Singer Im Ji-young appearing on YouTube ‘Gonarija’
Eom Ji-young, vocalist of the indie band ‘Big Picture’ who became the focus of controversy after singing the national anthem with excessive embellishment at a recent professional baseball game, returned before the public by stepping onto singer Kim Jang-hoon’s stage.
On the 4th, a video titled ‘Meeting the person behind the controversial national anthem’ was posted on the YouTube channel ‘Gonarija’. The video featured Eom Ji-young, vocalist of the band Big Picture, who had performed the national anthem at a pro baseball game at Changwon NC Park with a distinctive vocal style and excessive ad-libs, drawing fierce criticism from baseball fans.
Kim Jang-hoon, who had faced a similar controversy in the past with the song ‘Arirang’, consoled Im Ji-young, saying, “Am I not a symbol of overcoming?” and “Is it okay for you to be out and about; isn’t this the first time in your life you’ve been cursed at like that?” After meeting Kim Jang-hoon, Eom Ji-young said, “I took time to reflect on everything I have done wrong up to now. If I unintentionally hurt anyone because of me, I apologize and apologize, again and again,” and she wept.
Singer Im Ji-young appearing on YouTube ‘Gonarija’
When asked why she sang the national anthem in the style that sparked controversy, she said, “I wanted to express the national anthem in a really impressive way,” and added, “I didn’t know you aren’t supposed to change it like that during the national ceremony. As we’re an indie band, it was my first time on such a big stage, so I got greedy. I’m very sorry,” bowing her head repeatedly. She continued, “In fact, I wanted to emphasize the part ‘May it be preserved forever and ever,’ because our country truly should be preserved for a very, very long time,” explaining that her intentions were pure.
In response, Kim Jang-hoon comforted her, saying, “A pure person,” and advised, “Don’t do the bends; keep it dry, just dry. Do it in your own style, but leave out the bends,” personally directing the anthem performance and soothing her.
Afterward, Eom Ji-young made a surprise appearance as a guest on Kim Jang-hoon’s concert stage. Introducing her to the audience, Kim said, “In one way or another, this person is the hottest in South Korea,” and added, “She’s truly kind and very delicate, and this happened because she didn’t know a single clause (the national-ceremony rule),” asking for warm regard and encouragement.
Taking the stage, Eom Ji-young re-sang the national anthem in a plain, earnest voice stripped of embellishment, as advised by Kim Jang-hoon. When her song ended, warm cheers and applause poured from the audience. After the performance, Eom said, “I had a bit of trauma, but now I’ve gained some courage to perform on any stage,” expressing her gratitude. Kim said, “Have courage, turn this into a better opportunity, and do well,” offering unstinting support.
