[E-Daily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] “K-Pop Hot Talk” is a weekly column that highlights memorable quotes gathered while covering the K-pop scene. <Editor’s Note>

◇“The very fact that a junior artist like Woods paid tribute to me is incredibly moving.”
Singer Lee Seung-cheol said this with tears in his eyes during a press listening session for his 40th-anniversary tribute album held on the 29th of last month in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
When asked about his thoughts on marking his 40th anniversary, Lee Seung-cheol reflected, “Back when I debuted, senior singers would start thinking about retirement as soon as they turned 30, and even if they continued performing, there was an atmosphere that they were stepping down from the top. I naturally assumed that would be the case for me, too.”
He then became visibly emotional as he mentioned the tribute song “Our Own Story,” written and composed for him by his junior singer, Woods.
Lee Seung-cheol said, “The very fact that a junior artist like Woods dedicated a song to me is incredibly moving,” adding, “When I heard the song, the years went by in a flash. It made me realize I need to sing even harder.”
He continued, “Woods wrote the song so beautifully that I tear up every time I hear it,” expressing his gratitude toward his junior.

Lee Seung-cheol debuted in 1986 as the vocalist for the band Buhwal and has been active as a solo artist since 1988. Numerous hit songs—including “Hee-ya,” “Don’t Say Goodbye,” “Never Ending Story,” “There’s No One Like That,” and “My Love”—were brought to life by his voice.
Lee Seung-cheol, who underwent surgery for vocal cord nodules in 2018, has consistently taken the stage, striving to maintain his skills as a singer. Having performed over 2,500 shows and earned the title “The Emperor of Live Performances,” he said, “The key to vocal care is never taking a break from singing,” adding, “I’ve performed once a week because I believe it’s important to maintain my skills.”
Lee Seung-chul added, “While singing, I always think, ‘Neither more nor less—just let today be like this,’” emphasizing, “My goal is to be an active singer who stays close to the public, rather than just a legend.”

For Woods, this collaboration with Lee Seung-chul also holds special significance. This is because Lee Seung-chul was the singer his father loved most during his lifetime. Woods has maintained such a close bond with Lee Seung-chul that he even calls him “Dad.”
Woods, who attended the listening session, revealed, “I wrote the song while vaguely wondering, ‘How would I feel if I were celebrating my 40th anniversary?’” Regarding Lee Seung-chul’s tears upon hearing the song, he said, “I was deeply moved once again that he shed tears after listening to my song.”
In response, Lee Seung-cheol shared a behind-the-scenes story, saying, “Actually, Woods cried a lot, saying that just seeing me reminds him of his dad.” Woods once again expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m grateful that you sang my song in the year I’m celebrating my 40th anniversary.”
“Our Own Story,” which showcases the chemistry between Lee Seung-cheol and Woods, was released on the 30th of last month. Lee Seung-cheol is continuing his tribute album project featuring younger singers to commemorate his 40th anniversary.