Original link - https://storyfunding.daum.net/episode/22735
(Article translated by Guckkasten-English)
Hyunwoo Ha, the reason why he loves Haechul Shin
Article date: 24 May 2017
The below is the contents of interview with Hyunwoo Ha, which has been arranged by the music critic, Soontahk Bae. During the interview, Hyunwoo used formal terms when he indicated the late artist to show his respect, but we have just used ‘Haechul (Shin)’ in this article for the smooth flow of the contents.
Arrangement: Soontahk Bae (Music critic, writer for ‘Music Camp’, a radio program with Chulsoo Bae as the DJ)
Interviewee: Hyunwoo Ha (Vocal and guitar of Guckkasten)
It started since I was in primary school. I came across the song ‘Urbanite’ by N.EX.T (abbreviation for ‘New Experiment Team’) from a compilation of pop music cassette tape, and I found myself lost in the world of Haechul Shin and his music after listening to this song. The song was, first and foremost, so interesting, unique, and wonderful. The lyrics just portrayed the life of urbanites.
“To me, N.EX.T was the only band like this”
I also liked songs that were fully sensitive. I remember listening to songs like ‘Knight for the doll’ and ‘Fly, little chick’ many times. I admired and envied the charisma of Haechul Shin most of all.
Well.. as far as I know, there were no other rock bands that were as energetic and powerful as N.EX.T in Korea. They were visually stunning, and just downright awesome. To me, N.EX.T was the only band like this. I, of course, sang lots and lots of songs by Haechul in singing rooms. I also copied and played his music when I in a school band, and I shared N.EX.T’s concert video tapes with my friends.
I find it such a shame that I had no personal connections with Haechul. I am well aware that he said “Guckkasten should release their new album as soon as possible” when he was still of this world. I saw him a few times at the backstage of concerts, but I could not approach him as he was such a big musician and also someone I admired so much. I just watched him with huge respect. I often heard that he spoke highly of Guckkaten. I can only say that I am deeply grateful for this.
Although I had no personal connection, one of my friends in this music industry was quite close with Haechul. I remember that he suggested a little get-together.
“It would be perfect to meet him when we release our 2nd album. He said we should release this ASAP, so we will make a good impression then.”
However, he passed away just a few weeks before we released our album, so we could not give it to him in person. I had not met him properly while he was in this world.
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| image source - http://gall.dcinside.com/board/view/?id=guckkasten&no=503246 |
“I really wanted to sing this song”
I think I sang ‘Lazenca, Save Us’ the most when I went to singing rooms. ‘Invitation to daily life’ was the song that I enjoyed the most when listening. As for ‘Dream of a freshwater eel’, the staffs of <King of the Masked Singers> tried to talk me out of singing it on stage. It was because although the song is a masterpiece, it may not have advantage in the tournament as the song does not have a climax point.
But I really wanted to sing this song no matter what. I remembered that the late artist had mentioned ‘this song will resonate my funeral’, and this song was indeed being played when I went to his funeral. Therefore I sang this song earnestly to cherish the memory of him.
I also wanted to sing ‘Here, I stand for you’. But I thought ‘if I sing too many of his songs, I could be bringing unnecessary troubles to the deceased’, so I didn’t sing in the end. I sang impromptu of this song when I was shooting for ‘My Little Television’ and I was amazed at myself for remembering all of the lyrics. It was an awakening moment of realizing that I truly adored his music.
"I always endeavored to be like him."
The reason why I love his music is because it has every ideal musical element that I pursue. The lyrics, the messages, the experimental sources, and above all, the prominent mass appeal. Haechul Shin was the musician that covered every aspect, and at the same time, his performance and visuals were outstanding.
I always endeavored to be like him, and I tried to ponder his musical aspects continuously and use them as a foundation. I wish the artist’s music and message, and most all, his ideas and values would maintain it vitality and be inherited for ages long.
