Lim Jae-bum signals farewell to the stage

Jan 05, 2026, 07:25 am

		0
Singer Lim Jae-bum performs during his nationwide tour concert, marking his 40th year in music. / Blue Seed Entertainment

Veteran singer Lim Jae-bum has announced plans to retire from live performances, signaling an emotional farewell to the stage after a four-decade music career.

Lim will appear on JTBC’s Newsroom on Jan. 4, where he is set to explain his decision to step away from performing. In a preview clip released ahead of the broadcast, he said, “I spent a long time thinking about it, and I’ve decided to leave the stage after this 40th anniversary concert.”

Currently in the midst of his nationwide tour titled I Am Lim Jae-bum, the singer kicked off the series in Daegu on Nov. 29 last year, followed by shows in Incheon and Busan. His Seoul concerts are scheduled for Jan. 17–18 at the KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, which are expected to serve as the culmination of his touring career.

Lim debuted in 1986 as the lead vocalist of the rock band Sinawe, quickly gaining recognition for his gritty tone and explosive vocal power. Over the years, he delivered a string of iconic hits, including “For You,” “Emergency,” “Confession,” and “A Deeper Love Than Love,” cementing his status as one of South Korea’s most respected vocalists.

Despite announcing his retirement from the stage, Lim remains active in the music scene. He is currently serving as a judge on JTBC’s music competition program Singer Gain 4. In September last year, he released the new single “Greeting” and previously revealed plans for his eighth full-length album.

Lim’s retirement announcement, made amid ongoing 40th-anniversary activities, has drawn widespread attention from fans and industry observers alike, marking the approaching end of an era in Korean popular music.

#Lim Jae-bum #retirement #farewell concert #Korean rock vocalist