'Vietnam is always special to me': Korean musician Sungha Jung

Hanoi (VNA) - Music lovers in Hanoi experienced a wide range of emotions through the melodies performed by the "Korean guitar prodigy", Sungha Jung, at his show in the capital city on the evening of July 14. With only his guitar, the musician took his audience on a musical journey, from romantic tunes of the 80s like "Hotel California" to modern Hollywood film soundtracks, from Western music to "See Tinh" – a catchy and viral song by Vietnamese singer Hoang Thuy Linh.

On this occasion, he had an interview VietnamPlus, and shared his feelings about returning to Vietnam to perform after half a decade.

In love with Vietnam, especially fond of pho

Reporter: Sungha Jung, this is your 6th time performing in Vietnam, but the first time touring in three local major cities (Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City). How do you feel about the tour?

Musician Sungha Jung: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my performance schedule had to be changed. It took a long time for me to return to Vietnam. I feel very happy because I always want to come back here and meet the enthusiastic Vietnamese fans who have always supported me.

Reporter: In this tour, did you prepare something special for the audience?

Musician Sungha Jung: I always think, worry, and try to find ways to make myself fresh and special. So, every time I perform, I always want to bring new emotions and feelings to the audience.

This time in Vietnam, I will perform some new songs, and I will also perform a popular Vietnamese song, "See Tinh."

This song is very famous in the Republic of Korea (RoK). Many young people in my country have sung and danced along to "See Tinh." I am no exception; I have covered this song and uploaded it on my YouTube channel.

Reporter: Besides music, what else do you love about Vietnam?

Musician Sungha Jung: When I have free time, I really like going to the beach. And the trip to Da Nang gave me a lot of great memories. I have eaten a lot of Vietnamese dishes in the RoK. I am especially fond of pho. Every time I come to Vietnam, I order this dish.

'Fingerstyle is both pressure and inspiration'

Reporter: You won the heart of the Vietnamese audience from your first local performance back in 2014 when you were just 18. Now, you are an experienced artist at the age of 27. What do you think about the changes in the audience's taste?

Musician Sungha Jung: I have toured many countries in Southeast Asia and found that their cultures share various similarities. However, in Vietnam, people always show great enthusiasm and love for music in general and my music in particular. Therefore, Vietnam always holds a special place in my heart.

The hand of a fan holding Sungha Jung's latest album 'Poetry'. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

From the first days getting to know the Vietnamese audience, I already had many fans of the same age as mine in their 90s. Every time I interact with them, I find myself happy and interested.

Over time, popular music genres and people's preferences have changed constantly. I still have audiences who enjoy romantic ballads from the 70s-80s, young pop or film music, for example. I have played pieces from Ghibli animations, "He's a pirate" ("Pirates of the Caribbean"), and "Let it go" ("Frozen"), which are greatly loved by the audience. I will continue to challenge myself with these music genres.

Reporter: In fingerstyle guitar, one person with a single guitar can create the sound of an entire band. This type of guitar is pursued by many young Vietnamese artists because it comes with inspiration and challenges, demanding creativity. Can you give some advice to fingerstyle artists in their pursuit of this genre?

Musician Sungha Jung: I think fingerstyle is special and very attractive to listeners. Fingerstyle skills bring about both pressure and inspiration to the artists.

I just want to say to all of you that during the process of playing music, there will be many times when we want to give up, but please be persistent and strong. Try to practice as much as possible, dare to upload your performances on YouTube, and listen to feedback from everyone to improve; these can help us play better.

Reporter: Can you share a bit about your future plans?

Musician Sungha Jung: Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has been controlled, and traveling around the world has become easier. So, I will release many music albums and continue to cover famous pieces of music. Of course, I will also tour in many countries and maintain the activities I have been doing.

Thank you, Sungha Jung, for sharing./.