30th Anniversary of Human - Singer Lee Seung Hwan, I Live on Stage

Prologue: The start of the stage begins within

In early summer of 2024, on the terrace of the Dream Factory in Seoul. The breeze gently brushes by, and the sound of birds chirping beyond the voice of the interviewer, Kim Young-dae, weaves itself into Lee Seung-hwan's words like a rhythm. The profound conversation reveals his artistic obsession, human anxiety, and some solid beliefs. He says, "I live on stage." The performance is not just about 'showing,' but rather a way of life itself.

Act 1: The Other Side of Glamour – The Reason for Becoming the 'Emperor of Live'

Lee Seung-hwan defines himself as a "highly introverted person." However, the person we know is the most energetic performer on stage. His actions of crossing the stage, kicking the microphone stand, and raising anything in his hand above the audience are deeply engraved in the minds of the spectators. Yet, that drive does not stem from self-awareness but from anxiety. He says, "I ran because I was trembling." Half of it was imitating the musicians he admired, like KISS or rock performers, and the other half was a disguise to hide his anxious self. He felt freer on stage. The boy with a complex about his bent pelvis imagined he could jump normally on stage. That illusion created the 'show' of the musician Lee Seung-hwan.

Act 2: The Two Things That Made Me – Bravado and Deficiency

Lee Seung-hwan describes two key phrases that made him: "bravado" and "inadequacy." Bravado is the compulsion to live up to what one has said. The tendency to keep promises made leads to a sense of practice as an artist. Inadequacy serves as the driving force behind continuous effort. He describes himself as "a person who has no inferiority complex but always feels inadequate." This sense of inadequacy has heated up the stage, creating increasingly refined performances with each repetition. The sweat pouring down on stage is not merely the result of physical exertion but an expression of remorse for not giving his best to the audience.

Act 3: The Turning Point of Humanity - Music, Capital, Stubbornness

Lee Seung-hwan's music life took a decisive turn with 'Human' (1995). Although he achieved perfect commercial success from his first to third albums, he chose a new adventure. Working with American sessions, he experimented with the potential of high-quality pop music that had not been attempted in the domestic market. This was not just a change in sound but a renewal of identity. Collaboration with producer David Campbell, string arrangements, and hiring session musicians were all at a shocking level according to the production cost standards of the time. However, he states, 'I wanted to try that much.' As a result, 'Human' left the legend of the ballad 'Cheonil-Dong-an' and elevated Lee Seung-hwan as a musical artist.

Act 4: A Lonely Brand Named Lee Seung Hwan

Lee Seung-hwan is a planner and designer. He handles everything from the concept of the performance to the design of posters, goods, and logos by himself. There are no managers, no promotion teams, and no planning companies. He is the true "factory manager" of his one-person factory, Dream Factory. His performances, such as "The Nation of Timing," "Invincible," "Let's Live Kindly," and "Heaven Tour," are franchise operations that vary each quarter. While most singers are considered to be doing well if they tour once a year, Lee Seung-hwan concurrently manages five different performances. He defines himself cynically by saying, "I am walking downhill, but I fill the gym every week." Yet, within this irony, he proves his unquenchable artistic energy.

Act 5: The Articulate Artist, The Underrated

Lee Seung-hwan is a singer and an active artist. He was the first singer to stand in the square, bravely singing with his shirt off on protest stages. He states, "Musicians must suffer along with the world." However, the public has not always embraced him. His criticism of the regime and social participation have served as political stigmas for some. He explains, "I didn’t create enemies I filtered out those who don't align with me." It is impossible to be everyone's singer, and the recognition that we are now in an era of genuinely going along with true fans has solidified his status as a strong icon for a minority.

Act 6: Failure in Title Selection and Exceptional Masterpieces

Lee Seung-hwan was a singer who couldn't choose his hit songs. Tracks like "Asking" and "Three Wishes" received more love than the title track "Heart Disease," and he still regrets choosing "Half of Half" over "Perfect Memories." He jokingly says, "Nothing will happen in the future. No song will become a hit." However, songs like "Flowering Youth" and "Signal from One Billion Light Years" receive strong support from critics and younger musicians. He still creates songs and performs new music at concerts. Although Lee Seung-hwan's songs may not be 'discovered,' they are always ready to be revisited.

Epilogue: A Blind Date Where Insights Can Be Shared

At the end of the interview, he says, "What matters is not what you become, but how you live." He adds with a smile that he wishes to go on a date with someone with whom he can share insights. However, Lee Seung-hwan cannot remain just a middle-aged singer waiting for love. He is still preparing for performances, creating music, and living with his fans. The stage is everything to him, and on that stage, he is freer and more complete than anyone else. Through him, we learn again that music is not just something you listen to, but something you live. Lee Seung-hwan has stormed through like a typhoon, swayed quietly, and continues to sing even now. The fantasy created on the stage he built comforts someone's everyday life at this very moment.