Veteran vocalist Lee Seung-chul put “utmost effort” in his new single “Diary,” he said in a press conference on Thursday. “The recording session for this song kicked off at 1 p.m. and ended the next day at around 3 a.m.,” Lee, 49, told local media. “I normally sing along three or four times in the sessions per song, and it’s done. But this time it was different. The 13-hour-long recording was very unusual for me.”
Lee is one of the most beloved ballad singers in Korea, with his numerous hits following his debut album as a vocalist in Korean rock band Buhwal sweeping the local music market in 1988. One of his hit included his solo track “Girls‘ Generation,” released in 1989, which was the brainchild for SM’s signature girl group.Lee has also gained popularity as a TV personality since he began appearing on Mnet‘s reality show “Superstar K” as a judge for six consecutive years since its takeoff in 2009. Brave Brothers, producer of the song, was deeply impressed by Lee’s enthusiasm, regardless of his age.“I learned a lot in this project,” said Brave Brothers, or producer Kang Dong-chul under the stage name he uses. “I wish I could be an avid musician at his age.”The 37-year-old veteran songwriter has composed some 380 K-pop pieces for many star idol groups, such as 4Minute, After School, AOA, Big Bang, BTOB, Sistar, Teen Top and Ze:A, among many others, but he felt “anxious” this time.“I am personally a fan of Lee,” Brave Brothers said.Brave Brothers revealed that he has a ballad song tailored to Lee when he appeared at MBC‘s reality show “I Live Alone.”“No one else could sing this song,” Brave Brothers said.
Lee reportedly reached him after the episode was aired.“I was very impressed by the melody and lyrics of the song,” Lee said. “I immediately called Brave Brothers and met him while having a dinner. That’s the start of the song.”The ballad “Diary” was released through local music streaming services Thursday at noon. Its teaser video featured Lee‘s daughter singing along a part of “Diary.”
By Son Ji-hyoung ()
