Starting Life¡¯s Second Chapter at 46

Jang said, ¡°Our spirit was ¡®Let¡¯s have fun¡¯ when we set up a performing stage. Surprisingly, we pulled in a larger audience than expected. We thought we¡¯d bring in around 200 spectators but around 800 showed up for our performance.¡± Starting with only a piano and a drum, he said this surprising success inspired hope of continued success.

¡°I thought this would just be a one-time thing, but look at me, it continues until today. The song I coincidentally began to sing turned my life around and opened up new possibilities for me to live a different life in which I can sing for the world. I was exhilarated and grateful.¡±

Earning Global Attention via Olympics

The new path that brought Jang to the stage in his mid-40s earned him precious opportunities, one of which was at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, where he sang the national anthem at the closing ceremony with the world watching him.

¡°I was extremely lucky to sing the national anthem at the closing ceremony. I wanted to introduce the most authentic version of the Korean national anthem, to show the world how the anthem contains the vigorous energy and spirit of Korea. I went on stage with my white durumagi (traditional Korean overcoat) as always. I raised the pitch and used a slow-paced breath to deliver my confident energy.¡±

Refraining from exaggeration, he sang the song in the most composed manner as if he learned it from the universe. He added that he didn¡¯t rush and instead embraced everyone and led their breaths toward harmony.

Jang Sa-ik sang the national anthem during the closing ceremony with the world watching him at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. © Kim Nyeong-man

Korea¡¯s Voice and Soul

Jang¡¯s calm and natural charisma won over the tens of thousands in the audience, and this stemmed from his strong energy and extensive experience. He said this energy is his brand and has made him who he is, eliciting compliments about him like ¡°The most Korean voice and soul.¡±

¡°I performed with a symphony orchestra in Russia last year. I sang ¡°Arirang¡± and ¡°Wilde Rose¡± with the orchestra and received a positive response from the Russian audience. I think they found it interesting to see a man clad in hanbok (traditional Korean attire) sing those exotic songs on stage. I heard they found me unique and refreshing, which reminded me of the title people gave me: ¡®the most Korean voice.¡¯¡±

Jang also fondly recollects his experience in Atlanta. Five jazz musicians played with him, and at the end of the concert, they wanted to take pictures with him. They seemed impressed by his performance and gave him a thumbs up, saying, ¡°Your song is like the blues, I feel soul in it.¡± This unexpected compliment on the other side of the world shaped his desire to connect more with global audiences.

Connecting and Comforting Voice

¡°I don¡¯t choose a specific genre for my performances. I think my curiosity about everything and my free spirit are explicitly reflected in the music. I¡¯m still wandering and figuring out where to find pleasure in many things.¡±

His distinctive voice has brought him closer to other people. Numerous interactions with his audiences through his voice and emotions have built his passion and enabled him to grow as a singer, and he shows no signs of stopping even in his 70s.

Marking his 25th year as a singer, Jang said he loves how music teaches him about the world and also serves as an inspiration for his singing. He said he hopes to continue communicating with people through his voice.

¡°I¡¯ve encountered many ups and downs in my life. These experiences have all been incorporated in my voice. I hope that people can relate to my music and feel like I¡¯m talking about them when I sing. I¡¯m past age 70 now, which allows me to speak about the reserved emotions of the elderly. Music is a sophisticated way to communicate, and I want to continue doing it.¡±

Jang was selected as a goodwil ambassador of UNICEF. © Kim Nyeong-man