A man with a cane, wishing for Kim Eo-jun's recovery, speaks of 'The Powerful'

A man with a cane stands on stage

The fact that Kim Eo-jun appeared with a cane surprised many who attended the event on the day of the performance. It was a stark contrast to how he usually captivates a large audience with his confident and eloquent speech. Stories about Kim Eo-jun experiencing health issues had been shared through online communities even before the performance. He took to the stage without a press conference held beforehand, and rumors about him using a cane due to dizziness and balance issues were confirmed after the performance. He was suffering from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This condition occurs when otoliths, tiny crystals in the inner ear's balance system, dislodge and enter the semicircular canals. The otoliths move unnaturally with changes in head position, causing severe dizziness, nausea, and balance disorders. While this illness may not be visibly apparent, it can cause significant discomfort to the point where even ordinary movements become difficult. It is particularly influenced by stress, fatigue, and mental tension. Kim Eo-jun has reportedly faced substantial physical and mental strain due to recent political repression and conspiracy incidents, which limited his broadcasting activities and kept him away from home for a period. The fact that he prepared for and took to the stage under these circumstances carries a weight that cannot simply be dismissed as perseverance. The cane supported his body, but on stage, he was instead supporting the memories and emotions of the audience.

The heart that overcame illness, the voice that dwells on stage

"The Powerful" was not just a performance. Planned by Kim Eo-jun and directed by Tak Hyun-min, this show felt like a ritual of walking again through the dark tunnel of modern Korean history with the audience. Major events that have shaken South Korea over the past decade, from the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the Sewol Ferry disaster, the political scandal and impeachment era, to judicial and media reforms, were portrayed through screens, music, and performances. Despite the strong political connotations, it was closer to a resolution to remember the truth and not remain silent rather than a message for a specific political faction. The combination of video, music, and traditional art in a hybrid genre simultaneously stimulated the audience's eyes, ears, and hearts. Various elements such as EDM, traditional Korean music, samulnori, band performances, orchestras, and DJ parts followed, and during the choral scenes where the audience sang together, the entire auditorium responded with one voice. Particularly, the tribute scenes for the Sewol Ferry and videos about the May 18 Democratic Uprising that appeared in the middle of the performance brought tears to the eyes of many audience members. In reviews, many spoke of experiencing a "suffocating silence" and "tears flowing silently." It was a moment where deeply personal emotions touched upon collective memory.

Weight of those who were together

"One of the symbols revealing the social weight of this performance was the notable figures in the audience. Former President Moon Jae-in, former Governor Kim Kyung-soo, former Congressman Jeong Cheong-rae, Prime Minister candidate Kim Min-seok, and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik attended the event. In particular, former President Moon Jae-in's presence served as a reminder that the performance was not merely a cultural event but carried its own political message. They quietly observed the performance as members of the audience, but their very presence had significant meaning. Many citizens shared the fact of their attendance through social media and communities, commenting that “The performance is not one watched by politicians, but a place where memories speak.”

Emotions and cheers, a resonance beyond the performance

Reviews on Interpark Ticket and various communities have been filled with praise from citizens who attended the performance. Comments such as "the best performance of my life," "healing in itself," and "a time filled with emotion, fun, and tears" serve as evidence that this performance offered something beyond just a visual spectacle. The rotating stage, designed to ensure visibility from any seat, also enhanced audience satisfaction. The Inspire Arena, with a capacity of 14,000 seats, was evaluated as a performance venue that approaches perfection in terms of space, sound, and flow. The performance lasted about three hours, and many spectators expressed that "they didn't realize how much time had passed." Notably, among middle-aged and elderly audiences, there were comments stating that "it was deeper than the performances of Jo Yong-pil and Na Hoon-a." Many evaluations highlighted the perfect harmony of emotion, information, message, and experience in the composition.

The stage has ended, but the message remains.

Kim Eo-jun, leaning on a cane, succeeded in standing before the public once again as he completed the performance he had planned. His body may have trembled, but his spirit remained strong. Even after the performance, the voices of Kim Eo-jun and the resolve towards the truth continue to reside within the hearts of the audience. This yearning is not merely for one person's recovery but is intertwined with a deep desire for the times not to fall ill. 'The Powerful' left a message even after stepping off the stage. The words to remember and not to remain silent were conveyed more clearly than Kim Eo-jun's gestures on stage. The cane will soon be placed down. However, the memories and voice he has raised will continue to connect with more people's hands and hearts. The cane supported his body, but the truth sustained the world with his words. I sincerely wish for Kim Eo-jun's swift recovery. And on the day he walks freely again, I look forward to the creation of another stage of memories.