Singer Gummy recently wrapped up her 20th anniversary national tour concert, "BE ORIGIN," in Seoul, marking the end of her three-month journey. The nationwide tour commenced in November of last year and concluded with a two-day concert at the Olympic Hall, Olympic Park on February 4th and 5th. Each of Gummy's performances lasted an impressive 210 minutes and featured a comprehensive list of songs spanning her 20-year career. 

The concert began with a medley of hits from her first album, including "If You Come Back" and "We Should've Been Friends". Gummy then took the audience on a musical journey, performing live renditions of her songs and covering a wide range of genres, from ballads to R&B and hip-hop.

Throughout the concert, hand-picked anecdotes from several fans were shared. One particular fan who had expressed her desire to sing "Memory LossAmnesia" with Gummy, to her surprise, got to perform it on stage with the singer in a unique and unforgettable duet.
Gummy’s one-of-a-kind concerts are enhanced by the inclusion of special guests. On the 4th, Dynamic Duo made a special appearance at the concert hall, while actor Cho Jung-seok, who is also Gummy's husband, appeared on the 5th, taking the elevated atmosphere to new heights.
During the concert, Gummy debuted her latest track "A Song for You," which she performed live for the first time. In this song, the word “you” refers to none other than Gummy's devoted fans. The singer encouraged her audience not to feel lost or lonely, and expressed her wish to keep singing for her fans until the arrival of spring. This emotionally charged ballad, specially created for those who remained by Gummy's side over the years, marked the perfect finale to the series of shows.
In this interview with Rolling Stone Korea, Gummy reflects on her 20th anniversary and her illustrious career, offering a glimpse into her personal and artistic journey. Two decades on, Gummy's ardent passion for music remains steadfast; a testament to her genuine love for her craft. Throughout the interview, Gummy's sincerity and commitment shines through, sharing her thoughts on staying grounded and avoiding complacency. As an artist, Gummy's music resonates deeply with her fans. Through her lyrics and melodies, she shares the joys and sorrows of life with her listeners. As the winter chill fades and the promise of spring beckons, it’s time to let Gummy’s music in.
 

1. [RSK] Hello Gummy, it's a pleasure to speak with you today. Could you start by saying hi and introducing yourself to our Rolling Stone Korea subscribers?

Hi, I’m the singer, Gummy, and I’m so happy to be able to connect with you through this interview with Rolling Stone Korea. Thanks for having me here. 

2. [RSK] Congratulations on reaching the 20th anniversary of your debut, Gummy! That's such an incredible achievement. How do you feel about it?

Thank you so much! Honestly, it didn't really hit me until people started mentioning it and congratulating me. But when I took a moment to reflect on the past 20 years, I felt a rush of emotions. It's like, "Wow, I've been making music for such a long time! So many things have happened in those 20 years." It's been quite a journey.

3. [RSK] Your nationwide tour to commemorate your 20th anniversary sounds amazing, Gummy! Could you share with us what your main focus was while planning this tour?

Thank you! Well, of course, my own journey in music is significant, but I also wanted to do something special for the fans who have supported me throughout these 20 years. I thought about how I could use my music to help them recall their own special memories, and that's when I decided to plan the nationwide tour. The main goal for me was to create a truly meaningful experience for my fans and to connect with them through my music.

4. [RSK] It's impressive that you’ve wrapped up your tour in Seoul. How did you feel after the tour ended?

To be honest, I had prepared to express my gratitude and offer comfort to the audience, but the response I received was beyond my expectations. I was truly humbled and grateful to receive so much love, encouragement, and support from my fans. It left me feeling inspired and more motivated than ever to become a better artist, and to give back to my fans through my music. I made a personal commitment to use my talents to show my appreciation for their unwavering support and to repay them in a meaningful way.

5. [RSK] Your fans were thrilled to hear many of your hit songs during the tour. How do you feel about having so many popular songs?

I'm really grateful and humbled by the love and support that my fans have shown me. As a singer, it's always been important to me to create music that people can relate to, so knowing that I have songs that have been loved for a long time is a really special feeling. It's always amazing to see fans sing along and remember the lyrics to my songs during concerts. It's a surreal and truly heartwarming experience.

6. [RSK] One of the reasons why your music is so special, Gummy, is because of its emotional appeal. Your high notes really strike a chord with listeners and resonate with them on a deep level. Can you tell us how you elevate the emotional intensity of your performances on stage?

For me, it's all about focusing on the lyrics and immersing myself in the emotions that the song portrays. Even if I'm not going through a breakup or a painful situation at that moment, I try to put myself in the mindset of the song and really feel those emotions in order to deliver a relatable and heartfelt performance to the audience. It's about empathizing with the song and bringing those emotions to life on stage.

7. [RSK] You've released so many amazing songs over the past 20 years. If you had to pick just one song that defines who you are today, which one would it be?

That's a tough question! While all my songs are special to me in their own way, I think the one that has had the most impact on me would have to be "Memory LossAmnesia". It was the song that really helped me establish my musical identity and allowed me to showcase my unique style. I also feel like it helped my fans get to know me better and understand what I'm all about as an artist.

8. [RSK] Your most recent release was "A Song for You". We've heard that it's extra special because it expresses your gratitude towards your fans who have loved and supported you for so long. How important are your fans to you?

To me, fans are an incredibly precious and valuable presence that I can’t express in words. If my destiny was to become a singer, it's been my fans who have continued to inspire me and allowed me to keep moving forward. I am constantly grateful for their unwavering support and I always hold their kindness close to my heart.

9. [RSK] You have the title of a senior artist, Gummy. Do you feel any pressure to live up to expectations?

Honestly, what I feel is not so much the pressure of the "senior artist" title, but more of a personal battle to not become complacent and to keep pushing myself to be the best that I can be. Regardless of my status as a senior artist, my focus has always been on how I can continue to move people with my music and connect with them on a deeper level. That's something that I'm constantly thinking about and working towards.

10. [RSK] You were one of the “legends” who formed part of "Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend" in 2021. What do you think when you see your junior colleagues performing on the show?

Actually, I don't really think of them as juniors. To me, they're more like fellow artists on the same journey as me. It's amazing to see how they're able to express their unique musical styles and really shine on the show. Their passion and drive are really inspiring and I have a lot of respect for them.

11. [RSK] Gummy, what kind of impression do you hope your music leaves on people?

For me, it's all about being authentic. I also want my music to be remembered as approachable, something that's not too complicated.

12. [RSK] Your music has been a source of comfort to many, including myself, for the past 20 years. We admire your musical talents and look forward to what Gummy has in store for the future. Lastly, could you please sign off and say goodbye to the readers of Rolling Stone Korea? Thank you!

I am grateful to Rolling Stone Korea for providing me with this amazing opportunity. As I move forward, my goal is to be a singer who can effectively communicate the kind of stories that are usually hard to express. I wish everyone a happy new year, and good health always!
 

<Photographs by C-JeS Entertainment>