Singer Im Jae Bum Shocks With Sudden Retirement Announcement
Singer Im Jae Bum has personally announced his retirement.
On the 4th of January, Im Jae Bum officially declared his retirement via a statement to his fans.
Debuting in 1986 as the vocalist of the rock band Sinawe, he has been loved for decades through hit songs such as “Confession,” “For You,” and “Emergency.” He is currently in the middle of a nationwide concert tour celebrating his 40th anniversary and is set to release the pre-release track from his 8th full album, “Life is a Drama,” on the 6th. However, he revealed that this 40th anniversary tour will be the last time he stands on stage.
Im Jae Bum shared his decision through a video posted on his official YouTube channel, explaining that it was difficult for him to say these words out loud. He admitted that although his heart still burns with passion when he stands on stage, he has come to accept that relying on passion alone is no longer enough. After long and careful consideration, he decided it was time to step away.
He expressed that he knows this was not an easy decision for either himself or his fans, which made him feel both apologetic and deeply grateful.
Below is Im Jae Bum’s retirement letter:
To everyone I love, I hesitated for a long time before sharing this. Whenever I tried to say it in words, my throat tightened, and I could not find the courage to look at you and tell you directly, so at this final moment, I am greeting you first through writing. When I stand on stage, my heart is still burning hot, but to endure everything with that heat alone, I had to acknowledge that the things I have are leaving my hands one by one.
I thought about this for a long time, looking back repeatedly and fighting with myself countless times. And today, here, for the first time, I want to honestly open my heart in front of you. I intend to step away from the stage after this 40th anniversary tour.
I know very well that this is not an easy decision for either me or you. That is why I feel even more sorry, and that is why I feel even more grateful. You were the beginning of my songs and the reason I was able to endure, and even at this moment, as I organize the ending, you are still standing by my side.
I sincerely hope that this choice does not blur all the time I have walked and does not become a farewell that leaves only regret. To step out on my own at the best time, in the most beautiful days, felt like my final remaining pride and my way of expressing gratitude. For the remaining final stages of the 40th anniversary tour, I will give you everything I have, all the strength and heart I have left, and I want to finish that journey quietly but sincerely, to the very end. To everyone who loved my songs and walked through life with me, thank you sincerely. And I am truly sorry. Please keep this feeling of today warmly in your memories. Thank you. Truly, thank you.
Source: (A)
