped him find a new focus.

“After the difference the other artists portrayed in my music, compared to the original was something surprising to me. They all have different styles and it was enough to make me rethink my decision and allow fellow musicians to sing my songs.”

The singer began his career starting in 1990 with the song, “Reflection of Your Smile.” His second album was named “Invisible Love” and was released in 1991. His second album is the most successful up to date. The title track was No. 1 on SBS music program, “Popular Music,” for 14 weeks and landed a spot in Korea’s Guinness Book of Records.

Since then, that marked the beginning as his reign as the titled “Ballad King” and he has released six albums after that. He was the first Korean singer to have seven consecutive million-seller albums. Despite all the achievements he’s gained throughout the years, he still calls himself “just a ballad singer.”

Congratulations on twenty successful years, Shin Seung-hun with many more to come!

Source: Joongang Daily
Credits: koreaboo