Cho Young-Nam to hold concert celebrating 35-year career

Singer Cho Young-Nam thinks he hasn`t recorded enough hits in his long career. He has had a few hugely popular songs like "Delliah" (1968), his first release, "My Home Chungchong Province," and "Hwagae Marketplace" and many well known recordings like "Swallow," "Barley Field," and "Farewell to the City" to name just a few.

But the artist says he hasn`t had very many hits because earlier in his career he tended to release songs that were already recorded by other singers.

This year is Cho`s 35th year in the music business. Although he released his first album "Delliah" in 1968, Cho first stood on stage at the Eighth U.S. Army base in 1966 and considers that year as the first of his celebrated career.

To mark the occasion, the singer will hold two "Cho Young-Nam Special Project" concerts on Mar. 21-22 in the Main Hall at the Sejong Center for Performing Arts.

Cho said he is planning to disclose hidden details about his life during the performance, including his two divorces. He remains on good terms with his second wife Paek Eun-Sil, even occasionally having dinner with her and her husband.

During the concert, he will also tell fans what prompted him to become a painter, who has already held more than 20 individual exhibitions, and relate a few stories about the six books he wrote, including "You, Don`t Sing!"

Ticket prices are 30,000 won, 50,000 won, 70,000 won and 100,000 won. Call (02) 337-8474 for more information.

Heo Yeub heo@donga.com