(Part of a magazine article about his solo debut (1989). You can see the mixed emotions on his face)
Yim Jaebum decides to launch his solo career - with mixed feelings. Pretty much "giving up" Rock and Metal, which is a sad sad tragedy. After staying away from the visible scene, he releases his first solo piece.
Shortly before his solo debut, Yim Jaebum also makes an only appearance on a feature film : "Who saw the dragon's toenails?" (누가 용의 발톱을 보았는가 : 1991). It's about a politics/sex scandal and I think Yim did a fine job as an actor. It's ironic because he once said that he also wanted to be an actor. The movie was a moderate hit in the theatres and was directed by Kang Woosuk (강우석) who directed so many hit movies such as "Two cops" series, "Public enemy" series, and the epic "Shilmido". Yim plays a supporting role with a rather creepy character (* See below). I can tell you since I have the bloody videotape, but there is no DVD release for this. I am personally glad that Yim didn't get into movies seriously. He is a ROCK vocalist.
September 1991, the debut album was called "On the turning away". His slick and hip looks showed that he is a "Pop" singer now. But his voice was all there and only got wider and more colorful with more spectrum. The single off the album "When this night is over" (이 밤이 지나면) was a smash hit and hit No. 1. The album sold over 600 thousand copies. Note that this was a vinyl still, not counting the CDs which was released later. He appeared on TV shows and showcaed his ability to be a "Pop" singer. His handsome looks and masculine stature was very impressive for any fan, but his strongpoint was his vocals as always. His voice was more leaned to the "soul" side and got a nickname that goes "Korean Michael Bolton". Especially after the hit debut song. But there are still a Heavy Rock track or two and his love for Heavy Metal is shown here, and the last song of the album "Julie" (쥴리) is a remake of the song he sang as a Metal ballad with WAYIN BUDAE (외인부대). More polished into a contemporary pop fashion, but somehow miraculously still carrying the beauty and the dignity of the original Metal version.
His old partner Shin Daechul played a big role on the album (*** See below). Shin is credited for playing lead guitars, arrangements, and even composed a song for his mate : "Let me live my life" which is a nice bluesy pop tune with English lyrics. And most importantly played the solo for Yim's Metal swansong "Julie", which was sang in WAYIN BUDAE, after he left SINAWE. I personally think this was the coolest thing Shin did for Yim.
During the album's hit pararde, he is fed up by the harsh schedules and the dirty show biz system that he couldn't bear with. Even after his moving on to major pop markets and show biz he couldn't stand how things were being done. He makes some problems at broadcasts and pulls no-shows (** See below). These incidents brings a big conflict of the system and his inside persona, which will haunt him again and again.
In 1992, after his "return" to the human society, Yim announces his return to SINAWE. This part is not so documented , only because it was scraped so quickly. Yim was to rejoin forces with his old partner Shin Daechul, and the very band that started it all. Shin's activity at this point was a band called JAAYU (자유 : Freedom), a trio with Blues influenced Hard Rock. Instead of finding a new vocalist, Shin decided to take the microphone himself along with Kim Youngjin (Bass) in turns. They released 1 album called "Old Passion" in 1991, the same year Yim released his 1st solo album (*** See below) and played a few shows nationwide. But for some reason this reunion never happened. The proof for this whole thing is in a TV interview that surfaced only recently. It would have been great if Yim and Shin joined forces again. And there was even Kim Youngjin (Bass) alongside Shin Daechul as well, whom Yim played together in ASIANA. It's so regretful that this never happened.
Probably due to the shock of this, he "vanishes". He simply dissapeared from not only the show biz, but the general public. Nobody was able to get a hold of him or knew his whereabouts. During the years he was gone there were so many rumours : that he fled overseas or even died. But after he came back they proved to be all false. This already became a notorious "habit" of him and gathers bad rep for his career for the next years.
After years of hiatus and some unpleasant time in prison for violent acts, Yim returns with his 2nd solo album. Simply entitled "II" (1997). This album brings many hit songs, among them "Beesang" (비상 : Flying up), and "Saraangboda gipeun sangcheo" (사랑보다 깊은 상처 : Wound deeper than love). "Beesang" shows very touching lyrics that reads like a monologue to himself. His soul searching and fights between his inner and the outside world. Latter song is lyrically a typical love ballad, which solidified the "Korean Michael Bolton" title. It is later re-released as a duet with R&B diva Lena Park (박정현), with her vocals dubbed in the verses making it into a duet. It became a big hit and also featured in the movie "Ditto" (동감, 2000). They later cross paths on a Korean music show called "Sooyo Yesool Mudae" (수요예술무대 : Wednesday Art Stage - MBC) and sings the song in a duet for the first time with Lena Park. This video can be found in youtube. He shoots some videoclips and appears on a few TV shows. But again he gets sick of the Korean show biz system and once again dissapears from the public. It's been said that : "even his own manager doesn't know where he's gone to", and there were rumours that "he went up into the mountains and refuses to be found by anyone" which is later verified.
He later told that he lived up in the Odae-san (오대산) mountains in Korea's East coast (**** See below). Living alone in a deserted farm and enjoyed his quiet life without the fame and fortune. Although, WHICH one of his "vanishings" was this at is unclear.
Yim releases his 3rd solo album titled "lll" in 1998. Surprisingly the majority of the album is filled with dark, very hard and Heavy sounds. Almost like he wants to go back to his roots. The themes are based on myths, war and other heavy subjects. Some of the songs are directly connected, with sound effects in the middle, almost making it like a concept album. The cover shows his hair tied but grown out long again and dyed blonde. The overall album has a very dark atmosphere and deeper sounds. and less love related songs. But the 1 song that does is a big one : "Go Hae" (고해 : Confession). This song has this mediaeval mood and also sounds very religious. He sings a confession type words of a man who fell in a forbidden love with this woman. But also has his signature Heavy Rock sounds and sounds very dramatic. It's one of his staple songs and biggest hits. This song has a funny "curse" to it, : It's voted as No. 1 song that "the song women wishes NOT for their male companions to try singing in a karaoke" because most likely it will end in a horrible unbearable disaster. After a few TV appearances, he suddenly dissapears from the public eye again.
2 years have passed. Except for his hardcore fans, not a lot of people would be wondering where Yim Jaebum would be and what's he's up to. Yim delivers the answer by releasing his 4th solo album which the title explains it all: "Story of two years" (2000). This is probably one of the most well made albums, and would be a milestone in his career. Ths song "Neorul weehae" (너를 위해 : For you) is one of the best songs he ever recorded and was a big hit, even without him ever performing it on any shows. The song tells the man's character and his own love story of the past This is later releaved in his interview on "I'm a Singer". It also carries 2 remakes of classic pop songs : "You are so beautiful" (Joe Cocker) and "Three times a lady" (The Commodores) which were very well executed.
The album is a big hit, so people would wanna listen to his past works and more songs. A "Best of" CD is released shortly after with songs that spans his whole career. Entitled "History of Yim Jaebeum" and sub-titled "86 ~ 00". Starting from his Metal anthems from SINAWE days and the songs from ROCK IN KOREA. However, there are a few flaws on this album. The artwork shows the cover of WAYIN BUDAE's only album. But the 1 song that supposed to be from that one is "Julie", which was actually the remake version from his 1st solo album. And the 2 songs from ROCK IN KOREA : "Rock in Korea" & "Same old story" are versions from the not-so-well-known ROCK IN KOREA "2 Live Remix" album. Thus, 2 pictures of Yim's past albums inside the CD booklet does not match the actual songs. And no tracks are featured from ASIANA's album. But ASIANA's CD does get a formal reissue in 2002 (1st edition CD was released in 1991, on original label SRB).
On the good side, it features the duet version of "Saraangboda gipeun sangcheo" (사랑보다 깊은 상처 : Wound deeper than love), which was only available on Lena Park (박정현)'s debut album (1998). Including this hit track as a nice bonus, the single CD carries 15 songs that gives a good overview on Yim's musical journey up to 2000.
Same year, another "best of" CD is released, entitled "Memories" and this time a double CD. This time with songs also from his latest 4th album such as the hit song "Neorul weehae" (너를 위해 : For you). But the importance of this album is that most of the tracks are all RE-arranged and RE-recorded. meaning totally new versions of his songs. In a more "ballady" fashion. Even down to "I am a candlelight in your presence" (그대앞에 난 촛불이어라) and 'Same old story". Almost like his songs all got the "David Foster" touch. Sounding very nice and updated (but I dig the originals of course). This carries 19 songs in total, 1 of them being a video track of "Beesang" (비상 : Flying up) and a cover of "Have a I told you lately" (Van Morrison/Rod Stewart). And has different tracklists than the other "Best of" CD, focusing on more of his "Pop" side omitting most of his significant Metal works.
2001. Yim gets married to musical actress Song Namyoung (송남영), It is said that he went to see the Korean production of "Hard Rock Cafe" where he saw her. They got to know each other socially, but when they met again after some time Yim fell in love with her and gave her the ring. On the wedding he surprised all the guests by appearing with head totally skinned. With sudden skinning of all hair meaning "rebel" in Korean culture, it made people wondering why. But he wed the bride in all white suit and looked very happy. Later there are 2 stories behind his acts. 1 is that he wanted to become a Buddist monk right before the wedding but eventually decided to give himself to the bride not Buddha. The 2nd one is that he liked the mood and picture of Yul brynner in "King and I", he wanted to live that moment. Nonetheless, they are happily married still and they have a daughter named Jisu (지수). In the following few years Yim lives offstage out of the public eye and concentrates all his time and energy being a family man and a good father for his daughter. And it is said that the wedding was the place for Yim's estranged father and his younger half-brother (who is a famous actor also) got together in 1 room for the first time.
Yim appears as special guest and "featuring" roles on various Artists' albums. And also sang theme songs for TV dramas (O.S.T. 's) which became big hits, but there are too many to mention here and I personally think that it's not too relevant here. But I must gives cheers out and must say that the ones who did recognize the man's musical depth and unmistakable vocals are very lucky to have his majestic voice that also possess pure raw power obviously knows their music. Wise move fellas.
In 2004, Yim releases his 5th solo album "Coexsistence". This is his first CD in digipack. This features such well made songs and deep themes. Obviously his married life and becoming a father had given him time to do some more soul searching and re-think about the world around him. His voice sounds very contemplative and has another depth throught the whole album. Significant songs on this album are : "Saalayajee"( 살아야지 : Shall live), "Akkeemupshi Jooneun Naamu" (아낌없이 주는 나무 : The giving tree), and "Chongeul Naeryoraa" (총을 내려라 : Drop the guns).
After the hit of this album, Yim finally makes his return to the stage carefully. With growing popular demands and enough songs to span a whole generation of audience and his own songs, he puts on his very first concert in 30~31th Oct. of 2004. He sells out the Olympic Gymnasium. Hard to belive, but this was his first concert on a real stage since ASIANA. 1 of his scheduled concerts was cancelled, for unknown reasons.
In 2005, one of Yim's concert is fully recorded. and comes out in a double CD. Entitled "Live & Life". This is also a digipack and has 1 video track for "Go hae" (고해 : Confession) from the live concert : one of his biggest hits. This is probably his "true" best album since it carries all of his career. Starting from SINAWE's "With the radio turned up high" going through ROCK IN KOREA and not missing ASIANA's tracks this time. All the way down to his latest solo album. The album is very well recorded and the clip is nicely shot, delivering his live show as it happened. There are no proof of this concert being fully recorded on video so far. It would have been just great if it was.
Yim has staged his solo concerts on a big scale at least once a year since 2004. And pretty much sells the venues out and leaves the fans in such an emotional awe. As a fan I only hope this happens more often. And happen even internationally in time.
In 2011, another turning point slowly approaches Yim Jaebum's life.
The rumours starts to buzz that the legendary singer will appear on the hit TV show "I'm a Singer" (나는 가수다 : MBC) : A survival type show of 7 of the best Korean singers that represents different genre and styles. He made his first appearance on 1st of May and simply takes the show by storm. "Neorul weehae" (너를 위해 : For you) was sung live on TV as he took the stage in and literally made people shed tears, and the other singers who has seen the legendary singer perform for the first time just lost their speech and dropped their jaws. With that 1 song, he made a triumphant return and became the top news of the whole week. He becomes the eye of the storm in Korean music.
After singing "Neorul weehae" (너를 위해 : For you) on TV, he becomes frontpage news and the talk of the week. After 3 performances that shocked everybody, made people cry and give the first standing ovation on the show, fate plays another trick on him. Yim is forced to step off the show due to get surgery on his appendicitis. He did say "I'll be back" as his parting words. But still, he is now the center of the Korean music scene and he gets the respect by the Artists who sang on the show and gets the cheers from the people. His solo concerts are all sold out and he is currently on a nationwide tour. All this is all so way overdue.
The rest.... Is now history.
Sir Yim Jaebum : "Rock & Roll ~ MASTER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
--- Review of each of Yim's Metal albums will be posted. 1 Post per album ------
* Yim's character brings tension in the movie, first looking like one of the "bad" guys. But it's not that simple. He turns out to be a "joker" of some sort. That's all I will say about it and this is the best spoil I can give you. But get this : His scenes from the movie are recently up on youtube.
** I personally think that Yim's no-show and a wild horse-like behavior is one of the many motifs for the character of "Choi Gon" (최곤 : portrayed by star actor Park Joonghoon : 박중훈) from the hit movie "Radio Star" (라디오스타 : 2006). I already mentioned that Yim's debut anthem "With the radio turned up high" (크게 라디오를 켜고) was featured in a key scene of Choi Gon's radio debut broadcast as a DJ. The SINAWE's album itself is clearly shown in the movie, which is a scene to die for. It's been reported that Yim walked out of the DJ booth while his radio show because he was pissed at one of the guests. When I saw the movie I strongly felt that it was hinted from Yim's incident. The name SINAWE (시나위) and the song title is clearly mentioned in the dialogue and also features a popular punk band : NO BRAIN (노브레인), appearing as "EAST RIVER (이스트 리버) in the movie. They deliver a mad headbanging/moshing scene while the track is played.
*** Shin Daechul's JAAYU (자유) album has a unique parellel and common factors with Yim Jaebum's "On the turning away". Facts are :
1. The 2 albums were both released on Shinsegye Sound Industry (신세계음향공업), which is now defunct. Thus both albums are long out of print. I truly hope these classics get a nicely worked reissue.
2. The credit shows that they were both recorded in the same Jangchoong Studio A/B (장충스튜디오), recorded and mixed by the same engineer : Jung Dowon (정도원).
3. Keyboards were played by one of Korea's top session player Choi Taewan (최태완) on both albums.
4. Lee Hyunwoo (이현우), a popular singer appears on both albums with a different role. On JAAYU's LP Lee is credited for Cover and logo design, on Yim's album he sang backing vocals and wrote the English lyrics.
5. The producer is also credited to the same man : Yoon Taewon (윤태원). Most likely an executive of Shinsegye label.
6. Both album covers shows a wide open background of white. With photos of themselves pretty much in black & white, except for JAAYU's logo partially in red.
7 . JAAYU's album is released in July of 1991, Yim Jaebum's album came out only 2 months later in September. I would say it's "side by side", in the days of vinyl.
8. JAAYU's drummer : Oh Kyunghwan (오경환), who was playing with SINAWE since '89, also played drums on Yim's album. On 2 tracks.
9 . Last but not least, Bassist Kim Youngjin (김영진), who played in both SINAWE and ASIANA with Yim Jaebum up to that point, plays bass in BOTH albums. Even in Yim's album, there's another session player but he is credtied first, meaning he played a lead role in the recording. Kim also composed 1 song for Yim : "Being without you". They are close friends, and Kim still plays with Yim Jaebum in his live band.
So, with all that happened, my guess is that during the recording of the albums, they were pretty much hanging out together and Yim Jaebum and Shin Daechul regained ther faith and respect for one another, and complimented each other's music. All 3 of JAAYU's members were featured on Yim's debut album with a very nice vibe. Resulting in discussions and 1 more attempt to get together as SINAWE in 1992. It's such a pity that this never happened.
**** O-dae mountains (오대산 1593m) is a beautiful mountain and national park in the Gaangwon region (The Winter Olympics will be held in Pyongchang (평창) this area 2018) in the East coast of Korea. It's near the Gaangneung (강릉) city at the Eastern shore and just North of small town called Youngwol (영월) : Where the film "Radio Star" (라디오스타) was filmed at.
--- Trivia --------------------------------------------
1. Yim Jaebum loves to sing pops, in fact there are many covers he sang. He simply does a great job no matter what he sings. There are footages of him singing in the early days of his solo career on youtube and the 2 remakes heard on his 4th album are simply stunning. It's also said that he can do very good impersonations of other stars, many famous Korean actors and comedians and even Robert De Niro. These things he will do sometimes to make the fans have a laugh at his concerts.
2. In "Who saw the dragon's toenails ?" (누가 용의 발톱을 보았는가), one of the best actor in Korea takes the lead role. Ahn Sung-gi (안성기), who doesn't really cross paths with Yim Jaebum's character though. But Ahn also stars in "Radio Star" (라디오스타, 2006), ironically he plays a manager of a "Rock Star from the '80s". And shows a really funny scene while "With the radio turned up high" (크게 라디오를 켜고) is being played. Details of this movie will be in the SINAWE chapter.
3. Speaking of films and actors, Inside Yim's debut album, there is a small picture of a shadow figure standing with a raincoat and a hat on. I'm not sure of this is Yim's silhouette at all or just an illustration, but it damn sure looks like Humphrey Bogart's famous image from "Casablanca". The catch is : this picture is only in the CD release. On the other hand, there's something for the ladies, which is :
4. A nice snapshot of Yim's "bum", on top of slick looking jeans, walking the road in cool western boots. This is only in the original vinyl release. It appears twice, on the back cover and inside the insert sheet. This will be up in the photo albums and that's a promise.
5 . Yim is a chick magnet for sure : he worked with 2 Miss Koreas already. 1 being Kim Seong-ryong (김성령 1988), who was the star actress in the movie with Yim, and the other was Lee Seung-yeon (이승연 1992) who was interviewing Yim in the 1992 interview. (Maybe they took notice of the back cover of Yim's debut LP).
6. Yim's solo debut song "When this night is over" (이 밤이 지나면) was "banned" from broadcast later. This ridiculous reason is due to the censorship commitee decided that this track is a "copy" of Paul Young's hit "Everytime you go away". Now this is 1 big stupid pile of crap and I believe this verdict is still applied in the broadcasting stations. He does sings the song at his shows of course. I would buy this crap if it was rather labelled as a copy of some Michael Bolton track.
-------------------------------------------------
Note : This "Bio" was written personally in a VERY subjective manner, but based on facts and already verified information. Using various sources, data found in the web, and personal experiences and documents that I own. And posted directly HERE for the first time. This is meant for nowehere else. If there are false or newly verified facts I will change them. It's written directly into English and is not a translation, nor will be translated. The reference pages will be all lined up in 1 page after I review all of Yim's METAL albums in upcoming individual blog posts. With more detailed reviews, the history and background on the album.
Thank you for reading. Now, I insist that you copy the damn thing right now and take it anywhere without asking, PLEASE.
