Han Young-ae Marks 50 Years Since Debut with New Song “Snow Rain” – “I Want to Sing Without Restraints”

Singer Han Young-ae released her new song “Snow Rain” to celebrate her 50th anniversary since Debut in 1976. Composed and written by Kim Tae-won, the leader of the group Boohwal, who also played guitar solo on the track, it is her first new work in about 4 years since her 2022 single “Until I Come to Love Love.” At a commemorative event held in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 7th, Han Young-ae said, “If I had to summarize my feelings about 50 years, I would say ‘I’m ashamed’ and ‘I’m proud.’ I still want to sing without any limits going forward.”

Han Young-ae began her musical career in 1976 as a member of the folk group Hahbaragi. From the late 1970s to the early 1980s, she also worked as a theater actress. She started her solo career in 1986 with her first album “Yeoulmok/Goneun Neol Su Eopneun Gang.” Known for hits like “Nugu Eossso,” “Kohpilso,” and “Jo-yul,” she earned the nickname “the Witch of Sound” for her unique emotional depth and expressive power. This new song represents a fresh start for her, as she has maintained her presence in the music industry for half a century at her own pace.

“Snow Rain” features lyrics such as “Partings are short, but longing lasts long” and “You become a memory like a gift filled with beautiful stories,” transforming painful memories of separation into cherished recollections. Han Young-ae explained, “It’s not just a sad song; it contains sadness, distance, and beauty all at once.” Kim Tae-won sent his support via video call, saying, “This song reflects my personal belief that both the good memories from the past and the painful ones eventually become memories.” He added, “It’s a great honor to work with senior Han Young-ae, and I consider her a true artist,” expressing his admiration.

There is a deep connection behind Han Young-ae’s decision to release this new song. She said, “About 10 years ago, Kim Tae-won mentioned in the dressing room that he wanted to create a song suitable for me. Even though he was unwell during that time, he didn’t forget his promise. I was extremely grateful for that.” She especially emphasized the last line of the song, “I’m always grateful for all memories,” adding, “I hope that listening to this song will bring up many meaningful memories.”

Regarding what kept her going for half a century, Han Young-ae said, “I think eating well, exercising hard, and participating in exhibitions, walks, travels—everything is part of practicing singing.” She continued, “Whenever I felt struggling, I asked myself, ‘Do I have a purpose in music?’ And the answer I always reached was, ‘The answer lies on stage.’ The stage comes first.” She even expressed a small ambition that she still has now: “My voice is getting better gradually, and I hope someday I can say, ‘I’ve sung without any restraint.’”

One particularly memorable moment was her performance at the “A.U.Sung” concert held at the 63 Building in Yeouido, Seoul, in 1993. During the performance of “Bi-ae,” the lighting in the audience area overheated, causing sparks that nearly led to a fire. In that tense moment, Han Young-ae did not stop singing; instead, she closed her eyes and finished the song to the end. This moment symbolically represents the philosophy behind her 50-year musical career.

Han Young-ae will hold a concert to commemorate her 50th anniversary of Debut on June 13–14 at the Woori Financial Art Hall in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul. She plans to perform G-Dragon’s “Drama” at this event. Han Young-ae said, “I usually listen to a lot of idol music and trendy songs as well. As someone living in the same era, it’s important not to lose my sense of taste.” At a concert in Jeju Island, she even asked to play BTS’s songs repeatedly, showing her cross-generational musical awareness and desire to connect with younger audiences.

In her final interview, Han Young-ae expressed her wish to “keep working hard, keep singing, eat well, sleep well, and have fun with many people for a long time.” The lesson she gained from 50 years on stage is not about grand plans, but rather about living fully in the present by not separating music from daily life.