[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] "Thanks to my younger fellow singers, I’ve received a gift that’s more than I deserve."

Singer Yoon Hang-ki (84) made this statement during a press conference on the 30th at the Korea Arts Academy of Applied Arts in Jung-gu, Seoul, for his 65th-anniversary tribute concert, “I Am Happy Thanks to You.”
Yoon Hang-ki made his debut in 1959 on the “A-One Show,” a stage for the U.S. 8th Army. He later served as the drummer for the Key Boys, Korea’s first group sound, which released its first album in 1964. After stints with the Key Brothers and as a solo artist, he released numerous hit songs, including “Rose-Colored Scarf,” “On a Starry Night,” “What Am I Supposed to Do,” and “I Am Happy.”
As the older brother of singer Yoon Bok-hee, he stopped his singing career in 1986 to study theology and spent about 30 years as a pastor. After retiring from the ministry in 2014, he returned to the music industry, and in 2020, he received the Order of Cultural Merit (Silver Crown) for his contributions to the development of popular culture and the arts.
When asked about the driving force behind his long career in music, Yoon Hang-ki replied, “Music is my life,” adding, “My parents passed away when I was young, and I spent a heartbreaking childhood living almost apart from my younger sister, Yoon Bok-hee. I started music to make a living and to find a purpose in life.” He continued, “Even when I was living the life of a clergyman, my job title was ‘music pastor,’” reflecting, “I’ve lived a life where I couldn’t do anything without music.”

The tribute concert will take place on October 24 at Art Hall MAC in the Mapo Arts Center in Seoul. Seo Yu-seok, Jang Mi-hwa, Choi Baek-ho, Kim Soo-hee, Jo Hang-jo, Yoo Hyun-sang, Jeon Young-rok, In Soon-i, Choi Hee-sun, and So Chan-hwi will perform Yoon Hang-ki’s signature songs.
Yoon Hang-ki said, “This will be the first time I’ve watched younger singers perform my songs on stage from the audience,” adding, “I’m looking forward to the concert with a sense of comfort and excitement.”
Originally planned for 2024 to mark his 65th anniversary, the concert was postponed due to health issues, leading to this year’s tribute performance. “I’m happy that, in the twilight of my life, there’s a concert where I can say, ‘I’m happy thanks to all of you,’” he said with a smile.
This concert will also feature collaborative performances between Yoon Hang-gi and younger singers. Yoon Hang-gi will also perform “Even at This Age,” a tribute song gifted to him by Choi Baek-ho specifically for this event. “This tribute concert does not mean I’m retiring,” Yoon Hang-gi emphasized, adding, “I will keep singing as long as I have a voice.”