Singer Lim Younger-woong throughout his live performance in Seoul, Nov. 30 / Courtesy of Mulgogi Music
Whereas world Okay-pop teams like BTS, BLACKPINK and NewJeans dominated worldwide charts and attracted legions of younger followers overseas, singer Lim Younger-woong commanded an equally highly effective presence at dwelling — significantly amongst middle-aged and older Korean ladies.
The 34-year-old ballad and trot singer has constructed a fandom comparable in dimension to that of IU, a singer-songwriter and actor. Recognized for his sturdy ticket gross sales and delicate public picture, Lim is praised for each his versatile vocals and his thoughtful angle towards followers.
On Sunday, Lim held one in every of his sold-out concert events in Seoul and made the complete present obtainable free of charge on the native streaming platform Tving, permitting followers who did not safe tickets to benefit from the efficiency in actual time. The profit-free transfer shocked many within the Korean music trade.
“To youthful followers of Okay-pop idols who’re used to feeling ripped off by costly merchandise or mistreated at venues, what Lim’s staff is doing will be fairly eye-opening,” critic Kim Deo-heon stated, noting the vary of fan-centered companies supplied by Lim and his employees. “It’s clear that Lim’s staff cares for the followers and has made {that a} core a part of their technique. This may function a reference level for different live performance organizers as their audiences age.”
Globally and domestically, Okay-pop followers typically complain in regards to the growing commercialization of idol tradition, from hovering ticket costs to high-priced fan conferences and merchandise.
However Lim’s fandom is essentially freed from such grievances. Past the free streamed concert events, followers ceaselessly share accounts of feeling genuinely cared for at his reveals. His concert events are identified for avoiding overcrowding, and plenty of followers reward the on-site employees for his or her respectful attitudes. Lim’s staff can also be identified to offer extra assist for followers with mobility points, reportedly supplying additional wheelchairs and ambulances at each live performance.
Lim debuted in August 2016 with the digital single “Hate You.” His breakthrough got here in 2020 by cable channel TV Chosun’s audition program “Mr. Trot,” the place his dramatic victory turned him right into a nationwide sensation. The win broadened his enchantment throughout generations and cemented his standing as one in every of Korea’s most influential performers.
Singer Lim Younger-woong throughout his live performance in Seoul, Nov. 30 / Courtesy of Mulgogi Music
His first full-length album, “IM HERO,” launched in 2022, offered greater than 1.1 million copies in its first week. Right now, he constantly sells out arenas with greater than 10,000 seats.
On YouTube, he has garnered a whole bunch of hundreds of thousands of views, along with his 2021 observe “Love At all times Runs Away” alone surpassing 100 million. Dozens of his music movies have topped 10 million views.
Lim’s fandom is understood for its loyalty and enthusiasm. Followers observe him nationwide and set up impartial occasions on particular events corresponding to his birthday, additional strengthening their sense of group.
“He has a terrific voice, bodily enchantment and a dramatic success story from ‘Mr. Trot,’” critic Ha Jae-keun stated to clarify why Lim is so fashionable in Korea. “He additionally looks like a genuinely good particular person, and you’ll see that in how he interacts with followers throughout dwell concert events. All these components contribute to his recognition.”
“Lim Younger-woong’s strategy actually stands out,” Ha added.
