SEOUL: South Korean music icon Cho Yong-pil is set to make a significant return to the music scene with the launch of his 20th studio album, “20,” on Tuesday. This release marks the 74-year-old artist’s first studio album in 11 years and is anticipated to continue his legacy in the K-pop industry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the album’s lead track, titled “That’s Alright” in English, is described by Cho’s agency, YPC Company, as a motivational piece aimed at inspiring those facing the challenges of modern life. The music video for this track will debut alongside the digital release of the album at 6 p.m. and will include performances by well-known Korean actors such as Park Geun-hyeong, Jeon Mi-do, Lee Som, and Byun Yo-han.
Cho Yong-pil, who began his career in 1968 with the rock band Atkins, transitioned to a solo career with the hit single “Come Back to Busan Port” in 1976. His debut album featured notable tracks like “A Girl Outside the Window” and “Short Hair Girl,” becoming the first K-pop album t
o sell a million copies in 1980. Over the years, Cho has released 19 studio albums, earning various accolades and setting records, including being the first Korean artist to achieve total album sales exceeding 10 million copies.
In recent years, Cho’s influence remains evident, demonstrated by a solo concert at Jamsil Olympic Stadium in 2022 to celebrate the 55th anniversary of his career. This venue, with a capacity of over 60,000, is typically reserved for top-tier music stars. His last full-length album, “Hello,” released in 2013, included tracks that topped music charts, surpassing even younger K-pop stars like Psy.
Cho paved the way for his 20th album with two preparatory singles, “Road to 20-Prelude 1” and “Road to 20-Prelude 2,” released in October 2022 and April 2023, respectively. These singles showcased Cho’s exploration of diverse musical genres, including pop rock and progressive house. The album’s release was delayed by a year to ensure its high quality, with the physical version set to be avai
lable on November 1.
Following the release of “20,” Cho Yong-pil will perform concerts in Seoul on November 23-24 and November 30-December 1.