IFEZ Journal

A Fall Night Embroidered with Music

The Day We Were Excited Together

In September, with fall fast approaching, an energetic music festival boasting a new concept and a classy concert were held one after another in Songdo International City. 

Here are some of the scenes that filled the hearts of attendees with passionate and overwhelming emotions.

#01 OPEN CONCERT

1,449th KBS Open Concert

Event Citizen’s Day and IFEZ’s 20th Anniversary
Host IFEZ
Venue Songdo Convensia (123 Central-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon)
Cast Eight performers, including Jin Sung, The One, Norazo, Paul Kim, Song Chang-sik
Airdate October 15, 2023

Incheon Citizen’s Day and IFEZ’s 20th Anniversary

Since 1993, KBS Open Concert has established itself as Korea’s representative music show by inviting singers from various genres to create a stage that all generations can enjoy together. On September 26, this iconic show took place in spectacular fashion for its 1,449th edition, held in Songdo International City to commemorate the 59th Incheon Citizen’s Day (on October 15) and the 20th anniversary of IFEZ’s opening.

In this edition, eight performances featuring singers from various generations and genres, including Song Chang-sik, Jin Sung, The One, and Paul Kim, emerged to complete a high-quality ensemble on stage. Before the official start, Park So-hyeon, the show’s host, introduced the musicians, sharing the meaning of Incheon Citizen’s Day and IFEZ’s 20th anniversary. The first set was performed by the emotion-filled band Daybreak. 

They raised the mood by playing their representative song ‘Fall in Love’ with You and by performing Yoon Sang’s ‘One More Step.’

Trot singer Jin Sung, who came on stage for the second act, performed his hit song ‘Don’t Tackle’ and his new song ‘Salt Flower.’ The One then sang the sorrowful tunes ‘The Forgotten Season’ and ‘Love’, touching the audience’s hearts. Afterward, Norazo revived the atmosphere with comical costumes and exciting songs before singer Paul Kim, a favorite among the younger generation, showed off his sweet voice, and the idol group Billlie added freshness to the stage.

The highlight was the performance of Song Chang-sik, who was born and raised in Incheon. He presented his legendary songs ‘Why Are You Calling Me?’, ‘We Are’, and ‘Tobacco Shop Girl’, receiving enthusiastic cheers from the audience. Finally, the crossover male quartet vocal group had the audience enraptured with the performance of a musical-like number.

This edition of Open Concert was a great success, with the 4,500 seats on hand fully occupied. It aired on October 15, and you can watch the replay on the KBS Open Concert website (program.kbs.co.kr/1tv/enter/openconcert).