On July 14, audiences in Hanoi experienced many emotions thanks to the sound of "Korean guitar prodigy" Sungha Jung. With his guitar, Sungha Jung takes the audience on a musical journey from 80's romantic tunes like Hotel California to modern Hollywood soundtracks, from European and American music to See tinh by Hoang Thuy Linh.

This is your 6th time coming to Vietnam to perform, but it is your first time touring three major cities (Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City). How do you feel about it?

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, my performance schedule had to be changed. It has been a long time since I could return to Vietnam. I feel very happy because I always want to come back here, I want to see my Vietnamese fans again who always support me enthusiastically.

Artist Sungha Jung is dubbed a Korean guitar prodigy because he became famous at a young age. Photo courtesy of the artist

Have you prepared anything special for the audience on this tour?

I always find ways to make myself new and special. So every time I perform, I want to bring new vibrations and emotions to the audience.

This time in Vietnam, I will perform some new songs and a very popular Vietnamese song called See Tinh.

That song is very popular in South Korea. Many young people in my country used to sing and dance to See Tinh. I am no exception. I have covered this song and posted it on my YouTube.

Apart from music, what do you love about Vietnam?

When I have time to rest, I like to go to the beach, and the trip to Danang is still a beautiful memory. I have eaten a lot of Vietnamese food in Korea, and I especially love pho (beef noodle soup). Every time I come to Vietnam, I eat this dish as well.

Artist Sungha Jung shares his feelings during the tour to Vietnam. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

Sungha Jung won the hearts of Vietnamese audiences on her first tour in 2014. You were only 18 years old then. Now, at the age of 27, you are an experienced artist. What do you think about the changing tastes of the audience here?

I have toured many countries in Southeast Asia and found that the cultures in these countries have many similarities. However, in Vietnam, people always express their enthusiasm and love for music and my songs. Therefore, Vietnam has always held a special place in my heart.

From the very first days of meeting the Vietnamese audience, I had many fans who were the same age as me. Whenever I have a fan meeting here, I feel happy and interesting.

As time goes by, the popular music genres and the audience's tastes are also changing. I still have audiences who like to listen to the romantic and lyrical music of the 70s and 80s, and some people like to listen to youthful pop or movie soundtracks. I played the soundtracks of Ghibli animation (Japan), He's a pirate (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Let it Go (Frozen), which were very popular with the audience. I will continue to try these genres of music.

In fingerstyle guitar, only one person with a single guitar can bring out the sound of an entire band. This type of guitar is pursued by young Vietnamese artists because it is inspiring, challenging, and requires creativity. Can you give some tips to Vietnamese fingerstyle guitarists to continue pursuing this style?

I think fingerstyle is very special and has great appeal to the audience. The technique of playing fingerstyle brings both pressure and inspiration to the artist.

I just want to tell you that even in the process of making music, there must be many times when we want to give up, but please be consistent and strong. Try to practice as much as you can and boldly post on YouTube, listen to everyone's feedback to improve, that can help us play better.

Can you tell us about your plans for the future?

Currently, the Covid pandemic has been controlled, and traveling around the world has become more accessible. So I will release many music albums and continue to cover popular songs. Of course, I will also tour many countries and continue the same activities as before.

Thank you for sharing!